Surgical technologists, also sometimes called surgical technicians, work as part of a surgical team alongside surgeons, surgical nurses, anesthesiologists, and other surgical technologists. They are responsible for a variety of tasks in the surgical context, including ensuring a sterile environment and maintaining surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Surgical technologists are trained in technical areas regarding surgical equipment, and they must also have knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and microbiology.
Accredited surgical technology programs in West Virginia give graduates either a certificate or an associate degree upon completion of the program. Certificate programs are typically shorter in duration, and degree programs add additional coursework to the curriculum beyond basic surgical technology courses.
Participants in surgical technology programs in West Virginia can expect training in a range of medical/surgical subjects, including:
Most programs also require coursework in general education subjects, including:
Surgical technologists do not need a state-issued license to work in the state of West Virginia, but in order to qualify for most job opportunities and to practice in the field, they must obtain professional certification. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); to qualify to sit for NBSTSA certification exams, applicants must have successfully completed a surgical technology training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
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 |
---|---|---|
Charleston | 170 | $36,360 |
Beckley | 60 | $34,120 |
Morgantown | N/A | $33,760 |
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