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What Do Respiratory Therapists Do?

Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing difficulties or other cardiopulmonary problems caused by asthma, smoking, pneumonia, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, chest injuries, and other disorders. They work with all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. They provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema and give emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock.

Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. They measure a patient’s lung capacity with an instrument that checks the volume and flow of oxygen when inhaling and exhaling. They also use tests to measure blood pH and the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen in the blood. They provide treatment to patients, including connecting patients to ventilators, monitoring patients on ventilators, and aspirating patients who have a build-up of mucus in their lungs. Therapists perform regular assessments of patients and equipment. For example, if a patient appears to be having difficulty breathing or if the oxygen, carbon dioxide, or pH level of a patient’s blood is abnormal, therapists may adjust the ventilator setting according to the doctor’s orders or check the equipment for mechanical problems.

Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care, therapeutic treatments, and diagnostic procedures. They also supervise respiratory therapy technicians.

For more information about respiratory therapists, go to http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm and the American Association for Respiratory Care at: http://www.aarc.org.

Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?

The vast majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others may work in nursing care facilities or even travel to patients’ homes. Most respiratory therapists work full time, and because they work in medical facilities, they may work evening, night, or weekend hours.

What Do Respiratory Therapists Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for respiratory therapists in the United States was $74,310. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, respiratory therapists in New York earned a median annual salary of $93,938 (respiratory therapists in the 25th percentile made approximately $73,583 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $105,587).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for respiratory therapists in the U.S. will increase by 14% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for respiratory therapists in the state will increase by 31% between 2020 and 2030.

With an increased need for respiratory care as a result of illnesses associated with aging, the demand for respiratory therapists is expected to be strong and job opportunities will remain good.

For more information on projections of respiratory therapists by New York labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

Educational Program Requirements

For respiratory therapists, an associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be important for advancement.

Among the areas of study in respiratory therapy programs are human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the application of clinical practice guidelines, patient care outside of hospitals, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and respiratory health promotion and disease prevention.

For a list of accredited respiratory therapy programs in New York click here.

New York Licensure Requirements

To be licensed in New York, respiratory therapists must be graduates of an approved respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist examination (CRT) and the Registry Examination (RRT) (written and simulation exams). For more information on New York state licensure requirements, go to: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/respiratory-therapists/license-requirements. For more information on examination requirements, go to: http://www.nbrc.org/.

Financial Support

The American Respiratory Care Foundation offers scholarships to respiratory therapy students and provides links to other financial aid sites. For more information, go to: http://www.arcfoundation.org/awards/.

Educational Programs in New York

Additional Web Links

For more information about respiratory therapists, go to

The New York State Society for Respiratory Care Web site:http://www.nyssrc.org/

What Do Social and Human Services Assistants Do?

Social and human service assistants help people get through difficult times or get additional support. They may work with elderly; children and families; people with disabilities, addictions, or mental illnesses; veterans; former prison inmates; homeless people; or immigrants. They assist other health care workers, such as social workers, to provide services to people. “Social and human services assistant” is a general term for workers with a wide array of job titles, including human service worker, case work aide, crisis intervention counselor, clinical social work aide, community support worker, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skills counselor, or gerontology aide. The job titles and duties are considerably different depending on the employment setting and the clients served. They usually work under the direction of workers from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work. The amount of responsibility and supervision they are given also varies a great deal. Some have little direct supervision—they may run a group home, for example. Others work under close direction.

Social and human services assistants provide services to clients to help them improve their quality of life. They assess clients’ needs; develop care and treatment plans; review documentation; investigate clients’ eligibility for benefits and services such as food stamps, Medicaid, or welfare; and help clients to obtain such benefits and services. They also arrange for transportation and escorts, if necessary, and provide emotional support. Social and human services assistants monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to supervisors and case managers.

For more information, please see: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm.

Where Do Social and Human Services Assistants Work?

