Introduction
Healthcare is one of the most diverse and rewarding fields to work in. It provides a range of opportunities to individuals who want to work in healthcare, but not necessarily as a doctor or a nurse. Two such healthcare careers that are gaining popularity are surgical tech and respiratory therapist. In this article, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of these two careers and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist or an operating room technician, is an allied healthcare professional who assists surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing surgical instruments, and ensuring that the surgical team has everything they need during the procedure. Surgical techs also assist in the positioning of patients on the operating table and help with wound closure after the surgery is complete.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients with breathing problems. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants to the elderly. Respiratory therapists evaluate patients’ lung function, administer oxygen therapy, and provide respiratory treatments to improve lung function. They also perform diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, and assist in the management of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients.
Education and Training
To become a surgical tech, you need to complete a surgical technology program that typically takes 9-24 months to complete. These programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may have additional requirements, such as prior healthcare experience. After completing the program, you need to pass a national certification exam to become a certified surgical technologist. To become a respiratory therapist, you need to complete an accredited respiratory therapy program that typically takes 2-4 years to complete. These programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may have additional requirements, such as prior healthcare experience. After completing the program, you need to pass a national certification exam to become a certified respiratory therapist.
Work Environment
Surgical techs work primarily in surgical suites and operating rooms in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities. They typically work full-time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They may also work in patients’ homes. Respiratory therapists typically work full-time, with some working evening and weekend shifts.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical techs in 2020 was $50,110. The job outlook for surgical techs is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for respiratory therapists in 2020 was $62,810. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
Both surgical tech and respiratory therapist are rewarding healthcare careers that offer job stability, good salaries, and opportunities for growth. If you are interested in working in surgery and want to be an important part of the surgical team, then surgical tech might be the right career for you. If you are interested in helping patients with breathing problems and want to work in a variety of healthcare settings, then respiratory therapist might be the right career for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your interests, skills, and career goals.