The Scrub Technologist is a valuable member of the surgical team and ensures the success of hundreds of medical procedures each day. Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room by selecting and opening sterile supplies. Preoperative duties also include assembling, adjusting, and checking non-sterile equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order. Common duties include operating sterilizers, lights, suction machines, electrosurgical units, and diagnostic equipment.
Surgical Technologist programs are nine months to two years in length and typically award a certificate, diploma or an associate degree. They are offered by hospitals, the military, vocational-technical schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. Graduates who then pass a voluntary national examination from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist become Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs). Continuing education or reexamination is required every six years to maintain certification. Since March 2000, graduation from an accredited program is required for certification.
- Calhoun Community College – Division of Health
- Southern Union State Community College
- Virginia College – Birmingham and Montgomery
- Wallace State Community College