Surgical Tech Schools in Florida
Surgical tech schools in Florida is the perfect place for you to start training for a new and exciting job in the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the surgical tech position is expected to grow faster than the national average through the year 2020. By enrolling in the surgical tech schools in FL, you may be on your way to job that is high in demand and offers rewarding pay.
In case you did not know, some of the duties and responsibilities of a surgical tech include helping prepare the patient for surgery, making sure that the operating room and all the tools have been properly sterilized and aiding the surgical team in every way possible. This is a tremendously important position on the surgical staff that cannot be overlooked. The first step to getting started in this career choice is by applying and entering one of the surgical tech schools in Florida.
Facts about Surgical Tech Schools in Florida
Even though you can become a surgical tech through a certificate program, we highly recommend that you aim for your associate degree to increase your earning potential and employability. You can find any number of surgical tech schools in Florida at vocational or technical schools as well as most community colleges. There are even some four-year universities that offer associate level education in surgical tech.
Another option for those currently with a busy schedule due to a full-time job or family obligations is one of the online surgical tech programs. Offering the same high-quality classroom education, online or distance learning has become an increasingly more popular way for people to change or start a new profession. Depending on your particular situation, you may be able to utilize this option to help you become a surgical tech.
When you start your search for which of the surgical tech schools in Florida you should attend, you will need to make sure that the schools have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAEP). Accreditation is only granted to schools or programs that have met the high standards of education and practice. Not only will more than likely get a better education but your training will be considered more importantly by prospective employers.
What You Will Learn in Surgical Tech Schools in FL
You will find that surgical tech schools in Florida are split between classroom training and practical clinical training. Like most healthcare programs, the classes are divided this way so that you will be able to learn both the theory and have some practical experience doing the job. Some of the topics you will learn include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Infection Control
- Sterilization of Equipment and Areas
- Proper Handling of Surgical Equipment, Tools and Supplies
- Pharmacology
Surgical Tech Certification
After you have successfully passed one of the surgical tech schools in Florida you will want to become certified. Even though some of the states do not require certification, by going this extra step you showing employers and your patients that you are serious about your job and you are a professional. One of the most recognized names in certification is the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Surgical Tech Salary in Florida
The median salary in Florida for a surgical tech is $37,600 or $18.10 an hour according to the latest information provided by O*Net Online. Your actual salary may fluctuate depending on your experience, where you work and type of employer you have. Below is a chart to give you a better indication of the ranges that are typically seen by surgical techs in Florida:
The prospects for surgical techs are fairly strong. With a faster than average growth in demand combined with a good earning potential, fast-paced work environment and rewarding opportunities. Those looking to work in healthcare may have a hard time finding another profession that offers so much for so little training. If you want to make this your next career choice, contact any of the surgical tech schools in Florida today!