Top 10 Surgical Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a surgical coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has specific knowledge and is qualified to perform the duties of the position. Certification shows employers that the candidate has taken the time to learn best practices and standards in the field, which gives them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications can increase an individual's earning potential by providing them with more credibility and recognition in their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Surgical Coordinators and explain how they can help enhance a surgical coordinator's career.

What are Surgical Coordinator Certifications?

Surgical Coordinator Certification is a credential that is offered by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). It is designed to recognize an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of surgical technology. This certification demonstrates that an individual has met the standards set forth by AST for surgical coordinators.

The certification serves as proof of an individual's expertise in the field and provides assurance to employers and patients that they are receiving quality care from a qualified, knowledgeable professional. Certification can also help individuals advance their careers and earn higher salaries. Those who have achieved certification will have greater opportunities for promotions, as well as more job security. By obtaining certification, individuals will have a competitive edge over those who do not possess it. In addition, employers may be more likely to hire those with certification when looking for new staff members.

Overall, Surgical Coordinator Certification can help individuals become more marketable in the healthcare industry and increase their career prospects within the profession.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of surgical coordinator certification available, as they can vary depending on the setting and specialty. Additionally, check with your employer or state board for any specific requirements that may be necessary to obtain a certification.

Related: What does a Surgical Coordinator do?

Top 10 Surgical Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Surgical Coordinators today.

1. Certified Surgical Coordinator (CSC)

Certified Surgical Coordinator (CSC) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of surgical coordination. The CSC credential is awarded by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

To become a Certified Surgical Coordinator, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include completion of an accredited program in surgical technology or a related field, as well as two years of full-time employment in a clinical setting with at least one year of experience in surgical coordinating.

The CSC credential is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education credits. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by AST. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, infection control, instrumentation, and equipment management.

The cost for taking the CSC exam varies depending on the state in which you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Surgical Coordinator (CASCSC)

A Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Surgical Coordinator (CASCSC) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification to coordinate the activities of ambulatory surgery centers. The goal of the CASCSC is to ensure that the patient's experience in an ambulatory surgery center is safe, efficient, and cost effective.

The certification process for a CASCSC involves completing a course of study and passing an exam. This course typically takes between four to six months to complete, depending on the individual's learning style. The cost of the certification program varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $400-$800.

In order to become certified as a CASCSC, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of related experience in an ambulatory surgery center setting or equivalent healthcare setting. They must also have completed a minimum number of hours in continuing education related to ambulatory surgery centers and demonstrate knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations governing these facilities.

Once eligible, individuals can apply for the certification program through one of several organizations that offer it such as the National Board for Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), or American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After successful completion of the coursework and exam, individuals will receive their CASCSC certificate which is valid for three years.

Overall, becoming certified as a CASCSC requires dedication and commitment but can lead to greater career opportunities within the field of ambulatory surgery centers.

3. Certified Operating Room Manager (CORM)

A Certified Operating Room Manager (CORM) is a credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and experience in the management of operating room (OR) departments. It is designed for OR managers, directors, and supervisors who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an OR department. The CORM credential is offered by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

It takes approximately 12 months to complete the requirements for CORM certification. To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as an OR manager or supervisor and must pass an exam administered by AORN. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as personnel management, budgeting and financial management, quality assurance and safety, regulatory compliance, and patient care issues.

The cost to take the CORM exam is $395 for AORN members and $495 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or review courses.

4. Certified Central Sterile Technician (CCST)

Certified Central Sterile Technician (CCST) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of individuals who work in the field of sterile processing. This certification provides evidence that the individual has achieved a level of proficiency in the areas of decontamination, sterilization, instrumentation, and quality assurance.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete all aspects of the CCST program. The first step is to complete an accredited course in sterile processing or related topics such as infection control or medical terminology. After completing this course, applicants must pass a written exam administered by either the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution). Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification with IAHCSMM or CBSPD.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on which organization you choose to pursue your certification with. Typically, it costs around $200-$300 to register for the exam and an additional fee for any study materials you may need. Additionally, there may be fees associated with renewing your certification every two years.

Overall, becoming certified as a CCST is an important step towards advancing your career in sterile processing and ensuring you have the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform at a high level in this field.

5. Certified Medical Assistant in Surgery (CMAS)

Certified Medical Assistant in Surgery (CMAS) is a certification program offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who specialize in surgical care. The certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.

To obtain the CMAS certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Completing an accredited medical assisting program
• Passing the NHA Certified Medical Assistant in Surgery exam
• Having at least one year of full-time experience as a medical assistant working with surgical patients within the past three years.

The cost of obtaining the CMAS certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The NHA charges $125 for the initial exam fee, and $90 for each subsequent renewal exam.

6. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in Surgery (CCMAS)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in Surgery (CCMAS) is a certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent care in a surgical setting. The CCMAS certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, infection control, patient safety, surgical instruments and supplies, sterilization techniques, pre-operative and post-operative patient care, medical law and ethics. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience as a clinical medical assistant in surgery or at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience within the last three years.

