How to Be Certified Surgical Technician (CST) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 15, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Certified Surgical Technician (CST) is a professional who has been trained to assist surgeons in a range of medical procedures. Becoming a CST requires a significant amount of education, expertise, and experience. Those who obtain the certification have a greater chance of finding a job in the field, as well as higher wages and career advancement opportunities.

As a result, many surgical technicians are motivated to complete the necessary training and obtain the certification to further their career. The certification is also beneficial for healthcare organizations, as they can be confident that they have highly qualified professionals on staff.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Get a postsecondary certificate. Most employers prefer to hire certified surgical techs, and certification is often required by states. To become certified, you must complete a postsecondary certificate program in surgical technology from an accredited institution.
Take the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) exam. To earn the CST certification, you must pass the exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Consider earning a degree. Earning an associates degree in surgical technology may increase your job prospects and help you qualify for higher-level positions.
Join a professional organization. Membership in a professional organization, such as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), can provide you with access to continuing education and job search resources.

Becoming a certified surgical technician (CST) requires an individual to possess certain skills and competencies. Skilled and competent CSTs must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to think quickly on their feet, as well as have a sound knowledge of surgical procedures and techniques. In order to become a CST, individuals must complete a surgical technology program that provides training in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, instruments and supplies, and aseptic technique.

In addition, they must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Becoming a CST requires dedication to learning the skills necessary to provide quality care to patients, as well as a commitment to continuing education in order to stay up-to-date with the latest in surgical technologies. With the right skills and competencies, individuals can achieve certification and enjoy a successful career in surgical technology.

You may want to check Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and maintain sterile conditions and instruments during surgical procedures.
Assist surgeons in the operating room by passing instruments and providing other necessary supplies.
Set-up the operating room with sterile tools, equipment and supplies.
Set-up and maintain the sterile field prior to surgery.
Assist in positioning, prepping and draping patient for surgery.
Monitor vital signs and document patient's condition throughout procedure.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after procedure.
Monitor patient's response to anesthesia and alert the surgeon of changes.
Apply dressings and bandages post-operatively.
Clean and sterilize instruments after procedure is completed.
Document all surgical procedures accurately in the patient's chart.
Ensure that all surgical supplies and equipment are in working order.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment in the operating room.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to recognize and understand basic surgical techniques and procedures.
Ability to assist in the operating room by providing technical assistance to the surgeon and other medical staff.
Ability to maintain sterile environment in the operating room.
Ability to set up and maintain a sterile field for surgical procedures.
Ability to properly prepare and handle instruments, equipment, and supplies.
Knowledge of aseptic techniques and universal precautions.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to surgical procedures.
Ability to observe, interpret, and respond to patient information and needs.
Knowledge of patient positioning, scrubbing, gowning, and gloving techniques.
Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other medical staff members throughout the course of the procedure.
Ability to effectively communicate with the medical staff and other personnel involved in the procedure.
Ability to use appropriate safety measures related to surgical equipment, supplies, and medications.
Knowledge of current laws, regulations, and standards related to surgical practice and procedures.
Ability to accurately document patient information and surgical procedure details.

Being a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) requires a high level of technical expertise and precise attention to detail. This role involves assisting the surgical team during a variety of surgical procedures. In order to be successful in this profession, one must possess strong communication skills, an understanding of anatomy and physiology, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a proficiency in sterile technique.

These skills are essential for providing a safe environment for patients and ensuring that operations go as planned. Furthermore, knowledge of medical terminology and surgical instruments is necessary for providing accurate patient care. By having these skills, a CST can effectively contribute to an efficient and successful operation, which helps ensure patient safety and satisfaction.

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), and Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the surgical technician role?
What is the most challenging part of being a CST?
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in surgical technology?
Describe a situation where you had to think on your feet in a surgical setting.
What safety protocols do you follow when preparing for a surgical procedure?
How do you handle stress or difficult situations in the operating room?
What is your experience with handling instruments and supplies in the operating room?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision in a surgical setting?
Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other healthcare professionals on a complicated case.
How do you prioritize tasks for a successful patient outcome?

Common Tools in Industry

Scalpel. A small, sharp knife used to make incisions in skin and tissue (eg: used to excise a tumor).
Suture Kit. A kit containing sutures of various sizes used for closing incisions (eg: used to close a surgical incision).
Forceps. A pair of tongs-like instruments used for grasping and manipulating tissues (eg: used to hold skin during suturing).
Hemostat. A clamp-like tool used to control bleeding by compressing blood vessels (eg: used to control a bleeding artery).
Needle Holder. A tool used to hold a needle while suturing (eg: used to stitch an incision).
Suction Tube. A device used to remove fluids such as blood and other debris from an operative field (eg: used to clear a wound of blood).
Retractor. A tool used to hold back tissue so the surgeon can see what they are doing (eg: used to expose a tumor).
Scissors. Specialized scissors used for cutting tissue (eg: used to excise a tumor).
Electro-Cautery Device. A tool used to stop bleeding by burning tissue (eg: used to control bleeding from an artery).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
National Association of Surgical Technologists (NAST)
International Federation of Surgical Technologists (IFOST)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)

We also have Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Surgical Technology. The field of study and practice dedicated to the preparation of individuals to assist surgeons during surgical procedures.
Operating Room (OR). A sterile environment in which a surgery is performed.
Scrub Technician. A member of the surgical team who assists with preparing and maintaining the sterile field during surgery.
Sterile Technique. A set of protocols and techniques for maintaining a sterile environment in the OR.
Surgical Instruments. Various tools used to perform surgery.
Surgical Counts. The process of counting surgical instruments, sponges and other supplies before and after a procedure to ensure all items are accounted for.
Aseptic Technique. A set of practices designed to reduce the number of microorganisms on items used in the OR.
Infection Control. Practices designed to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another.
Surgical Site Preparation. The processes used to prepare a patients skin for surgery.
Patient Care. Providing care to patients before, during, and after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Surgical Technician (CST)?

A Certified Surgical Technician (CST) is a health professional who works as part of a surgical team, assisting in surgical procedures and providing patient care before, during and after operations.

What are the requirements to become a Certified Surgical Technician?

To become a Certified Surgical Technician, you must have graduated from an accredited program, be a current member of the Association of Surgical Technologists, and have passed the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.

How long does it take to become a Certified Surgical Technician?

The amount of time it takes to become a Certified Surgical Technician varies depending on the individuals background. Generally, it takes between 1-2 years to complete an accredited program and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.

What is the median salary of a Certified Surgical Technician?

The median salary of a Certified Surgical Technician is $47,300 per year.

What types of surgical procedures do Certified Surgical Technicians perform?

Certified Surgical Technicians typically assist with a wide range of surgical procedures, including open heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, general surgery, bariatric surgery, and gynecological surgery.

Web Resources

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) - Welcome to Central Ohio ... www.cotc.edu
How to Become a Certified Surgical Technician in 5 Steps - ECPI www.ecpi.edu
Training Program for Surgical Technician in Detroit, Michigan abcott.edu