According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a surgical technologist in Colorado earned an average annual salary of $49,230 in 2019. This amount is slightly higher than the national average for this profession ($48,300). It is important to note that salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience level, location, and employer.
For instance, those working at hospitals may earn more than those employed by private practices or outpatient care centers. Additionally, experienced professionals typically make more than entry-level workers. As such, wages may range from around $38,000 per year up to nearly $62,000 annually for highly skilled individuals with many years of experience in the field.
Surgical Techs in Colorado can expect to make an average of $52,490 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of Surgical Techs in the state earn more than $67,900 annually and entry-level positions start at around $33,140 for those just starting out in the profession. With so many hospitals and medical facilities across Colorado, there are plenty of opportunities available for qualified professionals looking to become part of this rewarding career field.
Surgical Tech Salary | Surgical Assistant Income, Programs, Job Duties
Surgical Tech School Colorado
If you’re looking to become a surgical technologist in Colorado, there are several great options available. Many of the state’s community colleges and tech schools offer accredited programs that will give you the knowledge and experience required for entry-level positions in this rapidly growing field. After completing your program, you’ll receive an associate’s degree or certificate that can help open doors to rewarding careers in operating rooms across Colorado and beyond.
How to Become a Surgical Tech in Colorado
In order to become a Surgical Tech in Colorado, you must first complete an accredited surgical technology program. This program typically takes 1-2 years and will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology, surgical techniques, wound care management and patient safety protocols. Upon completion of the program you must also pass both the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the Colorado state certification exam for healthcare personnel.
Once these criteria are met you can apply for licensure with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions & Occupations where you will be issued your license to practice as a surgical technologist in Colorado.
Surgical Tech Programs
Surgical Tech Programs offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and knowledge in surgical procedures. These programs provide instruction on anatomy, physiology, microbiology and other areas that are essential for success in a surgical tech career. Students learn how to work with surgeons and assist them during surgery by providing instruments, supplies, or equipment as needed.
Upon completion of a Surgical Tech Program, students can receive certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) which is recognized nationally.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do
A Surgical Tech, or Operating Room Technician, is a crucial member of the operating room team. Their responsibilities include helping to prepare for surgery and assisting during operations. They also help maintain sterile conditions in the operating room by setting up equipment, sterilizing instruments, passing tools and supplies to surgeons during surgery, and providing support throughout the procedure.
Surgical Tech Salary Denver
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Surgical Tech in Denver, Colorado is $60,818 as of March 2021. This figure can vary significantly depending on experience and qualifications as well as the specific medical facility you are employed at. It’s important to note that salaries may also be affected by cost-of-living in relation to other cities around the country so it’s important to take this into consideration when evaluating job offers or conducting research about potential career paths.
Surgical Tech Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists earned an average annual salary of $48,300 in 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,740 per year and the highest 10% earned more than $71,400 annually. Salary can also vary depending on geographical location; for example, higher salaries are typically seen in larger cities and metropolitan areas with hospitals that offer a higher volume of surgical procedures.
Surgical Tech Programs Denver
Denver offers several educational opportunities for individuals looking to pursue a career in Surgical Technology. The Colorado Community College System provides an accredited program at Emily Griffith Technical College that prepares students to become certified surgical technologists. This two-year program includes classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and clinical rotations in various health care settings such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam. With successful passage of this exam, they can then apply for positions within the medical field as Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).
How to Become a Surgical Tech
Becoming a surgical technologist requires completion of an accredited educational program and certification. A two-year associate degree in surgical technology can be obtained at many community colleges or technical schools, while some universities offer four year bachelor’s degrees as well. After completing the required education, graduates must become certified by passing a national exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Once certified, surgical techs may choose to pursue additional certifications such as Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Certified Operating Room Technologist.
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How Much Does a Certified Surgical Tech Make in Colorado?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a certified Surgical Technician in Colorado is $56,240 per year. This number is based on data collected from May 2019 and reflects an increase in wages compared to previous years. The majority of these positions are found in larger metropolitan areas such as Denver, Aurora and Boulder where salaries can be higher due to cost of living increases.
Salary ranges will differ depending on experience level, location within the state and type of facility but this figure provides an excellent starting point. In addition to base pay, many employers also offer medical and dental benefits along with paid vacation time which can help offset some of the financial strain associated with working in this profession. With a moderate cost-of-living relative to other states around the country combined with competitive salaries it’s easy to see why Colorado continues to remain one of America’s most popular destinations for people seeking employment opportunities as a Certified Surgical Tech.
What is the Highest Paid Surgical Tech?
The highest paid Surgical Techs are those who have the most experience and knowledge in the industry. Those with advanced certifications, such as Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) or Certified First Assistants (CFAs), typically earn higher salaries than non-certified technologists. Additionally, having specialized knowledge of specific procedures can be beneficial when negotiating salary.
For example, a cardiac surgery technician may make more money than an orthopedic tech due to their focused expertise on a single area of medicine. Lastly, location plays a role in salary expectations – surgical techs working in metropolitan areas often command higher wages than those from rural communities. With all these factors combined, it is possible for top surgical technicians to earn annual incomes that exceed $80,000 per year depending on where they work and how much experience they possess.
What State Pays Surgical Technicians the Most?
As of 2021, the state that pays surgical technicians the most is California. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgery techs in California earn an average annual salary of $57,030. This figure is significantly higher than the national median salary for this profession which sits at around $47,300 per year.
As a result, many surgical technicians have chosen to make their home in California and take advantage of these lucrative wages. The demand for skilled professionals within this field has grown exponentially over recent years due to advancements in medical technology as well as a growing number of patients requiring surgery across all age brackets and demographics. In fact, job growth for surgical technologists is projected at 8% from 2020-2030 according to BLS data – much faster than the average rate for other occupations.
Given its status as one of America’s most populous states with some 28 million people living there and its reputation for high salaries among healthcare professionals, it’s no surprise that so many aspiring surgeons are choosing California as their destination when seeking employment or furthering their education in order to break into this rapidly expanding industry.
Do You Have to Be Certified to Be a Surgical Tech in Colorado?
In Colorado, Surgical Technicians are required to be certified in order to practice. This is due to the fact that working as a Surgical Technician requires specialized knowledge and skills that must be obtained through rigorous training and education programs. Certification is not only necessary for practicing surgical technologists in Colorado but also beneficial; certification serves as proof of their level of expertise and commitment to providing quality patient care.
The certifying bodies for Surgical Technicians in Colorado include the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST) and the National Board of Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). In order to become certified by either organization, individuals must pass an exam administered by either body after completing an accredited surgical technology program or at least two years of full-time experience as a surgical technician within five years prior to application. Additionally, all applicants must have completed certain courses such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology and basic healthcare ethics.
After passing their examination they will then receive their certification which will need renewal every four years with continuing education credits or reexamination requirements depending on which certifying body was used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary of a surgical tech in Colorado can vary greatly depending on location, experience and certifications. Generally, most surgical technologists in Colorado make between $37,500 – $53,000 annually. With additional certifications and specializations that number can increase substantially.
For those looking to pursue a career as a surgical technician in Colorado, it is important to research salaries for different regions to ensure you are being offered competitive wages for your skillset.