Surgical Tech Schools in NJ

If the recent economic woes have hit you hard, you may want to look at enrolling in one of the surgical tech schools in NJ for a career change. No matter the economic highs and lows, the healthcare sector is increasing at a phenomenal rate to meet the needs of a growing and aging population. This is great news for careers such as a surgical technologist which is seeing a projected growth of 19% more jobs through the year 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can get the training to work in this field by attending one of the surgical technician schools in NJ.

What Are Surgical Technologists?

surgical tech schools in NJEven though surgical techs may not be in the spotlight or in the first thing you think of when you think of a surgical team, they are an incredibly important member of the team. Performing a great deal of critical duties in all phases of an operation, a surgical tech can make a big difference in the success and health of a patient. The training you can get at one of the accredited surgical tech schools in NJ will help you master the job description of a surgical technologist.

A few of the duties and responsibilities of a surgical tech include:

  • Creating and maintaining a sterile area
  • Meeting with the patient before the surgical procedure
  • Assisting the surgical team by passing instruments
  • Responsible for infection control
  • Moving patient to and from operating room
  • Aiding with anesthesia, if needed
  • Tracking and recording all procedures performed

Finding Surgical Tech Schools in NJ

If you are interested in finding one of the surgical tech schools in NJ, you shouldn’t have to look too far. There are training programs held at most community an junior colleges. Other places to look include government run job training programs and quite a few nursing schools which are scattered around the state and tri-state area. Most likely you will find that any of the accredited surgical tech schools in NJ can provide the proper training necessary to enjoy a fruitful and rewarding new career.

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Online Surgical Tech Programs in New Jersey

While some people may be interested in going to one of the surgical tech schools in NJ, for some reason they cannot do so. It might be that they currently hold a full-time job or their current commitments such as family or kids do not make it possible. The good news is that it is possible to take the classroom portion of the training though some online surgical tech programs.

Online schools, also known as distance learning, are becoming more popular particularly with those who can’t attend a regular campus-based program for whatever reason. Students still receive a great training to become a surgical technologist but do so with a number of great benefits such as a very flexible schedule and student-centered education. If you want to work as a surgical tech but can’t make a traditional school work for you, then you should look in to online education.

Accredited Surgical Tech Programs in NJ

surgical tech programs in njThe decision to go back to school is a big step in anyone’s’ life. You will want to make sure that you are getting the right kind of education and training and not wasting your time or money. One way that you can ensure this is by enrolling in an accredited program.

Accreditation is an endorsement of a program meaning that it meets the educational standards of a national regulatory board such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The national boards typically have strict standards on what is taught and how it things are taught in order to provide all the information necessary for candidates to succeed. You will be able to find quite a few accredited surgical tech programs in NJ, so just make sure you do your research before enrollment.

Degree or Certificate?

When you have made up your mind that you would like to pursue a career as a surgical tech, you will need to make decision on what is right for you.

  • Are your goals short or long term?
  • Do you want the possibility to keep advancing at this job?
  • Do you want to become a professional in this field?
  • Do you want to enter the workforce sooner possibly limiting your opportunities or later with the possibility of opening up even more opportunities?

By answering these questions you can get a better idea on exactly what you are looking for out of one of the surgical tech schools in NJ. If you are looking for something quick and jumping right in the job market you could get your certificate in six to nine months. However, if you are looking at this as a long-term career you may follow our recommendation by earning an associate degree. We firmly believe that opportunities in employment and higher pay are greatly enhanced by more education. This is why we tell everyone who asks that you should seriously consider an associate degree over a certificate program.

Surgical Tech Certification in NJ

Surgical tech certification is still optional at this time in the state of New Jersey. This option might change in the near future according to such advocate groups as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). The goal of the AST to have every state require certification, much like most healthcare careers currently have.

We highly suggest that once you have finished your training at one of the accredited surgical tech schools in NJ that you also get the proper credentials or certification to possibly open up more opportunities. The top national group that offers certification is the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Surgical Technologist Jobs in NJ

surgical tech Jobs in NJOn January 18, 2012, Governor Chris Christie signed Assembly bill 3946 in to law which set the minimum requirements to work as a surgical technologist in New Jersey hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Effective December 20, 2012, surgical technologists must complete at least 15 hours of annual continuing education. As part of this new law, surgical technologists must meet one of the following in order to work in the Garden State:

  • Successfully complete a regionally or nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists
  • Earn and maintain certification by the NBSTSA
  • Complete a surgical tech training program from any branch of the military or the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
  • Already be employed as a surgical technologist prior to December 20, 2011
  • Perform surgical technology duties while in service of the federal government

Surgical Technologist Salary in NJ

Even though you may have a passion for helping people or starting a career in healthcare, you also know that salary is important too. The salary of a surgical tech in NJ is above the national median salary, as you might expect. The latest report from the federal government run O*Net Online has the median salary sitting at $44,700 a year or $21.49 an hour. Below is a chart that will give you an understanding of the salary as compared to the national numbers.

Surgical tech salary in NJ

Becoming a surgical tech can be a great job to have now and in the future. The increased demand for more healthcare services in New Jersey as well as the rest of the country could be a big boon for those searching for a stable career choice. It is very possible for you to get involved in this field by enrolling in one of the surgical tech schools in NJ.