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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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 County | 130 | $48,150 |
Rome | 80 | $48,180 |
Savannah | 200 | $42,220 |
Brunswick | 80 | $31,260 |
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 2490 | $49,560 |
Valdosta | 80 | $41,740 |
Macon | 30 | $53,430 |
Dalton | 40 | $42,780 |
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