As a traveling surgical technician, one must meet various requirements to be able to work in different healthcare facilities across the country. The job of a surgical tech is to assist surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, ensuring that surgical equipment is ready, and assisting with the surgical procedure itself. Here are some of the requirements that a traveling surgical tech must meet:
Education and Certification
One of the primary requirements to become a surgical tech is to complete a surgical technology program from an accredited institution. The program typically takes 9-24 months to complete and includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and surgical procedures. After completing the program, one must obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Licensure
Licensure requirements vary from state to state. As a traveling surgical tech, one must hold a license in each state where they plan to work. To obtain a license, one must meet specific education and certification requirements and pass a licensure exam. The surgical tech must comply with each state’s continuing education requirements to maintain their license.
Experience
Most healthcare facilities prefer hiring traveling surgical techs with at least two years of experience in the field. An experienced surgical tech is familiar with the latest technology and surgical procedures, making them more valuable to the operating team. They are also more likely to be able to adapt to different surgical environments and handle unexpected situations that may arise during a surgical procedure.
Physical Requirements
A surgical tech must be physically fit to be able to perform their job effectively. They must be able to stand for long hours, move and position patients, and lift heavy surgical equipment. The tech must also have good manual dexterity and excellent hand-eye coordination, as they will be handling delicate surgical instruments and equipment.
Personality Traits
A traveling surgical tech must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment. They must be able to follow instructions, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and operate with precision and accuracy. The tech must also be flexible and able to adapt to different surgical environments.
Salary and Benefits
The salary of a traveling surgical tech varies depending on their experience, level of education, and location. The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $60,000 per year, plus benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
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What is a traveling surgical tech? | A traveling surgical tech is a surgical technician who travels to different healthcare facilities to work as a temporary employee. |
What is the role of a surgical tech? | A surgical tech assists surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, ensuring that surgical equipment is ready, and assisting with the surgical procedure itself. |
What are the education requirements to become a surgical tech? | One must complete a surgical technology program from an accredited institution and obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). |
What are the physical requirements to become a surgical tech? | A surgical tech must be physically fit to be able to perform their job effectively. They must be able to stand for long hours, move and position patients, and lift heavy surgical equipment. |
What is the average salary for a traveling surgical tech? | The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $60,000 per year, plus benefits. |