Hybrid Program (On-campus & Virtual Live classes)Clinical Externship/ Rotations at our Affiliated
Healthcare FacilitiesNCCT Prep material provided by the College Includes Certification Eligibility for: NCCT Certified
Surgical TechnologistOne-on-one Assistance and
Tutoring Provided by the Course Instructors
Hybrid Program (On-campus
& Virtual Live classes)Clinical Externship/ Rotations
at our Affiliated Healthcare
FacilitiesNCCT Prep material provided
by the College Includes Certification Eligibility
for: NCCT Certified Surgical
TechnologistOne-on-one Assistance and
Tutoring Provided by the
Course Instructors
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- Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologist
The Surgical Technologist Program is designed to prepare students to function as members of the surgical team in hospitals and clinics with registered nurses and surgeons in the operating room. The program curriculum consists of medical terminology; human anatomy and physiology; fundamentals of pharmacology; microbiology and immunology. Students are taught ethics as well as good communication skills to enhance teamwork in operating rooms. Students are familiarized with basic knowledge of surgical instruments, aseptic techniques, draping techniques and surgical site management.
Following are the tasks a surgical technologist must perform with every surgery:
Preoperative (Sterile Hands): The surgical technologist is the first person to enter the OR before surgery. During this preoperative phase the surgical technologist adheres closely to the following routine:
- Carefully wears his/her operating room attire, including scrubs
- Begins to prepare and sterilize the operating room and maintain OR’s sterile environment
- Gathers all of the equipment and surgical tools that the surgery requires
- Sterilizes, counts and carefully arranges surgical tools
Intraoperative (The Third Hand): During the intraoperative phase of the surgery, surgical technologists are still responsible for maintaining the sterility of the OR, but they also effectively become a “third hand” to the surgeon and surgeon’s assistant during the procedure and perform the following tasks:
- Help prepare medications & administer them to the patient
- Assist in retracting tissues from the patient
- Passes the surgical tools to the surgeon and surgical assistant during the operation
Postoperative (Tying Things Up): As the operation concludes, surgical techs are responsible for the following:
- Counting all of the tools and instruments used during surgery to ensure that nothing is left behind in a patient
- Suture the incision and apply disinfected dressings to the area
- Dispose of items such as needles and gauze. Also continue to maintain the OR’s sterile environment until the patient is sent to the recovery ward.
Stellar Career College Surgical Technologist Program in Chicago: A Detailed Overview
Stellar College’s surgical technologist program in Chicago is known for its exceptional curriculum, experienced faculty, and comprehensive hands-on training. The program emphasizes the development of surgical concepts and the importance of maintaining a sterile environment. Students gain in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, equipment, and patient care.
Program Format
Program Duration: 12 to 14 months
Clock Hours: Hybrid and 100% Online
Quarter Credit Hours: 62
Curriculum
The curriculum of the Stellar College surgical technologist program consists of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. Some of the core courses include:
- Surgical Techniques
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Pharmacology
These courses equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as surgical technologists.
Clinical Experience
Stellar College’s program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Students participate in supervised clinical rotations, where they have the opportunity to work alongside experienced surgical technologists, surgeons, and nurses in real-life surgical settings. This invaluable experience enables students to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-world situations
Accreditation and Certification Preparation
Stellar College’s surgical technologist program is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), ensuring that the curriculum meets industry standards. Graduates will be eligible to challenge national certification exam to become a “Certified Tech in Surgery” through NCCT. For more information visit the page About Us
Are you considering a career as a surgical technologist? The stellar college surgical technologist program in Chicago might be the perfect fit for you! This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information on surgical tech programs, from the physical requirements and outlook to the salary and alternative job options. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of surgical technology!
Admission Requirments
Additional Admission Requirements
Accreditation:
IBHE Approval:
Admission Requirements:
- Applicant must provide a valid ID
- Applicant must provide a proof of high school diploma, GED, college transcript or equivalent.
- Applicants who have 30 or more college credits are required to submit a proof of completion of these college credits. Applicant who don’t have at least 30 college credits will have to take and pass a Stellar Career College placement test to qualify for the admission into MRI, Radiology, DMS, NICVS, and Surgical program. Placement test can be taken online or at the College campus by appointment.
