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
3 answers
Richard’s Answer
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.
Rachel’s Answer
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!