Surgical Technologist

Find out about surgical technologist training, careers and salary.

Surgical Technologist Jobs

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.

Surgical Technologist
Median Annual Salary	$39,920
Job Growth	19% through 2020, about as fast as average

_{Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook; Surgical Technologist.}_{*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.}

What You'll Do

Surgical technologists perform a long list of tasks that help doctors and OR staff as well as patients:

Assembling and preparing instruments and equipment
Delivering and preparing patients for surgery
Helping OR personnel scrub in and put on gowns and gloves
Maintaining a sterile field, including instruments and equipment, during procedures
Adjusting and checking equipment to ensure it works properly
Observing patients' vital signs
Checking patients' charts
Preparing specimens for laboratory analysis
Cleaning and restocking the rooms after operations
Applying dressing
Operate suction machines, sterilizers and diagnostic equipment
Help transfer patients to the recovery room

Surgical Technologist 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.

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.

Programs combine classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Course work includes topics in the following:

Anatomy
Physiology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Professional ethics
Medical terminology
Patient care and safety
Sterilizing techniques and surgical procedures
Infection control
Proper handling of special drugs, solutions, supplies and equipment

Licensing and Certification

Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Technologists may obtain professional certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. 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.