How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech: A Guide to the Industry

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How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech

Working as a traveling surgical tech can be a great way to see the country and earn a good salary. But before you can start your new career, you need to get the proper training and certifications.

In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to become a traveling surgical tech, including the education and training requirements, the certification process, and the job outlook. We’ll also provide tips on finding a job and negotiating your salary.

So if you’re ready to start a new and exciting career, read on for all the information you need to know about becoming a traveling surgical tech!

Step Requirement Description
1 Earn an Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology This degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work as a surgical technologist.
2 Obtain a state license Each state has its own requirements for surgical technologists, so you will need to check with your state’s board of nursing to find out what is required.
3 Gain experience Most employers prefer to hire surgical technologists who have at least one year of experience working in a hospital or surgical center.
4 Get certified Certification is not required for surgical technologists, but it can be helpful in finding a job and increasing your salary.

Surgical technicians are an important part of the surgical team, providing support to surgeons and nurses during procedures. They prepare the operating room, sterilize instruments, and assist with surgery. Traveling surgical techs are surgical technicians who work in different hospitals and surgical centers on a temporary basis. This can be a great way to gain experience in different settings and learn new techniques.

Education and Training Requirements

The educational and training requirements to become a traveling surgical tech vary depending on the state in which you want to work. However, most employers require at least an associate’s degree in surgical technology or a related field. Some employers may also require certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The associate’s degree program typically takes two years to complete and includes courses in anatomy, physiology, surgical instrumentation, and surgical procedures. The NBTSSA certification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam.

In addition to education and training, traveling surgical techs need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They must be able to work well under pressure and be able to follow instructions precisely.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of a traveling surgical tech vary depending on the specific employer. However, some common job duties include:

  • Preparing the operating room for surgery
  • Sterilizing instruments
  • Assisting with surgery
  • Providing patient care
  • Documenting patient care

Traveling surgical techs may also be responsible for training new surgical techs or assisting with research projects.

Challenges of the Job

One of the challenges of the job is the high level of stress. Traveling surgical techs must be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They also need to be able to work long hours, often in uncomfortable positions.

Another challenge of the job is the potential for exposure to infectious diseases. Traveling surgical techs must take precautions to protect themselves from infection.

Traveling surgical techs are an important part of the surgical team. They provide support to surgeons and nurses during procedures and help to ensure the safety of patients. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, a career as a traveling surgical tech may be a great option for you.

Additional Resources

  • [National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)](https://www.nbstsa.org/)
  • [Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)](https://www.ast.org/)
  • [American College of Surgeons (ACS)](https://www.facs.org/)
  • [Surgical Technologist Career Guide](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm)

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for traveling surgical techs is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for surgical procedures, as well as the need for surgical techs to travel to rural and underserved areas.

Traveling surgical techs typically earn a higher salary than those who work in a single location. The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $66,380 per year, but salaries can range from $45,000 to $95,000 per year.

Some of the benefits of working as a traveling surgical tech include:

  • The opportunity to travel to different parts of the country and meet new people.
  • The chance to work with a variety of surgeons and learn new techniques.
  • The opportunity to earn a higher salary than those who work in a single location.

How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech

There are a few steps you can take to become a traveling surgical tech:

1. Earn a degree in surgical technology. Most employers require traveling surgical techs to have a degree in surgical technology from an accredited program. These programs typically take two years to complete and include courses in anatomy, physiology, surgical procedures, and patient care.
2. Get certified. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers two certifications for surgical techs: the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). To become certified, you must pass a written exam and a clinical skills exam.
3. Gain experience. Once you have your degree and certification, you will need to gain experience working as a surgical tech. You can gain experience by working in a hospital, clinic, or surgical center.
4. Network with other surgical techs. Attend conferences and workshops to meet other surgical techs and learn about new trends in the field. You can also join professional organizations, such as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

Once you have met the necessary requirements, you can start looking for jobs as a traveling surgical tech. You can find job listings online, in newspapers, and in trade magazines. You can also contact staffing agencies that specialize in placing surgical techs.

Becoming a traveling surgical tech is a great way to have a rewarding career in healthcare. With the right education and experience, you can enjoy the benefits of working in a variety of settings and earning a competitive salary.

How much does a traveling surgical tech make?

The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $59,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of facility you work in.

What are the requirements to become a traveling surgical tech?

To become a traveling surgical tech, you must have at least a two-year degree in surgical technology from an accredited program. You must also be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

**What is the job outlook for traveling surgical techs?

The job outlook for traveling surgical techs is expected to grow by 13% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for surgical services, as well as the need for surgical techs to fill temporary positions.

**What are the pros and cons of being a traveling surgical tech?

There are many pros and cons to being a traveling surgical tech. Some of the pros include:

  • The opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country
  • The chance to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices
  • The ability to earn a higher salary than a traditional surgical tech

Some of the cons of being a traveling surgical tech include:

  • The need to be flexible and adaptable to new environments
  • The potential for long hours and irregular work schedules
  • The need to be able to work independently

**How do I become a traveling surgical tech?

The following steps will help you become a traveling surgical tech:

1. Get a two-year degree in surgical technology from an accredited program.
2. Get certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
3. Build your experience by working as a surgical tech in a variety of settings.
4. Network with other surgical techs and travel agencies.
5. Get your resume and portfolio ready.
6. Start applying for travel surgical tech jobs.

**What is the best way to find travel surgical tech jobs?

There are a few different ways to find travel surgical tech jobs. You can:

  • Search online job boards, such as Indeed.com and Monster.com.
  • Contact travel agencies directly.
  • Attend job fairs and conferences.
  • Network with other surgical techs.

**What are the benefits of working as a traveling surgical tech?

There are many benefits to working as a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • The opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country
  • The chance to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices
  • The ability to earn a higher salary than a traditional surgical tech
  • The opportunity to learn new skills and techniques
  • The chance to meet new people and make new friends

**What are the challenges of working as a traveling surgical tech?

There are also some challenges to working as a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • The need to be flexible and adaptable to new environments
  • The potential for long hours and irregular work schedules
  • The need to be able to work independently
  • The need to be able to deal with stress

**Is being a traveling surgical tech right for me?

Whether or not being a traveling surgical tech is right for you depends on your individual skills, interests, and goals. If you are looking for a job that offers flexibility, travel, and the opportunity to earn a higher salary, then being a traveling surgical tech may be a good fit for you. However, if you are not comfortable with long hours, irregular work schedules, and the need to be flexible and adaptable, then being a traveling surgical tech may not be the right choice for you.

becoming a traveling surgical tech is a great way to have a rewarding career in the medical field. It offers the opportunity to work in different settings, meet new people, and learn new skills. However, it is important to be prepared for the challenges of the job, such as long hours, physical demands, and the need to be able to work independently. If you are up for the challenge, becoming a traveling surgical tech can be a very rewarding experience.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • Traveling surgical techs must have a strong foundation in surgical technology, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The job can be physically demanding, so it is important to be in good health and have the stamina to stand for long periods of time.
  • Traveling surgical techs often work long hours, so it is important to be able to work independently and be flexible with your schedule.
  • The job can be very rewarding, as it offers the opportunity to work in different settings, meet new people, and learn new skills.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.