What is surgical technologist

A surgical technologist assists surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other members of an operating room team.

Surgical technologists, who may also be called surgical or operating room technicians or scrub techs, prepare the operating room before the surgery takes place. They also prepare patients for their surgery, arrange medical equipment, and assist doctors during surgical procedures. The surgical technologist position is sometimes confused with the surgical assistant role. A surgical assistant is another member of the operating room team.

While a surgical technologist's tasks are usually limited to preparing operating rooms and equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons, the surgical assistant provides hands-on assistance to a surgeon during an operation. A surgical assistant might help control a patient's bleeding, apply sutures and use suctioning equipment. Some surgical technologists become surgical assistants after receiving supplemental on-the-job training.

To become a surgical assistant, you can also complete a formal training program. As part of a day's regular duties and tasks, surgical technicians may perform some or all of the following:. A surgical technologist's salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors. Source: U. Bureau of Labor Statistics, To work in this field, you must complete certain educational requirements and an optional certification:.

In addition to the hard skills you will acquire through formal training, you will also need the following soft skills to succeed in this field:. The job outlook for this occupation is excellent.

Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through The U. The growth is driven by technological developments that are increasing the number of surgeries performed, as well as aging baby boomers in need of surgeries.

Surgical technologist training programs can be as short as 12 months for a certificate or two years for a combined associate degree plus specialized training. Typical entrance requirements include a high school diploma and prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and microbiology. Certification is strongly suggested and preferred by many employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of surgical technologists to grow faster than average.

This is due to advances in medical technology and more operations are being done to treat many types of illnesses and injuries. With additional experience and education, some surgical technologists become first surgical assistants or registered nurses. Others advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery. Some technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and surgical equipment firms.

College of Medicine and Science. Academics Section Overview Academic programs. Admissions and Tuition Section Overview Residencies and fellowships. About Section Overview College profile. Patient Care College Research. What does a surgical technologist do? Scope of practice Surgical technologists work in the operating room with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. And they help the surgical team put on sterile gowns. During an operation, surgical technologists pass the sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants.

They might hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

After the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure.

Surgical first assistants have a hands-on role, directly assisting surgeons during a procedure. For example, they may help to suction the incision site or suture a wound. Surgical technologists held about , jobs in The largest employers of surgical technologists were as follows:.

Surgical technologists wear scrubs and sterile gowns, gloves, caps, and masks while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

Most surgical technologists work full time. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays.

They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, offer accredited programs that range in length from several months to 2 years. Surgical technology education includes courses such as anatomy, microbiology, and physiology. They also learn about the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, how to set up technical or robotic equipment, and preventing and controlling infections.

In addition to classroom study, students gain hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings. Surgical first assistants may complete a formal education program in surgical assisting. Others may work as surgical technologists and receive additional on-the-job training to become first assistants.

To prevent infections or other complications, surgical technologists must relay any issues that arise during surgery to the other members of the healthcare team. Detail oriented. Surgical technologists must pay close attention to their work. For example, they need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation.

Surgical technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must provide needed equipment quickly. Because they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and care for patients during surgical procedures, surgical technologists must be ethical and honest.

Listening skills. Responding to requests from surgeons and others on the surgical team requires the ability to listen to and understand spoken directions.

Physical stamina. Surgical technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods. Stress-management skills.

Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical technologists should work well under pressure. Certification may be beneficial for finding a job. Surgical technologists may earn certification through credentialing organizations. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam. Both certifications require surgical technologists to complete continuing education to maintain their certification.

A small number of states have regulations governing the work of surgical technologists or surgical first assistants, or both. Surgical technologists may choose to advance to other healthcare occupations, such as registered nurse. A technologist may also choose to become a postsecondary teacher of health specialties.

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U.