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How common is it that a surgical technologist later pursues a career in general surgery?

I just finished research of surgical technologist and would like to know if this often enforces a surgical technologist to go on to studying surgery. #medicine #surgery #radiology #surgical-assisting

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Rachel’s Answer

Although this is not a common road to surgery, I have known surgeons that worked as techs prior to pursuing a career as a surgeon. One thing to remember is that you will have at least 13 years of school after high school to become a general surgeon. Often people want to get started as quickly as possible. For that reason, many students do not pursue alternative careers prior to undergoing their medical training.
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Richard’s Answer

Rare, but not impossible.

Take your associate's degree seriously and make sure you get good grades. In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

During college, Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.

Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.

Medical school takes an additional 4 years after your bachelor's degree. And surgery is a 5 year residency after medical school.
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Melinda’s Answer

I've only heard two stories of surgical techs that became surgeons. In both instances the surgeons I worked with were hired by operating rooms to act as scrub techs while they were in medical school and residency. Basically they worked as surgical techs to pay their way through school. But the decision to be doctors was already made. The most common paths for additional education for surgical techs are First Assistants in surgery, Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants or Sales Represenative in the operating room. Virtually all of those avenues require at least some additional education. Hope that answer is useful!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Andrea,

It is uncommon for a surgical technologist to pursue a career in general surgery. Surgical technologists play a vital role in the operating room by preparing and setting up surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting surgeons during procedures. However, their primary role is not to perform surgeries themselves. Instead, they typically hold an associate’s degree or certificate in surgical technology and may choose to further their education with additional certifications or degrees in related fields such as nursing or medical technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 1% of surgical technologists go on to become surgeons (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Surgical Technologists. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm

American Association of Surgical Technologists. (n.d.). Career Pathways for Surgical Technologists. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.aast.org/career-pathways/

Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). (n.d.). Career Development: Surgical Technologist to Operating Room Nurse Transition Programs. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.aorn.org/career-development/surgical-technologist-to-operating-room-nurse-transition-programs.

God Bless You, RICHLY, JC.
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