Connecticut Surgical Technician Training Programs and Schools

Surgical technicians and technologists, also known as operating room technicians, are primarily responsible for providing assistance to surgeons during a procedure. This can involve a wide range of duties such as keeping a sanitized and organized set of equipment, prepping the operating room for the upcoming surgery, as well as directly helping doctors by handing them specific instruments. A surgical technician's role may extend to preparing the patient for surgery as well. Tasks such as shaving, cleaning, and disinfecting incision sites, moving patients to a gurney, and transporting them to the operating room might also be included in a surgical technician's daily routine.

Connecticut Surgical Tech Schools

The list shown below identifies several Connecticut schools which feature surgical tech programs open to students. The list includes a few facts about the school such as historical dates, student body size, and the student-to-faculty ratio.

• Albert I Prince Technical High School: Though primarily serving as an educational facility for students in grades 9-12, the Albert I Prince Technical High School also offers adult education opportunities. Offered programs include surgical technology, dental assistant, as well as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program.
  
  
• Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing: Established in 1884, the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing is one of the oldest nursing schools in the United States. It is also the only operational hospital-based Diploma RN Nursing program in Connecticut. It offers innovative evidence-based healthcare education as well as a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.
  
  
• Eli Whitney Technical High School: This public institution offers both general education for grades 9-12 as well as adult education programs. Part of the Connecticut Technical High School System which offers the best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in the state, the Eli Whitney Technical High School strives to provide a unique and rigorous post-secondary educational program.
  
  
• Manchester Community College: One of the largest community colleges in Connecticut, this institution is dedicated to academic excellence, provides technology-rich classrooms, and offers small class sizes and a low tuition. Flexible schedules at a traditional or accelerated rate will help students either transfer to a baccalaureate institution or prepare for a future career.

What to Expect from Connecticut Surgical Technologist Programs

Many surgical technician roles will require candidates to achieve some sort of postsecondary education, preferably in a specialized surgical technology program which is becoming more and more common in institutions every year. While each program has its own stipulations, they can take as little as a few months to complete all the way up to several years.

Most surgical technology programs will involve a comprehensive education in various life sciences such as anatomy and biology as well as studies in medical terminology and pharmacology. It is likely that prospective surgical technicians will also receive more specific instruction on how to complete some of the tasks they will likely be performing regularly in the role such as sterilizing instruments and equipment properly, preparing operating rooms, and readying patients for procedures.

Some crucial skills that might be refined during coursework are:

• Integrity
• Physical stamina
• Stress-management skills
• Dexterity
• Attention to detail

While an individual's ability to perform the role of surgical tech depends on many factors, cultivating the above skills may improve a candidate's success.

Connecticut Surgical Technician License

Connecticut does not require surgical technologists to be formally licensed. Obtaining some form of certification, however, may improve the odds of gaining employment as it demonstrates proficiency in the skills necessary to succeed in the position.

Interested candidates can seek national certification through several means. The first is through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This organization provides the "Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)" title and requires graduating from an accredited program or military training program as well as passing an exam.

The other option is going through the National Center for Competency Testing and gaining the "Tech in Surgery - Certified (NCCT)" certification. This certification requires the completion of an exam as well but allows a bit more leniency on qualification. As opposed to the CST, candidates for this certification may graduate from either an accredited or military training program in addition to qualifying through work experience alone.

While these two certifications are the most obvious choice for prospective surgical technicians looking to stand out from other candidates, another certification that many employers actually require is CPR and basic life support certification.

Resources for Surgical Technologists in Connecticut

• Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
• The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
• National Center for Competency Testing