Are you fascinated by the meticulous coordination and life-saving skills on display in hospital operating rooms? Does the wide range of promising healthcare career paths feel overwhelming to navigate? If this sounds familiar, surgical technology could be an ideal fit – with the right training in Memphis to launch a rewarding role on surgical teams.
As the top metro area and medical hub for the Mid-South region, Memphis offers first-rate schooling options to gain surgical tech expertise. This comprehensive guide will explain accredited programs, career outlooks, steps to certification, and insider tips to ready you for a stable healthcare career centered around the OR.
Taking a Closer Look at the Role of Surgical Technologists
Picture an operating room suite buzzing as a major procedure gets underway – surgeons are scrubbed in, specialized equipment stands at the ready, nurses prepare instrumentation trays. Standing nearby is another professional central to it all – the surgical technologist. So what exactly does this key role entail?
Surgical techs have a primary responsibility of ensuring OR environments are fully prepared, sterile, and equipped to enable surgeons to operate safely on patients. They organize sterile supplies like gowns, drapes, and dressings while also handling specialized instruments needed for specific procedures.
During surgeries, techs will pass necessary tools and equipment directly into the sterile field for the surgeon‘s use. They often operate equipment like lights, suction, or diagnostic technology while closely monitoring the procedure. Surgical techs also prepare specimens, apply dressings post-surgery, and complete administrative tasks around case records.
Karen Smith, CST, FAST, has served as Lead Surgical Technologist at Memphis‘ Methodist University Hospital since 2005. She stresses attention to detail as a crucial skill for succeeding in the OR:
"From sterile technique to equipment maintenance and supplies management, surgical techs have to get the small things right every time to keep cases running smoothly. You‘re the surgeon‘s extra ‘eyes‘ making sure no issues compromise patient safety in those intense environments."
If you‘re someone who thrives under pressure, quick decision-making and advanced multitasking come naturally, and closely supporting lifesaving medicine sparks deep reward – then read on!
Surgical Tech Training Options in Memphis
While on-the-job training is possible for some surgical tech roles, formal education providing in-depth understanding of procedures, equipment and patient considerations has become the preferred pathway into the career by most institutions.
Memphis offers a range of accredited surgical tech programs through colleges and technical schools:
| School | Award | Program Length | Format Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Tennessee CC | Certificate | 1 year | $5,200 total cost, 98% job placement |
| Remington College | Diploma | 9 months | 650 lab hours, flex program tracks |
| Baptist College HS | AAS Degree | 2 years | 400 clinical hours, transferable credits |
| Concorde Career College | AAS Degree | 20 months | 100% CST exam pass rate |
| Mid-South CC | Certificate | 1 year | Partners with St. Francis Hospital |
With flexible timelines and costs, students should evaluate front-end investments against expected long-term payoffs of formal training. For context, certified techs in Memphis average over $19,000 higher starting salaries than assistants learning sterile processing on the job.
Each school also has unique strengths to weigh if aiming for specialties like ophthalmology, orthopedics, cardio or neurosurgery down the road. Reviewing graduate career outcomes and hospital relationships can provide helpful insight.
For a more detailed side-by-side comparison of the top Memphis area picks for surgical technology preparation, click here. state-specific data on projected growth and current salary ranges byExperience level to discuss with family and advisors.
The Steps to Earning your Surgical Tech Credentials
Here is a brief overview of key milestones along the path to becoming a certified surgical technologist:
1. Complete Formal Training: Enroll in an accredited surgical tech certificate, diploma or degree program offering required coursework plus hands-on labs and clinical rotations. Programs range from 8 months to 2 years.
2. Pass the CST Exam: Schedule the 150-question Certified Surgical Technologist exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Multiple choice and simulations assess knowledge needed for safe practice.
3. Become Certified: Receive the official CST designation after passing the exam. This qualifies you for entry-level surgical tech positions and higher salary ranges.
4. Renew Certification: Maintain the CST credential through 100 hours continuing education and taking the exam every 4 years. This ensures skills remain up-to-date.
Thorough prep for the CST exam is vital – some Memphis programs incorporate dedicated review courses or prep materials into curricula. If self-studying, allow 2-3 months for comprehension of detailed content covering microbiology, pharmacology, equipment and instruments, case management and all surgical procedure types.
The NBSTSA‘s own Certified Surgical Technologist Exam Study Guide provides a reliable blueprint covering all subject areas appearing on the exam. Investing in additional practice questions or mock simulation apps can also boost confidence for testing day.
How Memphis‘ Medical Industry Growth Impacts Surgical Tech Jobs
With world-class hospitals and research centers plus investments in new facilities, Memphis offers a robust and expanding healthcare ecosystem for surgical professionals.
Baptist Memorial Health Care for example announced in 2021 a $228 million surgical hospital joining its 30-location regional system. The doctorg led Braceland Surgical Institute will feature 14 large operating rooms – each needing expanded teams including certified techs.
Meanwhile, top providers like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Regional One Health report steady increases in outpatient procedures and same-day discharges. This extends reliable demand for surgical talent able to work flexible schedules.
Industry analysts forecast the total number of surgeries being performed in Memphis to rise an average of 5% annually over the next decade due to population growth, medical advances and improved access.
What does this mean for newly credentialed technicians entering the job market? Not only a wealth of traditional OR positions nearby, but also potential to land higher salaries or sign-on incentives to fill urgent staffing needs if openings surge as predicted.
When evaluating programs, compare career placement rates and hospital partners. Developing a professional network via clinical rotations, campus career fairs or membership in the Association of Surgical Technologists can also keep you abreast of emerging full-time, PRN and travel tech opportunities in Memphis.
Preparing To Ace the Surgical Tech Interview
After earning your credentials comes the vital step of landing those essential job interviews! Here are some tips to shine:
Highlight Certification – Ensure your resume prominently notes the CST designation along with training specifics like extern hours in specialty departments.
Demonstrate Dedication – Enthusiasm for supporting lifesaving work and upholding exacting sterile standards makes a big impression.
Address Knowledge Gaps – What clinical experience or tech skills do you plan to strengthen first on the job? Self-awareness is valued.
Ask Insightful Questions – What continuing education options or career laddering does the facility offer techs? Shows initiative.
Watch Your Scrub Colors – Arrive professionally attired as if ready to enter the OR suite for the first time.
Preparation and understanding key qualifications that set strong tech candidates apart will serve you well in conveying readiness to take on a vital hospital role. Confidence in interview settings also flows naturally from graduating a respected local program.
Start Charting Your Course Today
There‘s never been a better time to tap into Memphis‘ high-caliber surgical tech training opportunities in order to gain career-readiness rewards.
With intensive knowledge plus tactical and critical thinking skills, certified technicians are invaluable resources for OR teams seeking safety assurance and smooth procedural flow. Conversely, mastering sterile processes and speciliaty equipment makes for daily stimulation and meaningful work.
As surgery volumes and staffing needs locally are projected to rise steadily in coming years, newly credentialed techs also enjoy advantageous job prospects and negotiating leverage.
So which pathway is calling you – an accelerated 9-month diploma delivering quick impact? Or say, a 2-year degree allowing you to also pursue healthcare leadership lanes?
By now you‘ve got insider facts about the surgical tech role itself plus specialized programs, career guidance and interview tips to launch futures supporting Memphis‘ bustling medical legacy. The rest is eagerly taking that first step!