Surgical Tech Guide

Are you living in or around the state of Illinois and wanting to join the ranks of other surgical tech’s? Then there are a few things you should know. One of the fastest growing jobs in a difficult economy is the job of the surgical technologist, also know as a surgical technician. This information comes from the Job Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-2011.

The training is relatively short with a finishing time of anywhere from 9 to 24 months depending on whether you are going to go for a diploma, certificate, or associates degree. For a full list of schools offering this program, see the end of this article.

EXPECTED EARNINGS AFTER GRADUATION
The median wage throughout the country is $38,740 in May of 2008. The middle 50% earned between $32,490 and $46,910.

THE WORK AND ENVIRONMENT
Surgical Technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods of time and remain alert during operations. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most work a 40 hour work week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.

I WANT TO CHECK OUT OTHER HEALTH FIELDS BEFORE DECIDING
The health field of Illinois Dental Hygienst is also a fast growing field that offers a very flexible part time schedule for many Hygienists with great pay. Another fast growing health field is Illinois MRI technician. For the shortest training time in a job that is the 2nd fastest growing field in the US, consider the Illinois CNA, otherwise known as the Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant which you can find FREE training for at many nursing homes around the country.

ILLINOIS ACCREDITED SURGICAL TRAINING SCHOOLS
1. College of DuPage – West Chicago
2. College of Lake County – Grayslake
3. Elgin Community College – Elgin
4. Illinois Central College – Peoria
5. John Wood Community College – Quincy
6. Malcolm X College – Chicago
7. Parkland College – Champaign
8. Prairie State College – Chicago Heights
9. Richland Community College – Decatur
10 Robert Morris College = Chicago
11 Rock Valley College – Rockford
12 Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Mkt Consortium – Herrin
13 Trinity College of Nursing & health Sciences – Rock Island
14 Triton College – River Grove
15 Waubonsee Community College – Sugar Grove