Surgical Technician Programs in Maryland

Surgical Technician Training Programs in Maryland

Are you looking for a career that gives you the chance to work with people every day? Are you patient but still able to act quickly when time is short? If this describes you, this is the time to learn about surgical tech diploma programs and Associate’s degree programs.

Healthcare is a growing industry, and as more Massachusetts residents need complex care, the demand for specialists has increased. With a surgical tech degree, you may be able to work alongside surgeons as they save lives and cure disease.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, get started now by reaching out to surgical tech programs in Maryland.

What Kind of Surgical Technician Training Do I Need in Maryland?

Before you can start working with patients and providing support in surgery rooms, you have to get the right training behind you. Your journey begins at a surgical tech school. At Maryland, surgical tech programs are generally offered at technical schools and community colleges.

You may have several types of programs to compare. Diploma and surgical technician certificate programs tend to be the quickest ways to get started in this field. On average, you need 30 credits to earn a diploma or certificate. You may be able to reach this goal with just one year of full-time study.

If you opt for a surgical tech Associate degree, plan on spending roughly two years completing your education. These programs are longer because they require general education credits. If you’re considering earning a Bachelor’s degree in the future, getting a surgical technology Associate’s degree may save you time.

Getting Into Surgical Tech Schools in Maryland

When you are done comparing surgical tech school options, you are ready to start the application process. This is generally a quick, simple process, since many surgical tech schools do not require an essay or any special testing. This may be a good option for new high school graduates and adult students returning to postsecondary education.

Admissions Requirements for Surgical Tech Schools in Maryland

High school diploma or GED
Criminal background check without any convictions that disqualify you from working in healthcare
Fingerprints
Proof of citizenship or legal residency
Physical exam
Negative TB test
Proof of immunizations
Negative drug test

Maryland Surgical Technology Training

Whether you decide to earn a surgical technology Associate’s degree or surgical technician certificate, your educational path may be the same. If you pursue an Associate’s degree, you might spend your first year in school earning general education credits. At that point, though, your curriculum should be fairly similar to what is found in surgical tech diploma programs.

Surgical Tech Courses in Maryland

Medical Terminology (3 credits): Using the proper language is essential in healthcare, particularly in life-and-death scenarios that surgery often creates. Being able to refer to the right tools, techniques, procedures, and anatomy saves precious time and makes you a more valuable part of your healthcare team.
Study of Disease Process (3 credits): Disease spreads quickly, particularly in a healthcare setting where all sorts of diseases run rampant. Understanding how disease works can help you maintain a sanitized environment and provide patients with as much protection as possible from hospital-borne infections.
Basic Surgical Procedures (3 credits): You may spend most of your career on basic surgical procedures. These procedures tend to be quicker and less intensive than other surgeries. This course generally ends with required clinical experience.
Allied Health Pharmacology (2 credits): You must know how medications work and what side effects they have. Patients receive a variety of medications before, during, and after surgery. Your pharmacological knowledge may help you recognize side effects and serious complications.
Advanced Surgical Procedures (3 credits): After taking a course in basic surgical procedures, you may prepare for more complex responsibilities in this class.
Advanced and Specialized Procedures (3 credits): This course builds on the other surgical procedure courses you take as a scrub tech student. In this class, you may focus on procedures that are limited to one specialty. With this information, you may decide which specialty best suits you.

Clinical work is an essential part of your education. Depending on which surgical tech degree program you attend, you may take separate courses to meet your clinical requirements or your clinical hours may be woven into your other classes.

Which Online Study Options are Available in Maryland?

Online study is popular among students, since it lets you study on your own time and fit coursework around other obligations. However, due to the nature of surgical technologist, surgical assistant online programs are not an option in Maryland. To effectively prepare for a career in this field, you need hands-on clinical and laboratory practice. Since online surgical tech programs do not offer this facet of education, earning your degree online is not recommended.

Even if you can’t earn your surgical tech degree online, you may still be able to do some of your coursework online. If you’re interested in earning your surgical tech Associate’s degree online, look into blended programs offered by local schools. These programs let you do your general education classes and theory courses online, while still allowing you to meet clinical requirements at local facilities.

Paying for Surgical Tech School in Maryland

You’ve selected a surgical technician program and you’re ready to get started in your surgical tech courses. Before you can enroll in classes, you have to pay for your courses upfront or secure financial aid. If you display financial need, you may be awarded subsidized loans or grants through the federal government. This process starts when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

In this field, there are many options for private financial aid. Awards are given out by community foundations or professional organizations. Conduct a search at Peterson’s to start your list. This site makes it easy to track deadlines and requirements. As far as professional organizations go, look into the Association of Surgical Technologists and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

This is a great time to learn more about surgical technician requirements and find out how to become a Certified Surgical Technologist.

