Surgical Tech to RN
Surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs, scrub techs, or operating room technicians, are important members of the surgical team. Surgical techs work in operating room settings, usually in hospitals or outpatient surgery centers. They provide assistance with a variety of surgical procedures, such as sterilizing equipment and preparing patients for surgery.
At some point in their career, surgical techs may consider transitioning into the nursing profession. This guide will discuss the different ways a surgical tech can become a registered nurse (RN).
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technologists are unlicensed medical personnel who are specially trained to perform duties within the operating room. They are responsible for preparing operating rooms for procedures, obtaining equipment and supplies, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting surgeons and other members of the healthcare team during operations.
Becoming a surgical technologist does not require a college degree. Instead, aspiring surgical techs must complete a surgical tech certification program. These programs are typically offered at community or technical colleges and take between 1 to 2 years to complete.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for surgical techs is $56,350. The profession is expected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average.
What is the Difference Between a Surgical Technologist and a Registered Nurse?
While some basic skills may overlap, there are significant differences between the role of a surgical tech and an RN.
Surgical techs work exclusively within the operating room, either in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. They are responsible for ensuring the operating room and surgical instruments are sterile and that the surgeon has all of the equipment necessary to perform the procedure.
Examples of tasks performed by surgical techs include:
- Preparing the operating room for surgery
- Sterilizing equipment before and after procedures
- Counting and disbursing surgical instruments and supplies
- Preparing patients for surgery, which often includes moving patients to and from the operating table and disinfecting incision sites
- Ensuring the operating room environment remains sterile throughout the procedure
- Transporting patients to and from the operating room
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings and provide more direct patient care than surgical techs. RNs are also employed within the operating room setting, but their job responsibilities often vary compared to those of a surgical tech.
Examples of tasks performed by RNs include:
- Conducting patient assessments
- Administering medications
- Obtaining vital signs
- Inserting and maintaining intravenous lines, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters
- Performing phlebotomy
- Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
- Providing wound care
- Providing education to patients and their families
Another important difference between a surgical tech and RN is the amount of schooling each job requires.
Surgical techs require a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a surgical technology certification program. They must also pass one of two certification exams in order to be hired by most employers: The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) exam.
RNs must obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
How to Transition From Surgical Tech to RN
Surgical tech-to-RN bridge programs are uncommon, but in many cases, surgical techs can receive some credit toward their nursing degree for courses that overlap the two curriculums. Surgical techs may also have an advantage when applying to nursing school since they already have some foundational healthcare knowledge. Surgical techs who wish to remain in the surgical setting after becoming an RN often have the easiest transition into the nursing profession.
When deciding to transition from surgical tech to RN, there are multiple pathways to consider. Each one has its pros and cons, so it is important to consider your long-term career goals, financial means, and personal responsibilities when deciding which path is best for you.
Option #1: Surgical Tech to ADN
This is the fastest way for a surgical tech to become a registered nurse. ADN programs are usually offered at community colleges or technical schools and take around 2 years to complete. Some previous course credits received during surgical tech school may transfer toward a nursing degree, but this depends on the nursing program.
Once you have completed an ADN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the exam, you can apply for RN licensure within the state you wish to practice.
It is important to note that although obtaining an ADN degree is the quickest route to becoming an RN, it does not afford as many job opportunities or advancement potential as a BSN does. If your long-term goal is to secure a leadership position in healthcare or to pursue a graduate degree, you may wish to obtain your BSN degree instead.
Option #2: Surgical Tech to BSN
This path is a longer way to becoming a registered nurse, but it has some key benefits in the long run. A BSN-prepared nurse usually has a significant advantage during the hiring process since many employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN degree. BSN-prepared nurses are also more likely to be considered for leadership roles compared to nurses with an ADN. Generally speaking, a BSN will provide you with more career opportunities than an ADN or LPN will.
Most BSN programs take between 3 and 4 years to complete, depending on whether the program is accelerated and if you receive credit for prior coursework completed during surgical tech school.
After you have completed a BSN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the exam, you can apply for RN licensure within the state you wish to practice.
Obtaining your BSN is the best option if you want to pursue a graduate degree in the future. You cannot pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher without first obtaining a BSN.
Option #3: Surgical Tech to LPN to RN
This is the longest track to becoming a registered nurse, but it is a solid option if your goal is to become a nurse as quickly as possible.
Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs usually take around 1 year to complete. They are most commonly offered at community or technical colleges, and you may be able to receive credit for prior coursework completed during surgical tech school. Always check with your nursing school first to see if this is an option for you, as accepting prior credits is at the discretion of the school.
Once you successfully complete an LPN program, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) examination. After passing the exam, you can apply for LPN licensure within the state you wish to practice. From there, you will be able to start working within the healthcare setting as an LPN, gaining valuable nursing experience.
The next step to becoming an RN would be to enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program. These programs can take between 2-4 years to complete, depending on whether you pursue full- or part-time study and if you want an ADN or BSN degree.
After graduating with your ADN or BSN, you will be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Once you pass the exam, you will be able to apply for your RN license in the state you wish to practice.
