Nashville, Tennessee is a hub for medical professionals, with numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities providing top-notch care to patients. For those interested in pursuing a career as a surgical technologist, also known as operating room technicians, Nashville offers several excellent educational programs. In this article, we'll explore the five best surgical tech schools in Nashville, highlighting their program offerings, accreditation, and more.
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Before we dive into the best surgical tech schools in Nashville, let's define what a surgical technologist is. A surgical technologist is a medical professional responsible for preparing operating rooms, equipment, and patients for surgical procedures. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff to ensure a safe and efficient surgical environment.
Surgical technologists typically complete an associate's degree or a certificate program in surgical technology, which includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures. They must also obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Benefits of Becoming a Surgical Technologist
Becoming a surgical technologist offers numerous benefits, including:
- Job stability and growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 3% growth in employment opportunities for surgical technologists from 2020 to 2030.
- Competitive salary: Surgical technologists can earn a median annual salary of around $48,000, depending on experience and location.
- Opportunities for advancement: With experience and additional education, surgical technologists can move into leadership roles or specialize in a particular area of surgery.
- Personal satisfaction: Working as a surgical technologist can be highly rewarding, as you play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.
5 Best Surgical Tech Schools in Nashville
Now, let's explore the top five surgical tech schools in Nashville, highlighting their program offerings, accreditation, and more.
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Nashville State Community College
Nashville State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Surgical Technology, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical rotations, preparing students for the NBSTSA certification exam.
- Program length: 2 years
- Tuition: around $4,300 per year (in-state)
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
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Volunteer State Community College
Volunteer State Community College offers an AAS degree in Surgical Technology, also accredited by CAAHEP. The program focuses on providing students with hands-on training and clinical experience, preparing them for entry-level positions in surgical technology.
- Program length: 2 years
- Tuition: around $4,300 per year (in-state)
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
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Fortis Institute
Fortis Institute offers a diploma program in Surgical Technology, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures, as well as clinical training and preparation for the NBSTSA certification exam.
- Program length: 12 months
- Tuition: around $14,000
- Accreditation: ACCSC
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Remington College
Remington College offers a diploma program in Surgical Technology, which is accredited by the ACCSC. The program focuses on providing students with hands-on training and clinical experience, preparing them for entry-level positions in surgical technology.
- Program length: 12 months
- Tuition: around $14,000
- Accreditation: ACCSC
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Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech offers a diploma program in Surgical Technology, which is accredited by the ACCSC. The program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures, as well as clinical training and preparation for the NBSTSA certification exam.
- Program length: 12 months
- Tuition: around $14,000
- Accreditation: ACCSC
Conclusion
Pursuing a career as a surgical technologist can be a rewarding and challenging profession. By attending one of the top surgical tech schools in Nashville, you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. Remember to research each program thoroughly, considering factors such as accreditation, program length, and tuition costs.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your educational and career goals.
What is the average salary for a surgical technologist in Nashville?
+The average salary for a surgical technologist in Nashville is around $48,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
What is the job outlook for surgical technologists in Nashville?
+The job outlook for surgical technologists in Nashville is positive, with a 3% growth in employment opportunities predicted from 2020 to 2030.
What is the difference between a surgical technologist and a surgical assistant?
+A surgical technologist is responsible for preparing operating rooms, equipment, and patients for surgical procedures, while a surgical assistant provides hands-on assistance to the surgeon during the procedure.