Stellar Career College Chicago

Hybrid Program (On-campus & Virtual Live classes)Clinical Externship/ Rotations at our Affiliated
Healthcare Facilities
NCCT Prep material provided by the College Includes Certification Eligibility for: NCCT Certified
Surgical Technologist
One-on-one Assistance and
Tutoring Provided by the Course Instructors

Hybrid Program (On-campus
& Virtual Live classes)
Clinical Externship/ Rotations
at our Affiliated Healthcare
Facilities
NCCT Prep material provided
by the College
Includes Certification Eligibility
for: NCCT Certified Surgical
Technologist
One-on-one Assistance and
Tutoring Provided by the
Course Instructors

Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist Training 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.

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.

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!

Program Objectives

  • Grasp concepts of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology & infectious process
  • Understand the principles of safe patient care in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings
  • Recognize the interdependent role of the Surgical Technologist with the other team members and ancillary services providers
  • Develop and apply fundamental surgical assisting skills through practice and evaluation in the clinical setting
  • Accurately apply the principles of asepsis across the spectrum of common surgical experiences
  • Employ the Standard Precautions and other recognized safe practice guidelines in every surgical setting
  • Recognize the variety of patients’ needs and the impact of his or her personal, physical, emotional and cultural experiences on the rendering of patient care
  • Demonstrate professional responsibility in performance, attitude and personal conduct

Additional Information

Learn more about Surgical Technologists by watching the videos below:

Program Completion:

A diploma will be awarded to those students who will successfully complete all required courses as per college’s Satisfactory Academic Requirements and fulfill their financial obligation towards the college.

Graduates will be eligible to challenge national certification exam to become a “Certified Tech in Surgery” through NCCT.

Addmission Requirment

Applicants may enroll on any school day. At the time of enrollment the applicant will be informed of the next start date. Applicants are accepted on the basis of personal interview, testing, and suitability for the required training program. A high school diploma, General Education Diploma, or High School Proficiency are not required for entrance into a program; however, obtaining one is strongly encouraged. Title IV recipients must have a high school diploma or GED. An applicant must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in California.

REGISTRATION
Applicants must complete an application for admission
Applicants should schedule an appointment for an application interview
Applicants must complete a nationally recognized basic skills assessment or have a High School diploma
Applicants must complete and sign an enrollment agreement

Additional Requirements:

Applicants who do not have at least 30 college credits will have to take and pass the Entrance Exam provided by Stellar Career College to qualify for admission into MRI, Radiology, DMS, NICVS, or Surgical programs. The Entrance Exam can be taken online.

Accreditation:

Stellar Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201, telephone 703-247-4212. ACCSC is a US Department of Education approved accrediting Agency.

IBHE Approval:

Stellar Career College, Chicago, Illinois location is approved by the “Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education”. For more information on IBHE approval, you may contact the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Private Business and Vocational Schools at 1 N. Old State Capital Plaza Suite 333 Springfield, IL 62701-1404 phone number (217) 782-2551 or www.ibhe.org

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

Please note that these figures are for illustrative purposes and may vary depending on factors such as experience, certifications, and location.

By choosing to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, you can expect a competitive salary and a high level of job satisfaction. With the Stellar College program in Chicago, you’ll receive the education and hands-on training necessary to excel in this rewarding profession. Start your journey today and explore the exciting world of surgical technology. 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Sterile Processing Technician: In this role, professionals are responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and storage of surgical instruments and equipment.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

FAQ

The surgical tech is responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, assisting with patient positioning, and handing instruments to the surgeon during the procedure. 

  • To become a travel surgical tech, you must first complete an accredited surgical tech program and obtain certification. Then, you can apply for travel positions through agencies that specialize in placing healthcare professionals in temporary assignments.

Becoming an OB tech typically takes two years, including completion of a surgical tech program and obtaining experience in obstetrics and gynecology.

To pass the certification exam, it is crucial to study diligently, using resources such as textbooks, practice exams, and study guides. Additionally, the hands-on experience gained during your surgical tech program will be invaluable in preparing for the exam.