Have you considered entering the high-demand field of surgical technology? As a thriving hub for healthcare and medical research, Orlando offers tremendous opportunities to launch a rewarding career in the operating room. This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know about accredited surgical tech schools in Orlando, career prospects, program details and insider perspectives to inform your decision.
An Accelerating Healthcare Sector in Orlando
Greater Orlando is home to over 80 hospitals and surgery centers that collectively perform hundreds of thousands of surgeries each year. As the region‘s population swells – expected to exceed 4 million residents by 2030 according to Forbes – so too does demand for qualified surgical technologists. From Level I trauma centers at Orlando Health and AdventHealth to specialized orthopedic hospitals and busy outpatient clinics, surgical techs play a vital role across settings.
Surgical techs earn a median salary of $47,730 in Florida (BLS 2020), with those specialized in disciplines like organ transplantation or neurosurgery earning upwards of $60,000 in Orlando‘s major hospital networks. With thousands of open nursing jobs also stressing Central Florida healthcare networks, surgical technology offers a flexible pathway into patient care.
Accredited Surgical Tech Programs in Orlando: The Basics
While no federal mandates exist, completing an accredited program remains the preferred pathway to gain the knowledge and surgical exposure needed to build in-demand skills. Orlando hosts both campus-based and online programs accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES – the two organizations that review surgical technology curriculums against rigorous national standards.
Program Types
- Diploma Programs take between 9 and 15 months to complete with a focus on practical training
- Associate Degrees last around 2 years, include more advanced coursework and general education
While the degree takes more time, it better prepares students for specialized roles, equipment training and teaching opportunities later on. Some technicians pursue bachelor‘s degrees as stepping stones into surgical assisting, device sales or hospital management careers.
Accreditors
- CAAHEP: Regarded as the gold standard accreditor for surgical tech and other allied health programs
- ABHES: Also thoroughly vets programs against national criteria to deem them quality
Both accreditors have authorized several excellent Orlando programs. Let’s explore some top options:
Concorde Career Institute
One of Concorde’s five Florida campuses is conveniently located on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. The diploma program takes just 9 months to complete with all classes held during the daytime. Here are some key details:
- 800+ clinical rotation hours at Concorde‘s network of 30+ local healthcare partners
- Training in fundamentals like surgical pharmacology, equipment and instrumentation
- Hands-on labs featuring industry-standard tools and technologies
- Small classes of typically 12-15 students
Concorde reports that 100% of graduates secure jobs within 6 months, thanks largely to the strong partnerships that underpin the 800 clinical hours.
Tuition: $17,213
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent along with passing scores on Concorde’s entrance exam. Candidates undergo drug testing and criminal background checks.
Orange Technical College
The highly-regarded Orange Tech system offers a flexible AS degree pathway spanning six semesters of full-time study. Alongside immersive labs and over 800 clinical hours, the program stands out for its technology training. Courses explore concepts like:
- Telemedicine and videoconferencing systems
- Laser and electrosurgery principles
- Robotic surgery assistance and troubleshooting
Students train on Da Vinci robotic platforms used at Orlando Health during the 200-hour robotic surgery course module. Graduates report a 100% job placement rate.
Tuition: $3,947 in-state; $14,712 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements: Placement exams display proficiency in core subjects like English and math. A high school diploma or GED remain mandatory for degree programs.
Keiser University
Those preferring flexible online study options can complete Keiser University’s ABHES-accredited program in as little as 12 months. Courses deliver engaging content focused on:
- Surgical instrumentation and equipment
- Bioscience principles
- Legal protocols like HIPAA compliance
- Handling/passing techniques for microsurgeries
The 120-hour externship occurs in-person at partner facilities like surgery centers. Graduates report strong employability thanks to this hands-on component.
Tuition: $21,936
Admissions Requirements: Applicants must hold an Associate degree in an allied health field from an accredited institution.
Getting Started: The Admissions Process
Applications for fall enrollment open as early as January while winter/spring program starts accept applicants through October typically. Here are key steps that comprise a standard surgical tech program application:
- Submit diploma/transcripts: Proof of high school completion remains mandatory even for certificate programs
- Complete entrance exams: Tests like WorkKeys or HOBET assess skills in math, reading and mechanical aptitude
- Gather immunization records: Expect to show proof of standard vaccinations like hepatitis, measles and varicella
- Apply for financial aid: Title IV and private loans help offset costs of tuition, fees and equipment
- Interview with program director: Discuss strengths, career motivations and prepare questions
Meeting enrollment deadlines allows you to lock-in program rates and preferred class scheduling. Consider prestige, faculty experience, clinical partners and job placement rates when selecting a program that best fits your needs.
