In the operating room, multiple hospital personnel work together to ensure the success of an operation.
One of the key roles is that of a surgical technician.
A surgical technician’s responsibilities include preparing the operating room, ensuring patients are ready for surgery, and assisting with the cleaning of equipment after the procedure.
If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of becoming a surgical technician in Delaware, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need.
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Licensing Requirements to Become
One of the great aspects of becoming a surgical technician in Delaware is the flexibility in licensing requirements.
While you don’t need any specific licensing or certification, it’s highly recommended to demonstrate your competency through a certificate or an associate’s or graduate program.
Many surgical tech jobs in Delaware also accept on-the-job training, provided you’re working under the guidance of an experienced professional.
While becoming certified can enhance your competitiveness, it’s not a mandatory requirement in Delaware.
Relevant work experience can often be a substitute for a certificate.
Many surgical tech positions in the state offer comprehensive training and support to meet all the necessary requirements.
This ensures that you’re well-prepared to work as a surgical tech in Delaware.
3 Surgical Tech Schools in Delaware
Delaware Technical Community College
Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) offers a comprehensive associate degree program in surgical technology at its Dover campus.
This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become valuable members of a surgical team, including roles such as circulating technologists and hospital supply department managers.
For those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the surgical technology associate program is a pathway to a connected degree program that can be transferred into a four-year program.
Students attending the associate’s level will need to attend five semesters on-campus for a total of 72 credits.
The courses include a list of core classes along with a few selected electives.
Students must maintain good grades in order to qualify as surgical technicians.
Any student who fails to pass must retake the course to proceed to the next semester.
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College offers a surgical technology associate in an applied science program that prepares students to work as entry-level surgical techs.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education and includes clinical experience at local hospitals.
These clinical experiences are a crucial part of the program, as they provide students with hands-on training and the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
Students who attend this program will need to complete 120 surgical cases.
Thirty of those will need to be in general surgery, with 90 being in other areas of surgery.
Students who complete the program will need to become familiar with this packet.
New Castle County Vocational Technical School District (Delcastle Technical High School)
For younger students still in high school, there is a special surgical technology program that prepares them to work as surgical techs after graduation.
The program starts in their junior year and expands to cover medical technology and anatomy and physiology in their sophomore year.
If students successfully complete their classes, they will then be prepared to work as entry-level surgical techs.
Students who participate in the surgical technology program at New Castle County Vocational Technical School District (Delcastle Technical High School) have the opportunity to become Certified Registered Central Service Technicians.
This certification, distributed by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service and Material Management (IAHCSMM), is a valuable addition to their credentials.
It’s an excellent program that not only prepares students for entry-level surgical tech positions but also sets them up for furthering their medical careers.
Surgical Technician Schools in Delaware – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Delaware
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College | 400 Stanton Christiana Rd d201, Newark, DE 19713, United States |
| Delaware County Community College | 901 Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063, United States |
| New Castle County Vocational Technical School District (Delcastle Technical High School) | 1417 Newport Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, United States |
Salary
The average salary for a surgical tech in Delaware is $53,100 per year.
However, the actual salary can vary depending on factors such as location and experience.
On the lower end, surgical technicians can expect to earn around $42,975, while those with more experience can make up to $63,799.
The majority of surgical techs in Delaware earn between $47,800 and $58,700.
Keep in mind that higher-paying jobs are often found in larger cities.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Surgical Technologists in Delaware
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $54,700 |
| Dover | $55,000 |
| Newark | $54,600 |
| Milford | $55,500 |
| Seaford | $54,600 |
| Middletown | $54,700 |
| Harrington | $55,500 |
| Smyrna | $54,800 |
| New Castle | $54,700 |
| Delaware City | $54,600 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 50 | $55,920 | $26.88 | $70,880 | $40,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a surgical tech in Delaware?
Anyone wanting to be a surgical tech in Delaware must attend an in-person training program or get on-the-job training.
Delaware is one of the states that doesn’t require a surgical technician degree to work, but many employers will seek certified technicians.
Students may also gain experience in similar fields or join training programs.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
The amount of time will highly depend on the program or training.
On average, most surgical technicians will spend two years on an associate’s degree in college.
However, other training programs may only take a year to complete.
Students will be expected to get good grades or complete on-the-job training until they are competent.
Is there a good job outlook for surgical techs in Delaware?
Delaware’s healthcare industry is growing, and with it, the demand for surgical technicians.
Over the next ten years, the state expects to see new job openings in this field.
As entry-level surgical techs gain experience and move up in their career, more advanced positions will become available.
Additionally, the rise of traveling surgical tech jobs, which are offered by an increasing number of hospitals, will create further opportunities.
If you’re considering a career in surgical assistance, becoming a surgical tech in Delaware is a promising starting point.