Social and human services assistants are employed in diverse settings, such as group homes and recovery or halfway houses; institutional settings such as prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and other rehabilitation and long-term care facilities; nonprofit organizations; community mental health centers; community health care settings; elderly, family, youth, and child service agencies; state and local government; and substance abuse programs.
Most social and human services assistants work a 40-hour week, but their shifts may vary, so they may work evening, nights, or weekends.

What Do Social and Human Services Assistants Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for social and human services assistants in the United States was $41,600. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, social and human services assistants in New York earned a median annual salary of $40,942 (social and human services assistants in the 25th percentile made approximately $33,430 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $51,691).

Supply and Demand

The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for social and human services assistants in the state will increase by 36% between 2020 and 2030.

Growth in this occupation will be due to the needs of an aging population and a rising demand for health care and social services. Growth is expected as more people seek treatment for addictions, and also workers will be needed to investigate child abuse cases as well as to place children in foster care and with adoptive families.

For more information on nurse social and human services assistants by New York State labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

New York Educational Requirements

While a bachelor’s degree is not usually required for entry into this occupation, employers increasingly seek individuals with relevant work experience or education beyond high school. Certificate or associate degrees in subjects such as human services, social work, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences meet most employers’ requirements. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field such as counseling, rehabilitation, or social work. Many degree programs require completion of a supervised internship. Most programs also offer specialized courses related to addictions, gerontology, child protection, and other areas.

In addition, these workers should have a strong desire to help others, effective communication skills, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively. Many social and human services jobs involve direct contact with people who are vulnerable to exploitation or mistreatment, so patience and understanding are also highly valued characteristics.

New York State Licensure Requirements

New York does not license social and human services assistants.

Financial Support

The National Organization for Human Services offers scholarships to the students of social and human services programs. For more information, go to: http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/awards-scholarships.

Education Programs in New York (subject to change)

 Additional Web Links

For more information on social and human services assistants, go to:

National Organization for Human Services: http://www.nationalhumanservices.org

Council for Standards in Human Services Education: http://www.cshse.org

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

Direct-service social workers assess their clients’ needs and situations and develop plans to improve their clients’ well-being. They may help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment, and may also respond to crisis situations, such as natural disasters or child abuse. They will also advocate for and help clients get the resources they need to improve their well-being such as community and government benefits, food stamps, child care, and health care. These social workers help clients cope with difficulties at every stage of life, from childhood to old age, and through a wide range of situations such as job loss, adopting a child or the death of a child, addiction issues, to being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Clinical social workers, also called licensed social workers, may diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, including anxiety and depression. In addition to many of the tasks that a direct-service social worker may do, clinical social workers also provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; develop treatment plans to best help their clients, work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health professionals. Important qualities include empathy, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and communication skills.
Both direct-service social workers and clinical social workers may specialize in a number of areas:

Child and family social workers provide social services and assistance to improve the social functioning and psychological well-being of children and their families. They help families in need of assistance and protect vulnerable children. Clinical social workers provide mental health care to help children and families cope with changes in their lives, such as divorce or other family problems.

School social workers help teachers, parents, and school administrators to develop plans and strategies to improve students’ academic performance and social development. They may also help to deal with problems such as aggressive behavior, bullying, or frequent absences from school.

Medical and public health social workers provide psychosocial support to individuals, families, or vulnerable populations so they can make necessary adjustments to their lifestyle to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or AIDS.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers assess and treat individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems. Such services include individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and teaching skills needed for everyday living.

Other types of social workers include social work administrators, researchers, planners and policymakers, who develop and implement programs and regulations to address issues such as child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, and violence.

For more information about social workers, go to: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.

Where Do Social Workers Work?

Many social workers work in private practice, either solo or in a group with other social workers or mental health professionals. Some social workers also work in hospitals, outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, school districts, and nursing and residential care facilities. Although most social workers work in an office and often handle their own recordkeeping and billing, they may also spend a lot of time out of their offices visiting clients in their homes or wherever they may be and traveling to schools, institutions, or other locations.

