Surgical Tech Training And Jobs

About Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists (or "surgical techs" for short) are involved with preparing and assisting with surgical procedures. They provide assistance during surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons and other surgical team members. They're sometimes referred to as scrubs and operating room technicians. Prior to an operation, they're involved in preparing the operating room by setting up the surgical instruments, the equipment and other items. They also have the task of ensuring the equipment is functioning properly.

Certified surgical technologists that have additional specialized education or training have opportunities to take the role of surgical first assistant or circulator. First surgical assistants helps with controlling the flow of blood and preventing and stopping hemorrhages form occurring. They also perform other technical procedures. The circulating technologist performs the non-sterile tasks such as interviewing patients prior to the surgery, preparing the patient for surgery, keeping a written account of surgical procedures and answering the surgeon's questions regarding the patient during surgeries.

Surgical Technologist Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery
• Transport the patients to the operating room
• Assist with the preparation of the operating room
• Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and assistants
• Wash and sterilize equipment
• Count instruments, sponges and instruments
• Operate equipment such as suction machines
• Observe patient's vital signs
• Hold retractors and cut sutures
• Make sure equipment is functioning correctly
• Maintain the supply of fluids such as blood and saline
• Assist the surgical team members with putting on masks, gowns and gloves
• Transport the patient to the recovery room
• Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis
• Apply dressings
• Clean the operating room
• Replenish supplies
• Maintains the records of surgical procedures

Surgical technologists spend a lot of their time in the operating room. They should be proficient in working as part of a team. They often work physically close with patients and medical personnel and work in small spaces and in awkward positions. Also, standing for long periods of time is part of the job. In addition, surgical technologists are sometimes exposed to diseases, infections and contaminants.

Surgical technologists need to be very accurate, detailed oriented, have good manual dexterity and work well under pressure. They also must meet deadlines such as setting up the operating room on time. In addition, they should have good communication skills and be good at dealing with the public.

Surgical technologists typically have a set work schedule. Most surgical technologists are scheduled for 40 hours of work per week, however some work on a part-time basis. They also may need to work at night, on the weekends and holidays with a rotating schedule.

Employment Outlook

According to government statistics, there were approximately 86,000 surgical technologists jobs in 2006. Hospitals provided approximately 70% of the technical surgical positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for surgical technologists is projected to be 24% from 2006 to 2016 which is significantly higher than the average for all occupations. The projected increase is mainly due to an anticipated increase in the number of surgeries. A higher number of surgeries is expected due to population growth and an aging population. Also, advancements in medical technology will allow new surgical procedures to be performed which will increase the demand for surgical technologists.

Most employers hire certified surgical technologists. They advance in their careers by specializing in a specific area of surgery or becoming circulating technologists. With extra training some become first assistant.

According to government statistics, the median annual earnings for surgical technologists in 2006 was $36,080. The highest 10 percent earned over $51,140 and the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $25,490.

Surgical Tech Schools, Certification, and Licensing

Typically, surgical technologists need a high school diploma and complete a surgical technology training program. Many surgical technologists obtain their training in a two-year associate degree program. Certificates and diplomas are also available. Depending on the level of training, the programs take from 9 to 24 months to complete. Technical schools, universities and hospitals also provide surgical technology training programs. Some military branches also provide training.

The training programs typically blend classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. Courses include medical terminology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and other subjects. Students are provided with a thorough review of surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, handling supplies, preventing and controlling infections and care and safety of patients.

Certification may be acquired from the Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologists by graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and by passing a national certification examination. Continuing education or reexamination is necessary to maintain the certification. The National Center for Competency Testing also offers certification.

Resources for Surgical Technologists

• Association of Surgical Technologists
• Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist

Major Employers of Surgical Technologists

The major employers are hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician offices, clinics and ambulatory centers.

Schools for Surgical Technologists are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Surgical Technologists by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Surgical Technologists, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.