8483 Surgical Tech

[krash87]

I'm at the very begining of Surg Tech school right now if anyone has any questions about it or is curious about the school I can try to answer them for you.

[jrd3553]

I am considering going in to the reserves as a surgical tech and was wondering a little bit about the school. How long is the school and where is it located? Is it a predetermined number of weeks or self paced? Can you describe the basic classes that you are taking and what your overall opinion of the education and environment.

Thank you for your response.

[krash87]

I am considering going in to the reserves as a surgical tech and was wondering a little bit about the school. How long is the school and where is it located? Is it a predetermined number of weeks or self paced? Can you describe the basic classes that you are taking and what your overall opinion of the education and environment.

Thank you for your response.

I'm at the Portsmouth school, but from what I hear the two schools are very much alike. The school is just over six months, but only the first three are classroom based. The second half is clinicals. The classes are quick, lecture one day, test the next. They cover things like microbiology, physics, legal and ethics, O.R. safety, anatomy, and surgical instruments. The cool thing about the school is after the first month you move onto labs so almost everything you learn will be hands-on. Big help. As far as the environment, I wouldn't say it's totally relaxed but the instructors do find a way to make you have a good time so that you will enjoy learning. Hope this helps, if you have more questions don't be afraid to ask.

[8404]

Navy Surgical Technologist Schools are located at the Naval School of Health Sciences at San Diego, California (see website link below) and Portsmouth, Virginia. Students are sent to NSHS on PCS orders:

http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/nshs-sd/surgical/index.htm

[dvldocjoe]

I was there at NSHS from Oct 97 to April 98 and still have the flashcards with the three hundred plus instruments we had to memorize. Do they still do the test by holding up an instrument and having you write the name down or are they laid out on the tables now in singles or by kit?

[krash87]

It's a little different now. Only 200 instruments broke up into 4 tests, you get 15 seconds with each instrument and then you pass it to the person next to you. They say spelling counts but I don't really believe that since I have horrible spelling and still have passed those tests.

[corpsman_mann]

Hi Krash,

I have my surgical tech package in right now( MAY class in virginia) , and i would like to know what the first day and day to day life is like for an 8483 in training. Thanks

[krash87]

It's really not bad at all. The instructors are there to help you but they also try to put some stress on you so they can see how you will respond in the operating room. But as long as you really want to be there you should have no problem because alot of getting through the school in motivating yourself, the instructors won't stand over you and make you study, so you have to do it on your own. My advice though, start studying the instruments on the back wall the day you start class. Oh and ask the instructors to come in on the weekends to help you practice labs once you start with them.

[corpsman_mann]

thanks krash, i'm anxiously awaiting to see if i am getting the may seat or the august seat, either way my command has approved me to go.

[Briguy3133]

Im going to MEPS this upcoming friday. My top three choices for jobs are Search and Rescue Tech (8401) Surgical Tech and Field Medic Service Tech (8404).
Can MEPS garuntee me the 8483?
During my time served am I out to sea, on base somewhere, etc?
Is it possible to finish my active duty contract with a nursing certification or something of the sort?
ANY information about certifications on any of my job choices would be appreciated.
I can't wait to get in! I'm DEP til the end of the school year due to EMTB, Trauma, Triage, and other ems courses but it'll be worth it.
This is by far the best place to get all my info.

[krash87]

Im going to MEPS this upcoming friday. My top three choices for jobs are Search and Rescue Tech (8401) Surgical Tech and Field Medic Service Tech (8404).
Can MEPS garuntee me the 8483?
During my time served am I out to sea, on base somewhere, etc?
Is it possible to finish my active duty contract with a nursing certification or something of the sort?
ANY information about certifications on any of my job choices would be appreciated.
I can't wait to get in! I'm DEP til the end of the school year due to EMTB, Trauma, Triage, and other ems courses but it'll be worth it.
This is by far the best place to get all my info.

First question, no. Last I heard MEPS won't even put 8404 in a contract, but I'm sure someone has more current info on that. Second question, needs of the Navy. Where they need you is where you will serve your time. As a new corpsman though you will "probably" be on shore at a hospital or clinic. Third, absolutely! I'm sure Tony (8404) will be around with that information, he's kind of the expert here for it. Good luck though, and remembe we are here if you have any more questions.

[8404]

Is it possible to finish my active duty contract with a nursing certification or something of the sort?


See the following thread(s):

EMT-P while on active duty (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33319&highlight=certifications&page=3)?

NAVADMIN 090/08 Award Points for Degree (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21990&highlight=certifications)

GI Bill License and Certification Program (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23422&highlight=certifications)

Training and education road maps coming out (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19879&highlight=certifications)
An excerpt:

"These new documents will be the only visible part of the Navy’s new “Enlisted Learning and Development Strategy,” in which officials will combine all the Navy’s required professional military education and training courses with civilian and military certifications — and what was previously considered “off-duty” education such as college courses — into recommended career paths for sailors."
Study Material/Web based Coorespondence Courses (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19383&highlight=certifications)

[dvldocjoe]

To answer one of those questions, 8483 cannot be guaranteed in a contract because you have to pass NHCS for quad zero corpsman to get the seat in Surg. Tech. I have only see FMTB in reservists contracts until passing NHCS and then that is not going to happen if you don't pass NHCS.