Make your move now by reaching out to Maryland surgical tech degree programs.

Working as a Certified Surgical Technician in Maryland

As you near graduation, you may be eager to start the job search and find out how you can use your education. While your program may be called surgical technology or surgical technician, keep in mind that job listings may use several other job titles. OR tech is a common option, as is scrub tech. Look beyond the titles of job postings to see what the job duties are to get a better feel for each position you’re considering.

Maryland Surgical Technician Requirements

Unlike many other healthcare fields, surgical technology is rarely regulated. Only a few states have any licensure or registration requirements, and Maryland is not one of them. Because of this, you may legally work as an operating room tech without pursuing certification.

Even if this is legally true, you may run into roadblocks if you don’t become certified. Certification gives potential employers a simply way of checking your skills and credentials. As a result, many healthcare employers only accept applicants who have earned national certification.

If you choose to become a Certified Surgical Technologist, you may begin the application process through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Once they verify your education and clinical hours, you can pay your testing fee of $190 or $290. Becoming a member may save you $100 on testing fees and give you professional networking opportunities.

Once you pass your certification exam, you officially become a Certified Surgical Technologist. To renew your certification every four years, you have to complete 60 hours of continuing education. Continuing education programs may be offered by healthcare employers, technical schools, or professional organizations.

Where are the Best Surgical Tech Jobs in Maryland?

Maryland has a well-developed healthcare system, so you may be able to use your OR tech skills in many different ways. By the time you graduate, you should already have a good idea of job openings in your area. While some employers may only consider applicants with previous work experience, many Maryland institutions are willing to take a chance on a newly certified operating room tech.

Start your search at local hospitals. These facilities are often part of larger healthcare corporations, so they have streamlined hiring processes and requirements. You may have the chance to try out many different specialties, since many hospitals hire surgical techs to float between departments. Depending on how large your facility is, you may have the ability to move into a specialized full-time position once you have enough seniority and experience. Staffing needs often include nights, weekends, and holidays, so be ready to work whenever you are needed.

If you would rather work outside the traditional hospital setting, consider outpatient clinics and surgical centers. These facilities have more standardized hours. Additionally, they often limit their offerings to certain surgeries. This allows facilities to meet state requirements and keep patients safe.

Common Surgical Technician Job Duties in Maryland

Check in for 8-hour or 12-hour shifts
Communicate with the scrub tech you are relieving to check which patients you need to assist
Check the schedule to see what surgeries are during your shift
Prepare each surgical room with sterilization equipment and surgical tools
Restock as needed
Communicate with supervisors and surgeons regarding emergency surgeries and changes in schedule
Report on time to the surgical suite to provide assistance
Count and set out tools
Provide standby assistance to surgeons during each procedure
Do instrument counts before closing up a surgery
Dispose of materials appropriately
Sterilize and put equipment back
Clean and sterilize the operating room in preparation for the next surgery
Complete post-surgical documentation as required
Communicate any complications or issues to your supervising doctor or nurse
Check up on patients periodically to assess recovery and pain management needs

As an OR tech, your work is limited to a very specific scope of practice. Since you are not a physician, you cannot offer diagnostic services or provide independent care to patients. Stay on top of surgical technician requirements through the Maryland State Assembly.

Maryland Surgical Tech Salaries in 2017

You may find that you can earn a wide range of salaries as an operating room tech. In Maryland, just like in other New England states, salaries tend to be greater than the national average. On average, Maryland operating room techs earn $52,390 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Between 2014 and 2024, demand for surgical assistants may jump 15% (BLS, 2017).

Surgical Technology Resources in Maryland

A lot goes into creating and expanding a career. Your surgical tech courses are obviously a major part of getting started in this field, but the work isn’t done when you graduate. In fact, you have to focus on building your professional network throughout your career.

There’s always something new to learn as a Certified Surgical Technologist, and getting involved in local and national organizations is a great way to stay involved. When you are active in professional organizations, you may get access to continuing education programs that help you meet certification requirements. You may also be able to attend networking events that help you build connections with successful surgical technicians.

If a career in surgical technology is in your future, why not get started right now? Maryland is home to many schools that offer surgical tech Associate programs. With our list of surgical technician programs, you can compare schools easily and get in touch with the programs that interest you.

The more you learn about a school, the more easily you can decide if it’s a good fit for you. Take the first step now by requesting information from Maryland surgical assistant schools.