- Provide at least one Letter of Recommendation
- Provide an essay of 1-2 pages long, APA format, typed in a word document or PDF format on “Tell us why are you interested in this program?” .
- Provide a Resume
- Complete Online Assessments
- Digital Literacy: Must have a score of at least 70%
- Distance Education Orientation Course
- Applicants must complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement and Acceptance Letter.
More Details
- What's Surgical Technology?
Surgical technology involves assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during surgical procedures. A surgical tech’s role is crucial in ensuring a sterile environment, proper equipment handling, and efficient patient care.
- Is Surgical Tech a Growing Career?
Absolutely! The surgical tech outlook is quite promising, with a faster-than-average growth rate projected for the profession. As the population ages and the demand for surgical procedures increases, surgical techs will continue to be in high demand.
- Is Surgical Technology and Surgical Technicians the Same Thing?
Yes, surgical technology and surgical technician refer to the same profession. Both terms describe the vital role played by these professionals in the operating room.
- Surgical Tech Salaries: A Comparative Table
Here is a table comparing the average salaries of surgical techs, surgical instrument technicians, and OB techs in Chicago:
Position
Average Salary Range
Average Hourly Wage
Surgical Tech
$40,000 – $60,000
$19 – $29
Surgical Instrument Tech
$30,000 – $45,000
$14 – $22
OB Tech
$35,000 – $55,000
$17 – $26
- Surgical Technologist: A Growing Career Path
Surgical technologists are in high demand, and the field is experiencing significant growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
- Reasons for Growth
Several factors contribute to the growing demand for surgical technologists:
- An aging population: As the population ages, there will be an increased need for surgical procedures to treat various age-related conditions. This increased demand for surgeries will lead to a higher demand for surgical technologists.
- Technological advancements: New surgical technologies and techniques are continually being developed, increasing the complexity of surgical procedures. Skilled surgical technologists are essential to assist surgeons in performing these intricate operations.
- Emphasis on cost-effectiveness: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are continually seeking ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Surgical technologists play a crucial role in ensuring that surgical procedures run smoothly and efficiently.
- Surgical Tech Scope of Practice and Responsibilities
The surgical technologist scope of practice varies depending on the setting and specific role. However, common responsibilities include:
- Preparing the operating room and ensuring all necessary equipment is available and functioning properly
- Sterilizing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment
- Assisting with patient positioning and draping
- Handing instruments to the surgeon during the procedure
- Ensuring all surgical counts (instruments, sponges, needles, etc.) are accurate
- Assisting with patient transfer and post-operative care
- Alternative Jobs for Surgical Techs
Surgical technologists can explore various alternative career paths within the healthcare industry, leveraging their skills and knowledge. Some of these options include:
- Sterile Processing Technician: In this role, professionals are responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and storage of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Medical Equipment Sales Representative: Surgical techs with strong communication and interpersonal skills can transition into sales roles, representing medical device companies and selling surgical equipment to healthcare facilities.
- Surgical First Assistant: With additional training, surgical technologists can advance their careers by becoming surgical first assistants. In this role, they provide more direct support to the surgeon during the operation, such as suturing and retracting tissues.
- Operating Room Coordinator: Surgical techs with strong organizational skills can pursue a career as an operating room coordinator, responsible for managing the scheduling, staffing, and overall coordination of the surgical suite.
- Surgical Tech Educator:Experienced surgical technologists may choose to share their knowledge by teaching aspiring surgical techs in educational settings, such as colleges or vocational schools.
The Stellar Career College Surgical technologist program in Chicago provides a comprehensive education that sets the foundation for a successful career in this growing field. With a range of job opportunities available and the potential for career advancement, now is an excellent time to explore a career as a surgical technologist.
Additional Information
Learn more about Surgical Technologists by watching the videos below:
FAQ
Visit our Training Programs page, submit a form, or contact us directly for information regarding radiologic technology degree programs in Indiana.
- To pursue a professional career as an X-ray technician, you can enroll in our associate degree radiologic technology program.
Our associate degree in radiologic technology duration ranges from 15 to 21 months.
The total quarter credit hours for the associate degree in radiologic technology are 90 hours.
Yes, Stellar Career College offers financial aid for hybrid programs. However, availability is subject to eligibility criteria and region of application.