Step One: first, students should obtain a high school diploma or a GED. This will be a prerequisite for almost any post-secondary surgical technologist program. If possible, high school students who want to pursue the career should take courses in biology, anatomy and hard sciences in order to prepare for their future course load.
Step Two: upon graduation from high school, aspiring technologists should enroll in an accredited training program at a local college. Those who want acceptable training in the field but are unable to pay for a program may also consider military training, which provides some of the best trained surgical techs in the country. Whatever program you choose, be sure to verify that it is accredited from a proper agency, such as the aCommission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduates from schools without proper accreditation may not be eligible for certification exams.
Step Three: while completing an educational program, it is a good idea to do as much hands-on training as possible, through internships, shadowing, or other means. These experiences can make a huge difference in practical knowledge as well as professional connections when it comes time to search for a job.
Step Four: after graduation, students should sign up and prepare for one of the national certification exams. This tends to greatly increase the likelihood of finding a job.
Step Five: once certified, graduates should be prepared to find an entry level job as a surgical technologist. More than 70% of surgical technologists find employment at hospitals, with the remainder working in physicians’ and dental offices. School employment counselors should also be able to assist in securing a position.