What Do Social Workers Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for healthcare social workers in the United States was $62,760. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, healthcare social workers in New York earned a median annual salary of $57.023 (healthcare social workers in the 25th percentile made approximately $41,980 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $73,148).

Supply and Demand

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2016 and 2026, employment of all social workers in the U.S. is expected to increase by 9%. As with annual wages for social workers, the percentage of growth varies with type of social work, although all social work professions are expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations.

According to the New York State Department of Labor, between 2020 and 2030, jobs for child, family, and school social workers in the state are projected to grow 24%; jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers in the state are projected to grow 26%; jobs for health care social workers in the state are projected to grow 27%; and jobs all other social workers in the state are projected to grow 13%.

Growth in the social work professions will be due to an increase in demand for health care and social services in a variety of ways. For example, more social workers will be needed in schools to respond to rising student enrollments; and employment of health care social workers is expected to grow as baby boomers age and they require help to find the health care they need.

For more information on employment projections of child, family, and school social workers by New York labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

Educational Requirements

Social workers typically have a degree in social work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies.

A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is usually required for positions in health and school settings and is required for clinical work, as well. MSWs generally take two years to complete. Some programs allow those with a BSW to earn their MSW in one year. MSW programs prepare students for work in their chosen specialty and develop the skills to do clinical assessments, manage a large number of clients, and take on supervisory duties. All programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship. A BSW is not required to enter MSW programs. In fact, a degree in almost any major is acceptable. However, coursework in psychology, sociology, economics, and political science are recommended.

A doctorate in social work (DSW) is usually required for college and university teaching positions and research appointments.

New York Licensure Requirements

In New York, there are two professional licenses for social workers, with different qualifications. Only licensed social work professionals may legally use the title Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York. The LCSW may provide all social work services, including clinical services such as the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and addictive disorders, the development of treatment plans, and the provision of psychotherapy. The LMSW may provide these clinical services only under supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist. Social work services may also be provided by an unlicensed person with a BSW degree, under the supervision of an LMSW or LCSW, although non-licensees cannot diagnose or treat mental illness.

In order to be licensed in New York, MSWs must receive a master’s degree from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and pass a national licensing exam. CSWs must complete an MSW degree that includes clinical courses, have three years of post-degree supervised experience in clinical social work, and pass a clinical licensing examination.

LCSWs must complete an MSW degree that includes clinical courses, have three years of post-degree supervised experience in clinical social work, and pass a clinical licensing examination.

For more information on New York licensing requirements for Licensed Master Social Workers, go to: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/license-requirements. For more information on requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Workers, go to: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-clinical-social-worker/license-requirements

Financial Support

The National Association of Social Workers offers scholarships to social work students. For more information, go to: http://www.naswfoundation.org/fellowships.asp.
The Council on Social Work Education provides a number of funding opportunities for students. Check the Web site for information: http://www.cswe.org/.

Social Work Education Programs in New York (subject to change)

Note: Please click on each school’s name to view its Web site for information about which social work degrees the school offers.

Additional Web Links

For more information about social workers, please visit these websites:

The American Board of Clinical Social Work https://www.abcsw.org/

The Association of Social Work Boards www.aswb.org

The Council on Social Work Education www.cswe.org

The National Association of Social Workers www.naswdc.org

The National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter www.naswnyc.org

The National Association of Puerto Rican/Hispanic Social Workers www.naprhsw.com

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to  prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency in people of all ages. Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering or slurred speech or other speech impairment; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, resulting from brain injury, stroke, or attention, memory, and problem-solving disorders.

Speech-language pathologists often work with audiologists because some speech problems are a direct result of hearing problems. (See Audiologists section on this website.) For more information on speech-language pathologists, go to: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.

Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?

In the U.S., nearly half of all speech-language pathologists work in schools; most others are employed by health care and social assistance facilities. Some speech-language pathologists also work in patients’ homes.

