Which is Better Surgical Tech Or CNA

So you’re trying to decide between becoming a surgical tech or a certified nurse assistant? In this post, Which is Better Surgical Tech Or CNA, I’m going to show you the pros and cons of each career so that you can make an informed decision.

Hey, my name is Keioffa, and today we are talking about two very different careers in healthcare. One is a surgical technician, and the other is a certified nurse assistant, CNA. You might be wondering which one is better for your personal circumstances, but it really depends on what type of person you are, so let’s break it down. Keep reading to determine which is better surgical tech or cna.

Surgical techs:

Highly trained professionals working in operating rooms and other surgical environments, assisting surgeons during operations. They meet the patient, transfer them to the operating room and prepare them for surgery. They also supply surgeons with all of their instruments and help set up everything before the operation begins. Surgical techs work under the supervision of a surgeon and help with tasks such as sterilizing surgical instruments, assisting in surgery, and preparing patients for procedures.

CNA’s:

on the other hand, work directly under nurse supervision, helping patients with day-to-day activities such as feeding, bathing, and changing bandages. Their daily responsibilities are much more hands-on. They also collect vital signs record their patient’s output as necessary.

CNAs have a more generalized role that includes providing personal care to elderly or disabled people in their homes or other care facilities. They also help doctors and nurses during examinations and procedures such as taking blood pressure measurements and changing bed linens.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide essential patient care services to people living in long-term care facilities or hospitals, such as bathing patients and helping them move around.

What’s the pay? 

The surgical techs career does have some benefits over CNA’s; for example, they usually make more money. Pay can definitely depend on the location, but you would be looking at around $10 per hour more in most cases. The median annual salary for a surgical technician is $43,000, while the median yearly wage is $25,500.

How long is the training? 

The training for both careers is quite different. You will need to obtain a postsecondary degree or certificate in the surgical technician career. This usually takes about a year and can cost up to $30,000, depending on your program.

The training for the CNA career is very different because it’s not required to have any kind of postsecondary or specialized degree. In most cases, a training program must take between 3 and 12 months to complete. And it can cost anywhere between $500-$4000 depending on the school you choose or if you go through an online training course.

Mental and Physical Demands:

Surgical techs must follow strict procedures and safety standards, requiring them to be highly detail-oriented and have good problem-solving skills. CNAs sometimes need to work under pressure, but this varies from facility to facility, depending on how busy it is. Both careers may include lifting patients, standing for long periods, and working long shifts.

Suppose you are one of those who are very comfortable working in a busy environment, surrounded by others. In that case, surgical tech may be the right choice for you. But if you prefer to work independently or have more solitary hospital jobs, CNA’s career may be better.

Which is Better, Surgical Tech Or CNA?

Choosing between surgical techs and CNAs really depends on your personal preference. Both careers have their pros and cons.

Surgical tech pros are :

-They usually make more than CNA’s

-They work in a highly professional environment and have less personal contact with patients.

-The job market for surgical techs is expected to grow more than 16 percent in the next decade.

-They are usually licensed after completing an accredited educational program that will ensure you are appropriately trained.

CNA pros are :

-You don’t need any formal training or degree to become a CNA. Most schools offer training programs that last between 3 and 12 months.

-The job market is growing faster than other careers

-CNA career easier to enter the career.

-They work independently, at their own pace, most of the time. So if you prefer to not be around people all the time and to work in a less busy environment, this may be for you.

-They provide more help to patients by assisting them with personal care and helping doctors and nurses during examinations and procedures.

-Due to high turnover rates, there are plenty of job openings.

Surgical tech cons:

-Long training time (1 year) and cost (up to $30,000)

-Strict requirements due to the nature of the job.

-Harder to enter the career. Primary health care classes can be required for certification.

-A higher risk of getting injured due to physical contact with patients.

-More mental and emotional stress because of an increased number of interpersonal contacts, more responsibility, and an increased patient load.

-You may have to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

-The job can be stressful, especially when working with medical emergencies.

-Your work setting may not be ideal for socializing.

CNA cons:

-Less pay than a surgical tech

-High turnover rates may leave you looking for work more often.

-It’s easier to become a CNA, but it won’t mean that you’re highly trained and ready to go. There are no requirements to expect prior experience, certification, or training.

-The job setting can be very unpredictable. Some hospitals have CNAs working in a clinical setting while others don’t. And sometimes, the job can be very fast-paced and overwhelming, especially when working with emergencies or critical patients.

-The environment is usually less professional compared to surgical techs

-Physical contact with patients is more common, meaning a higher risk of infection and injury.

-Your success as a CNA will depend on your ability to work well with others.

The average CNA salary is between $26,000 and $34,000 a year. Annualized, this would be around $14 – 18 an hour. This is just the national average; however, the pay varies significantly from state to state. There are places in states like Alabama where you can expect half of that ($12 / hr)

Surgical tech salary is generally higher than a nurse assistant salary. However, the long-term potential for growth is much more significant as a surgical tech. As of 2012, the average annual pay for surgical techs was $44,410, whereas CNAs earned an average salary of only $28,310.

If you are looking for a healthcare career, explore many options. Did this post on which is Better Surgical Tech Or CNA, help you make a choice? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I am interested in hearing which one is more appealing and why that may be so.