The cost of the CCMAS exam varies depending on where you take it. The NHA offers online testing for $109 or paper/pencil testing for $129. Additionally, there are other costs associated with becoming certified such as study materials or review courses which can range from $50-$200 depending on what you choose.

7. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a medical professional who assists in surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and providing assistance to surgeons and nurses during operations. They are responsible for ensuring that all necessary supplies and instruments are available and ready to use during surgery.

In order to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), individuals must complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs typically take between nine months and two years to complete, depending on the type of program chosen. After completing the program, students must pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The cost of becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist depends on the type of program chosen. Most programs cost between $5,000-$20,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

8. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patient health information and medical records. This credential requires a combination of formal education and experience in the field, as well as passing an exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To become an RHIA, individuals must first complete a bachelor’s degree program in health information management or a related field from an accredited college or university. Once they have obtained their degree, they must then pass the RHIA exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal issues, data analysis, coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, and more.

The cost for registering for the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 to register for the exam.

Once all requirements are met and you have passed the RHIA exam, you will be officially awarded your credentials. It typically takes about 6-9 months to get your credentials after passing the exam.

9. Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET)

A Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET) is a professional who has been trained and certified to assist in endoscopic procedures. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses an endoscope – a long, thin tube with a light and camera at the tip – to examine the inside of the body. The technician helps the physician by preparing equipment, setting up the procedure room, and assisting during the procedure.

To become a Certified Endoscopy Technician, individuals must complete an accredited program or training course in endoscopy technology. This typically takes six to twelve months to complete depending on the program and can be done through either an academic institution or a vocational school. After completing the program, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The cost of becoming a Certified Endoscopy Technician varies depending on where you take your training course. Most programs range from $1,500-$3,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

10. Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

A Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. COTs are trained to perform comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including visual acuity testing, refraction, tonometry, slit lamp examination, fundus photography, and other tests. They also assist ophthalmologists with surgical procedures and provide patient education about vision care.

It typically takes between six months to two years to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). The requirements vary by state but generally include completing an accredited program in ophthalmology technology or a related field such as opticianry or medical assisting. Many states also require applicants to pass a certification exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

To become certified as a COT, you must first complete an approved program in ophthalmology technology or related field. After completing the program, you must pass the JCAHPO certification exam which consists of both written and practical components. You can find more information about the exam at www.jcahpo.org/certification-exam/.

The cost of becoming a COT varies depending on the program you choose and your geographic location. Most programs range from $1,000-$3,000 for tuition and fees. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the JCAHPO certification exam which ranges from $125-$225 depending on your membership status with JCAHPO.

Do You Really Need a Surgical Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it is important to understand what a surgical coordinator is and what their responsibilities entail. A surgical coordinator is responsible for coordinating the various aspects of a patient’s surgery, including scheduling, pre-operative testing, obtaining consent forms, and providing information to the patient and family prior to the procedure. They also provide support after the surgery by ensuring that all post-operative instructions are followed and any follow-up care is provided.

A certificate may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in this field as it can provide them with additional knowledge and understanding of the duties of a surgical coordinator. It can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions. Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates who have taken the time to obtain such certification as it shows dedication and professionalism.

However, it is important to note that not all employers require a certificate in order to become a surgical coordinator. Depending on where you live and work, you may be able to find employment without one. Additionally, if you already have experience in healthcare or related fields such as nursing or medical billing/coding, then you may already possess some of the skills required for this position. In these cases, obtaining certification may not be necessary but could still be beneficial if you wish to expand your knowledge base and demonstrate your commitment to your chosen profession.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a surgical coordinator certificate will depend on your specific goals and objectives as well as what type of job opportunities are available in your area. If you feel that certification will help you achieve your professional goals then it would be worth considering obtaining one; however if not then there may be other ways in which you can demonstrate your qualifications for the role without having one.

Related: Surgical Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Surgical Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Surgical Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Surgical Coordinator Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing administrative support to surgical teams. It is awarded by organizations such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) or the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Surgical Coordinator Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Surgical Coordinator Certification, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having at least two years of experience in surgical coordination and passing an accredited certification exam. Additionally, they must complete continuing education courses every two years to maintain their certification status.

3. How much does it cost to obtain a Surgical Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Surgical Coordinator Certification varies depending on the certifying organization and may include fees for registration, exam administration, and other related expenses. Additionally, individuals may need to pay for any required continuing education courses.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Surgical Coordinator?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as a Surgical Coordinator depends on several factors including how quickly you can complete the required coursework or exams and whether or not you need additional training or experience before taking the certification exam. Generally, it takes about six months from start to finish to earn your certification.

5. What kind of jobs can I apply for with my Surgical Coordinator Certification?

Answer: With your certification, you will have access to many job opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers where you can work as either an administrative or clinical surgical coordinator. You could also be employed by medical device companies or pharmaceutical companies in roles related to product development and marketing.