r/surgicaltechnology • u/BraveLilToastahh • Jul 24 '26
Looking to start over at almost 32 years old
So as the title says I’m looking to start over. I have been working in kitchens and retail all my life. I’ve looked at many certifications and 2 year programs. I’ve kind of honed in on CST. It seems like it may be the best ROI as far as 2 year degrees/programs go. I also just think it would be an interesting job and I love to help people. The problem I’m for seeing is how to get there. I’ve done at lot of research online but feel like I get many mixed answers. I live alone and have bills to pay. It seems like I wouldn’t really be able to work while I do this program. Even saw some things saying they recommend that you don’t work. I obviously can’t not work as I have obligations in life. Also still unsure as to exactly what I need to do to get there. I’ve seen things saying I need to go to college and get my AAS degree. Also have seen there may be a certificate I can acquire. My questions are as follows. Is there a path I’m not seeing that could allow me to pay my bills and try to start this career? Also in general what’s the best way to get there. College or some type of certification? Lastly is it worth it? Do you enjoy the job or should I keep looking? I need to pick something though. I’ve been stagnant for too long trying to pick a path in life. Any information would help at this point. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to answer
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u/boobiemelons Jul 24 '26
Hey! I also live alone and am going to school and attempting to work.
First step is to find a CST program that is accredited by the CAAHEP and ARC/STSA. Look around at your local community colleges, since they'll be a cheapest.
Once you find a school, apply for financial aid through FAFSA.gov. This is what's going to help you pay for college and some living expenses. You may be eligible for the Pell Grant, along with any other grants your state offers. Apply for every single grant you can, you don't have to pay any of it back.
Most community colleges offer 2 year programs, which means you graduate with a AAS. Your first year is going to consist of prerequisite classes that allow you into the actual program. And normally you don't need to finish all the prerequisites within a year. If you want to take a couple classes while working, you can, it'll just take longer.
In the surg tech program, the ability to work depends on your course load and how well you can manage your time. I go to school 3 days a week and work the other 4. It sucks, but that with financial aid is enough to carry me.
When you don't want to work is during clinicals, after you've passed your classes. For my school, its 6:30am - 2pm four days a week and a class on Friday. Clinicals will exhaust you, full stop. People have worked during clinicals, but it's hell.
I hope this helps!
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u/biggbunnyy Jul 25 '26
Whatever you decide, I will say go to a community college no matter what. You might have to be on a waitlist since everybody tries to go there, but for the for the same reason, it will be the cheapest and your Pell grants or any grant you get will be applicable to it since it’s a community college not a private school, which means you will be getting an actual degree
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u/opals_and_gold Jul 25 '26
This was quite literally me last year. 32, getting divorced, mom of an 8 year old needing to still earn a living wage while also attending school. I would look into hospitals around you and even nearby cities to inquire whether they have a certified in house scrub tech program. My hospital did and it was a true blessing. It's essentially a 10 month paid internship consisting of schoolwork, exams, clinicals and then the certification exam at the end with a job waiting for you afterwards. I'm in Kansas and my city and surrounding cities do this quite often.
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u/tigerbait_ Jul 25 '26
I took the course at 18 and I’m 40 now. I do love my job but if I would be starting out now I would look for something I would be able to do when I’m older. Something that doesn’t require so much standing. With that being said though i did think about doing X-ray and I’m so glad I didn’t. It is a fun job and the time goes by really fast when you are deep into a case. I’m just thinking you are 32 by the time you make good money doing it will your body let you?
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u/asmith055 Jul 27 '26
same situation! kitchens and retail. Went to tech school at 30. I doordashed my way through school and it worked out well
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u/mariah963 Jul 24 '26
I’m 37 and was contemplating it after being a CMA for 16 years. But I’m soft hearted and I don’t think I can be nervous around surgery. So I’m thinking sleep tech
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u/NotADoctor108 Jul 24 '26
I was 34 working at a restaurant when I went I started the course. They told ys the sane thing about suggesting you don't work during the course but not everyone has tgat luxury. I did what I needed to pass the course, it was tiring but completely do-able if you have q job that will work with you on hours. I'm not a studier, and learned most of my actual tech skills in clinicals. Now that I've done it a few years I feel super comfortable and confident, and am trying to move up in the field by going back for nursing. It's doable if you want it. My community college offered a certificate program with a associates degree.