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for speech language pathologists in the United States was $89,460. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, speech language pathologists in New York earned a median annual salary of $104,606 (speech language pathologists in the 25th percentile made approximately $67,377 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $128,675).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for speech-language pathologists in the U.S. will increase by 21% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for speech-language pathologists in the state will increase by 40% between 2020 and 2030.

The demand for speech-language pathologists will grow as an aging population may have increased difficulties with neurological disorders and associated speech, language, and swallowing impairments. Medical advances are also improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma and stroke victims, who then need assessment and sometimes treatment. Employment in educational services will increase with the growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech and language disorders in young children will also increase employment for speech-language pathologists.

For more information on employment projections of speech-language pathologists by New York State labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

Educational Program Requirements

In New York, speech-language pathologists are required to have a graduate degree in speech-language pathology. Master’s level programs in speech-language pathology include coursework in basic communication processes, audiology, scientific areas of speech-language pathology and language, as well as a supervised practice of at least 400 hours.

Most master’s programs require an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, audiology, or a relevant or more generic degree, such as communications disorders.

New York Licensure Requirements

To be licensed as a speech pathologist in New York, an individual must have finished a graduate degree in speech-language pathology from an approved educational program; completed at least nine months (36 weeks) of supervised clinical experience; and pass the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

For more information on the Praxis Series test for speech-language pathology, go to: http://www.ets.org/praxis/.
Speech-language pathologists are also required to take continuing education courses to maintain licensure. For more information on New York licensing requirements for speech-language pathologists, go to: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/speech-language-pathology/license-requirements.

Financial Support

Many of the colleges and universities listed below have scholarships and other funding awards available for speech-language pathology students. Please check the programs’ websites and with the financial aid office at the school.

In addition, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers several scholarship opportunities. For information, go to: http://www.ashfoundation.org/grants/default.htm.

Education Programs in New York (subject to change)

Note: Please click on each school’s name to view the school’s website for available academic programs.

Additional Web Links

For more information about speech-language pathologists, go to the websites for:

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association http://asha.org/.

The New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association http://www.nysslha.org/.

The American Academy of Audiology http://www.audiology.org/.
[whohit]Speech-Language Pathologists[/whohit]

What Do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Do?

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction (drugs, gambling, etc.), eating disorders, mental health issues or other mental or behavioral problems. They provide support and treatments to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors by helping them identify behaviors and issues related to their addiction. They may also teach clients how to cope with stress and life’s problems in ways that help them recover. Many times, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and reestablish their careers. They may also help clients improve their personal relationships and find ways to discuss their addiction or other problems with family and friends.

Many substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work with other health and mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, doctors, and nurses. Counseling sessions may be one-on-one, with families, or with groups of people.

For more information about substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, click here.

Where Do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Work?

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are most likely to work in outpatient care centers; they also work in individual and family service agencies and residential treatment facilities, mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Some work in a private practice alone or with other mental health professionals, and they may also work in hospitals or for public health programs.

What Do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the United States was $56,230. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New York earned a median annual salary of $56,375 (substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the 25th percentile made approximately $40,584 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $73,659).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the U.S. will increase by 22% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the state will increase by 33% between 2020 and 2030.

For more information on the need for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors by New York labor regions, 2018-2028, click here.

New York Educational/Licensure Requirements

New York substance abuse counselors are credentialed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). The official title is Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is a state certification that requires both academic and work experience and is for individuals who wish to provide alcoholism and substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling services in approved work settings in New York. In order to apply to become a CASAC in New York, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent of the time, and must have earned at least a high school diploma or GED. CASAC applicants must meet specific competency and ethical conduct requirements, meet specific work experience requirements, meet minimum education and training requirements, and pass the credentialing exam.

For more information about CASACs in New York, go to: https://www.oasas.ny.gov/professional-credentialing

New York State requires all mental health counselors to be licensed. For more information, click here.

