What makes a good Surgical Tech School

There are a myriad of options to choose from when it comes evaluating Surgical Technologist programs. Whether it's a community college, four-year institution, Career College or online school, there most likely is an option designed to suit your needs.

But what are the important things you should look for when searching for the right Surgical Tech training for you? What are the characteristics that will best position you for a bright and successful career that will reward you, your patients and your community for years to come?

Here are a few items to keep in mind, as supplied by some of Concorde Career College's brightest program directors and research.

Accreditation is important

Foremost is programmatic accreditation. Concorde's accredited Surgical Technologist programs all are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field, which reviews and accredits more than 2,000 educational programs in 28 health science occupations.

Other accreditors include the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Pass and placement rates are key

Karyn Songer, CST, FAST, Director of Concorde Surgical Technology Programs in Aurora, CO, said that, after accreditation, the most important qualities for a top-notch program are its national certification (NBSTSA) pass rates and graduate placement rates.

According to Songer, Concorde - Aurora's pass rate is continuously above the threshold.

According to the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) 2016 annual report, Concorde's placement rate stood at 93 percent. In the ARC/STSA 2016 annual report, it was 87 percent.

Other qualities to look for in a strong Surgical Technologist program

But that's just the beginning of what makes Concorde stand out. Marsha Buchanan, Director of Concorde Surgical Technologist Programs in San Bernardino, CA, said the student-to-teacher ratio in the classrooms is a big selling point.

Also, Buchanan said, "Concorde has morning and afternoon classes to fit students' personal and work schedules."

She said Concorde - San Bernardino has a good operating room lab with OR supplies, instrumentation and equipment that provide hands-on training for students and Surgical Technology instructors who care about the students' education and training.

Good instructors that are knowledgeable, love their career and care about their students are invaluable, and Concorde has that in abundance, according to Henry Casado, C.S.T.F.A., Director of Concorde Surgical Tech Programs in Miramar, FL. Casado also said good clinical experience is a tremendous tool to have.

"I'm lucky to have affiliates with hospitals that are rated Trauma One hospitals and are also resident teaching facilities," he said. "There, the students are able to experience more of the different specialties of surgery, which in turn broadens their knowledge."

Strong accreditation, small class sizes, knowledgeable instructors who care about their students and excellent real-world clinical experiences - Concorde has everything a great Surgical Technologist program needs to be the right program for you!