Badly needs an advice... From bsn-RN to OR surgical technician

[KattleyaSagun-Tugas]

Hi! I am seeking for an advice on how I can get a certification for operating room surgical technician. You see I am a BSN-RN outside US. I haven't started the application for the nclex-RN licensure exams. I have been an OR nurse for 12 years in 3 different countries. Now that I'm here in the US, I couldn't practice my profession unless I have passed the state board exam in which I have plans in doing it but not any time soon. I know that I will have a greater chance in getting a job as an OR nurse right after I pass the nclex-RN exam if I am already working in the OR department even as an OR technician. This is the reason why I intend to take the exam t be certified as an OR surgical tech. Is it possible even if I have no surgical technician course or even finished a program?and if it qualifies my degree as a BSN and the number of years experience in OR for me to have the eligibility in taking the exam? I love working in the OR and I couldn't see myself working in another department. Please help me!

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Go to the Association of Surgical Technologist website and it will tell you how you can be eligible to take the exam. Just having a BSN and/or experience does not make you eligible. Basically you either have to have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program in the US, or a US military program (I believe this is a new concession to military technologists who previously were not eligible).

[ORoxyO]

If you have years of experience as an OR nurse and scrubbed then your experience should speak for you more than another certification.

[NedRN]

CST does require either military or formal education. However, not all employers require it for surg techs. I'd even bet most US hospitals do not require it. I don't think in 17 years of travel that I've ever been to a hospital with 100% certified techs. No doubt most will ask for it, and some, especially larger hospitals, will require it. Pehaps most travel techs are certified on the other hand, it opens up more assignments.

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

+1 ORoxyO. I wouldn't even waste time with CST. Pass boards and get a job in the OR as a nurse. If you have experience you shouldn't have any problem getting a job.