Surgical Technician Career

Find an Ultrasound Tech Degree

Fill out this short form below, and we'll help match you to an accredited college program that suits your interests, whether online- or campus-based.

What You Do in This Career

Surgical Technicians go by a lot of names: Surgical Technologists, Operating Room Technicians, Surgical Technicians, or my favorite, Scrubs. Scrubs are part of operating room teams which help surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses do their jobs. When you see a surgeon on TV ask for a scalpel, the person handing it to him would be the surgical technician. But, handing over tools when asked isn’t all of the gig. Surgical technicians also have to prepare patients for surgery (read: washing, shaving, disinfecting), wheel patients into the operating room, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Most importantly, they help monitor vital signs.

Salary and Career Path

Even though surgical technicians are working right beside the surgeons, they are paid a lot less. The median annual income for 2008 was only $38,740, with the highest salaries over $54,300. That’s definitely enough to make a living, and if you love saving lives and being in on the action, this might be the career for you. Dentist offices pay the worst, so if money is an issue, look for general or surgical hospitals and especially specialty hospitals for the big bucks. Technologists can specialize, which increases pay and employment possibilities, in areas like neurosurgery and cardiovascular surgery. Some may go on to become nurse practitioners who also work in surgery.

What Kind of Degree or Coursework You Need

Training programs are often offered by community colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals and the military, usually lasting 9-24 months. Those who did well in health, biology, chemistry and math classes in high school will have an easier time of the coursework since much of it is in anatomy, physiology, microbiology and other biological disciplines. Chemistry comes in handy for drug interactions, and learning medical terms is vital for fast communication over the surgical table. Other lessons require less thinking and more cleaning, since proper sterilization procedures must be followed.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that students can take to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs that are closely related. You can request information by clicking on any of the links below.

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AS in Health IT	DeVry University — For over 80 years, DeVry University has focused on relevant areas of study, offering associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs and specializations that cover 34 different career fields. Earn your associate degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University, and prepare to be an HIT leader in contemporary hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics, and more. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University — With a 45 year history, Herzing University is an accredited university that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as diplomas in over 45 different programs. The AS in Medical Assisting program builds on the online diploma program by incorporating the general education requirements required for this level of degree. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
BS in Health Services Mgmt	Virginia College — Founded in 1983, Virginia College is a private institution of higher education committed to offering associate degrees, diploma courses, and baccalaureate degrees at over 20 different campuses. The BS in Health Services Management program prepares you for mid-level management positions in health care organizations including hospitals, physician practices, and home health agencies. Virginia is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
AS in Health Info Mgmt AS in Health Admin	Hodges University — Founded in 1990, Hodges University is one the premier private universities in the State of Florida. The AS in Health Information Management and AS in Health Administration programs, while not ultrasound training programs, do teach students how to use information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
AAS in Health IT	Lincoln College — For over 40 years, Lincoln College offers associate and bachelor's degree programs designed for busy, motivated adults. The AAS in Health Information Technology program prepares students for operate computerized health information systems and other related procedures. Lincoln College of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.