While each program sets its own precise admissions standards, candidates holding a high school diploma or GED can qualify for most Orlando certificate or degree options provided they pass entrance exams and prerequisite coursework at acceptable levels. College credits in biology and chemistry provide helpful foundations.
The Value of Certification for Surgical Technologists
The flagship Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential proves your skills in areas like sterile technique, equipment, pharmacology and patient safety protocols. While voluntary, over 70% of techs pursue it to boost job prospects and earning potential.
Sponsored by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), eligibility requires graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical tech degree or diploma program and passing the CST exam. Programs provide in-depth test prep.
Here is an overview of the CST exam:
- 200 questions (175 scored) on areas like microbiology, OSHA standards, medications
- Four 40-minute test periods held at approved Pearson VUE testing centers
- Cost is $190-$290 depending on AST membership status
The credential renews every four years by earning 60 continuing education credits. Joining the 8,500+ member Association of Surgical Technologists provides automatic renewal discounts and access to workshops and conferences that keep skills current.
Many technicians pursue advanced certifications in specialties like ophthalmic or orthopedic surgery for roles in medical device sales and clinical education. Others leverage their classroom and clinical training as stepping stones into nursing, physician assisting or medical lab technology careers.
A Day in the Life: Surgical Tech Responsibilities
Arriving early to prep rooms, equipment and tools provides the first tasks on a surgical tech‘s morning agenda. Opening sterile supplies, accurately counting sponges and instruments also start the workflow. Duties then shift to the operating room including:
- Assisting doctors and nurses with gowning/gloving using proper sterile techniques
- Organizing instrument tables and mayo stands with necessary tools for the scheduled procedures
- Gathering specialty devices like power tools or microscopes based on surgeon requests
- Monitoring, recording and safely handling specimens extracted during surgery
- Cleaning and restocking at case end to prepare room turnovers
Techs remain on their feet for extended stretches – at times 10+ hours for extremely complex surgeries. Strong stamina, stress management and organization prove essential when juggling surgeon requests, sterile protocols and patient safety simultaneously. Surgical technologists may serve post-operatively as well by managing equipment transport and storage after procedures wrap up.
While challenging, a surgical tech‘s responsibilities grow increasingly familiar with consistent room, surgeon and nurse team exposure. Attention to detail, dexterity under pressure and ability to predict needs based on case flow improve through this continuity. Clinical rotations familiarize students with the environment‘s fast pace and intricacies.
Surgical cases fill most days but some OR departments assign techs to processing, decontamination and central supply rooms during slower mornings or weekends. Volume depends largely on hospital and surgeon caseloads but 10-15 procedures weekly remains typical – usually starting early morning and spanning afternoon. Call shifts fill staffing gaps as needs arise.
Insights from a Working Surgical Technologist
Melanie Cruz, CST has served as an AdventHealth surgical tech for over 5 years across specialties like bariatrics, plastics and ophthalmology. She shared great perspective on positioning oneself for success:
“Completing a program with strong clinical partnerships gave me that critical first exposure to different specialties before applying for hospital roles as a newly certified tech. I’d encourage students to use those externship hours to learn preferences of surgical personalities and hone time management in intense environments."
“Surgical technology remains an ever-evolving field with new devices and techniques emerging constantly. Whether it’s earning a specialty credential or pursuing continued education, advancement should remain top-of-mind for career techs.”
Melanie‘s journey highlights the importance of using clinical immersion wisely to build skills and make connections that enable securing OR jobs after certification. Her mindset around continual learning also demonstrates the association between keeping abilities current and expanding one‘s scope of practice over time.
Financial Aid Options for Surgical Tech Education
From federal Title IV loans to private education loans, surgical tech students access several options to fund program costs. Institutional loans also help bridge potential gaps. Here are key opportunities to offset educational investments:
Federal Student Aid
FAFSA awards like Pell Grants and subsidized Stafford loans feature preferable terms, notably not requiring credit checks or cosigners. Amounts depend on your estimated family contribution.
Florida Bright Futures
Funded by state lottery dollars, these scholarships award between $2,770 and full tuition coverage at eligible institutions for qualifying Florida residents.
Surgical Tech Scholarships
Professional associations like the AST and NBSTSA along with generous donors fund dozens of surgical tech scholarships annually. Amounts span between $500 and $2,500 typically.
Tuition at Orlando diploma programs ranges from about $9,000 to $17,000 while two-year degrees run between $15,000 and $25,000 including equipment, books and fees. Exploring financial aid proves crucial for easing budget concerns around advancing your education and earning power.
Surgical technology promises immense personal fulfillment and professional growth opportunities. I hope this guide illuminated helpful realities around program options, job duties, earning potential and more as you consider this vital allied health career! Please reach out with any other questions.