Surgical Technologist

A surgical technologist is an essential member of a close-knit team in any operating room. Surgeons and nurses depend on surgical technologists to perform a diverse set of tasks essential to keep the OR running smoothly before, during and after procedures. The work environment is demanding and fast paced, and technologists must be conscientious, orderly and emotionally stable in order to succeed.

The profession attracts people who are just entering the workforce or changing their careers, because surgical technologists are paid well, can train for their new position quickly and enjoy long-term career satisfaction.

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Surgical technologists perform a long list of tasks, including assembling and preparing instruments and equipment, delivering and preparing patients for surgery, maintaining a sterile field during procedures, and cleaning and restocking the rooms after operations. A technologist will also perform these duties:

• Helping OR personnel scrub in (technologists are known informally as "scrubs") and put on gowns and gloves
• Sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Adjusting and checking equipment to ensure it works properly
• Observing patients' vital signs
• Checking patients' charts
• Passing instruments
• Preparing specimens for laboratory analysis
• Applying dressings

Technologists also operate suction machines, sterilizers and diagnostic equipment.

Some act as circulating technologists or "circulators," who record the operation and keep track of surgical instruments, sponges, needles and other supplies. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room.

Workplace

About seven out of 10 surgical technologists work in hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. Others hold jobs in physicians' or dentists' offices or in outpatient care or ambulatory surgical centers. A few, known as "private scrubs," are employed directly by surgeons who perform specialized surgeries, such as organ transplants. Most surgical technologists work a 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lit, cool environments. They must stand for long periods, remain alert and take precautions to prevent exposure to communicable diseases. Although tolerance for occasionally unpleasant sights and smells builds with experience, it is not an appropriate career ambition for the overly squeamish.

Education and Training

Surgical technologists training programs are offered by colleges and universities, vocational schools, hospitals and the military. Associate programs take about two years to complete. There are diploma and certificate programs that take as little as nine months; however, unless you have seven years of prior health care experience, a two-year internship is still necessary before becoming certified. A high school diploma or equivalent is normally required for admission, and high school courses in health, biology, chemistry and mathematics are recommended.

Programs combine classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Course work includes topics in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics and medical terminology. Other studies cover patient care and safety, sterilizing techniques and surgical procedures, infection control, and proper handling of special drugs, solutions, supplies and equipment.

Licensing and Certification

Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and by passing a national certification examination. They may then use the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation.

Certification also may be obtained from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To qualify for the NCCT exam, candidates must complete an accredited training program, undergo a two-year hospital on-the-job training program or acquire seven years of experience working in the field. After passing the exam, individuals may use the designation Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C). Both types of certifications must be renewed every four or five years by obtaining continuing education credits or reexamination.

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