Surgical technologists tend to work under the radar - but that doesn't mean they aren't an essential part of the surgical team. In fact, surgical technologists may actually spend more time in operating rooms than surgeons do. These individuals work to prepare surgical teams for operations and procedures by sterilizing the area and equipment to be used, ensuring surgical tools are in the correct spot, and maintaining the overall flow of surgical procedures. In Georgia, jobs tend to be more concentrated in the large metro areas such as Atlanta and Savannah.

Georgia Surgical Technologist Schools

While Georgia boasts a number of four-year universities, those looking to enter the field of surgical technology may find success at one of the various technical schools throughout the state. Here are a few options to consider if you're planning on attending school in Georgia:

  • Chattahoochee Technical College: Chattahoochee Technical College offers a three-semester occupational program for students looking to become licensed surgical technologists without having to earn a degree. Since 2013, at least 94% of Chattahoochee Tech's students have gone on to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist national exam.

  • Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers a diploma program for prospective surgical technicians. The program consists of a pre-occupational semester, where students will complete the prerequisites needed to enter the occupational program. During the occupational program, students will learn through both classroom and clinical experiences.

  • Gwinnett Technical College: Gwinnett Technical College provides students with the opportunity to become certified in pre-surgical healthcare science in addition to earning a degree in surgical technology. Students can also continue their education with courses in CPR for healthcare providers and medical terminology.

  • Piedmont Technical College: At Piedmont Technical College, prospective students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, or a diploma certificate in health care through the surgical technology track. Regardless of the path chosen, Piedmont offers cohort sizes of less than 20, meaning students are likely to get more individualized attention throughout their studies.

  • West Georgia Technical College: West Georgia Technical College offers a diploma program in surgical technology, and prepares students for an optional certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assisting. Class sizes are even smaller at WGTC, with an average of 7 students attending the program.

What to Expect from Georgia Surgical Technologist Programs

The surgical technologist programs in Georgia offer intensive courses of study for those looking to get their career moving as quickly as possible. However, students will not be thrown into clinical situations until they have proven their knowledge and abilities within a classroom setting.

Students of Georgia's surgical technologist programs will graduate with the following:

  • Knowledge of medical terminology and protocol
  • Understanding of their role within the surgical team
  • Ability to think critically and solve problems quickly and efficiently

Upon graduation from these programs, students will also be prepared to sit for the national certification exam, which, once passed, will allow them to practice surgical technology throughout the country.

Georgia Surgical Technologist License and Certification

Surgical technologists are not required to be licensed in the state of Georgia. However, schools and institutions suggest graduates of surgical tech programs sit for the exam administered by the NBSTSA.

Upon completion of this exam, surgical technicians become certified and recognized nationally as professionals in their position. This license must be updated every four years, and can be done so through reexamination or application for renewal.

Resources for Surgical Technologists in Georgia

Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Surgical Technologists

Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Surgical Technologists relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov

Metro Area
Jobs
Annual Median Salary
Athens-Clarke County130$48,150
Rome80$48,180
Savannah200$42,220
Brunswick80$31,260
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell2490$49,560
Valdosta80$41,740
Macon30$53,430
Dalton40$42,780

Sources:

  1. Chattahoochee Technical College - Surgical Technology, http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/academicprogramscredit/health-sciences/surgical-technology/, accessed October 19, 2016
  2. Georgia Northwestern Tech College - Surgical Technology, http://www.gntc.edu/academics/program.php?id=262, accessed October 19, 2016
  3. Gwinnett Technical College - Surgical Technology, http://gwinnetttech.edu/programs/surgical-technology/, accessed October 19, 2016
  4. Piedmont Technical College - Surgical Technology, http://www.ptc.edu/academics/schools-programs/health-science/surgical-technology, accessed October 19, 2016
  5. West Georgia Tech College - Surgical Technology, http://westgatech.edu/academics/surgicaltech/index.htm, accessed October 19, 2016
  6. National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, http://nbstsa.org/, accessed October 19, 2016
  7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Surgical Technologists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm#tab-6, accessed October 19, 2016

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