Hi, Im a surgical technologist not certified. I have been for a year. I want to get into the RN courses. I know a lot of schools won't accept my credits and the next step would be to get an associate degree. Becoming an RN is initially what I wanted to do right out of High School but instead I got into Medical Assisting and then two years later I started Surgical Tech which took me two years. Was this a total waste of my time? I also got a separate Phlebotomy Certificate in California which says that It counts as 12 CEU's (continuing education units) toward CNA. So I dont know. I really need to talk to a guidance counselor or something. Oh yea and by the way Im moving to Ohio, so I would need to know what the steps are to becoming an RN in Ohio. If anyone can help, please be my guest. What kind of advice can you give me?

Ok, the reason I thought that it would be different is because I ran into the same issue with Surgical Assisting. I searched throughout the West for a Surgical First Assistant program. All required to have an RN degree first. However, I did find a program in Kentucky at a community college that accepts Surgical Technology program credits from outside schools to transfer towards the First Assistant Associate degree. No where in the West Coast did I find a program like that. Thats why I asked about Ohio, I was just curious if there were any slight differences.

Surgical techs take a national certification test which usually gets them employment quicker and a dollar or two more per hour.  This is not considered a license, why I don't know it just isn't.

I was a surgical tech before I became an R.N., it was instrumental in getting my current gig as a surgical nurse, but it didn't make much of an impact otherwise. I'm not sorry I did it that way, though the credits didn't count for much. :-)

Persistence is key! Keep us posted on your progress :D

Hello!

I have a question...or need assistance. I am a career changer and I start a surgical tech. program tomorrow. However, I'm getting a lot of negative feedack about starting this career. Almost everyone I come  into contact with states I should go into nursing school instead. I want to work in the OR.

I live in Florida where healthcare is needed and I want to do something more with my life. If I attend nursing school, how hard is it to obtain employment as a new grad in the OR? I'm not  young ( 40) so I don't want to spend big bucks and several years in school bouncing from career to career. I've also been told it is extremely difficult to land a job as a Surgical Tech. If anyone can at least let me know their experience I would appreciate it.      

Yes I agree..this will be difficult, I came from a business career so I feel like a fish out of water. My concern is obtaining this certification and not finding employment. I have a bachelors degree already and I will do whatever it takes to get ahead I just do not want to take another step back. I feel I would do well in both careers as this is what I wanted to do for a long time. I just finally decided to go for it.

Yes, I live in St. Petersburg..Clearwater is right around the corner. 

Thank you and if anyone else has input I'm all ears.        

If I decide to switch to nursing I will probably attend Keiser University-I know I will have to pay more but no wait as I am not working so I may focus on school.