Financial Support

Contact the financial aid offices of the education programs listed below to learn about financial support available at that school. Also, check the OASAS Resources page for additional support ideas and opportunities.

Education Programs in New York (subject to change)

Additional Web Links

For more information on substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, go to:

• New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) http://www.oasas.ny.gov/
• Council for Accreditation Counseling and Related Educational Programs: http://www.cacrep.org/
• American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/
• National Board of Certified Counselors: http://www.nbcc.org/

What Do Surgical Technologists Do?

Surgical technologists (also called operating room technicians) assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

Surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They prepare patients for surgery and transport patients to the operating room. They will position patients on the operating table and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. They may remove a patient’s sutures and apply dressings. Surgery technologists also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team by passing instruments and other sterile supplies. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. They may also operate some diagnostic equipment and handle specimens taken for analysis. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.

Certified surgical technologists with additional specialized education and training may perform advanced duties that are typically performed by surgical first assistants or circulators. Circulators monitor operating room conditions and the patient and help preserve a sterile environment. The circulator may also keep a written account of the surgical procedure and will answer the surgeon’s questions about the patient during the surgery. First assistants, under the supervision of the surgeon, provide aid in exposure, hemostasis (controlling blood flow and stopping or preventing hemorrhage), and other technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation.

For more information about surgical technologists, go to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm

Where Do Surgical Technologists Work?

Almost three-quarters of surgical technologists work in hospitals in operating rooms and delivery rooms. Other surgical technologists work in outpatient surgery centers, physician offices, or dental offices.

What Do Surgical Technologists Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for surgical technologists in the United States was $57,500. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, surgical technologists in New York earned a median annual salary of $66,230 (surgical technologists in the 25th percentile made approximately $49,733 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $75,820).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for surgical assistants and technologists in the U.S. will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for surgical technologists in the state will increase by 16% between 2020 and 2030.

Growth in employment of surgical technologists will occur as the volume of surgeries goes up. The large population of baby boomers in the U.S. is aging and older people usually require more operations, including joint replacements and heart-related procedures. Technological advances have created a variety of new surgical procedures and will allow surgical technologists to assist with more procedures. Also, advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.

Surgical technicians may advance to a first assistant with proper training. Surgical technologists may advance to a registered nurse or postsecondary teacher of health specialties. A one year practicum is often encouraged to enhance the application of learned techniques.

For more information on surgical technologists by New York State labor regions for 2018-2028, click here.

New York Educational Requirements

Surgical technologists receive training in formal education programs at community colleges and vocational schools which typically last from nine to 24 months and result in a certificate or associate degree. Educational programs include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. Courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Students also work in supervised clinical settings to gain hands-on skills as technologists. Surgical technologists are trained in the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, and preventing and controlling infections. They also learn to handle and prepare special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.

New York Licensure Requirements

New York does not require surgical technologists to be licensed, though many employers prefer to hire certified surgical technologists. Individuals wishing to demonstrate proficiency may obtain voluntary professional certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants. Individuals may also benefit by graduating from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited program and passing a certification examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Financial Support

The Foundation for Surgical Technology of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) sponsors a student scholarship fund to encourage and reward educational excellence demonstrated by surgical technology students and offer assistance to those who seek a career in surgical technology. The leadership of the Foundation determines the amount of the awards and selects the scholarship recipients.

Surgery technologist: https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/TSC.aspx

Certified Postsecondary Instructor: https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/CPI.aspx

The Foundation for Surgical Technology of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) sponsors a student scholarship fund to encourage and reward educational excellence demonstrated by surgical technology students and offer assistance to those who seek a career in surgical technology. The leadership of the Foundation determines the amount of the awards and selects the scholarship recipients.

Education Programs in New York

Additional Web Links

For more information about surgical technologists go to The Association of Surgical Technologists Web site at: http://www.ast.org/.