Surgical Technologist Job Description
Learn about surgical technologist jobs and their responsibilities in the operating room.
The Basics: Surgical Technologist
What you'll do as a Surgical Technologist: Primarily assist the attending surgeon during operations and procedures. You'll need to work well under pressure, respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, and work with speed, accuracy and concentration.
Degree needed to start as a Surgical Technologist: Certificate or associate's degree
Average Median Salary: $39,920
Cities where jobs are often found: New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Washington, DC, Boston, Atlanta
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010
Surgical Technologist Job Description
The operating room, or OR, is where a surgical technologist spends most of his or her day. Those who excel in this profession are able to focus on details and complex procedures for extended periods of time. A successful surgical technologist must also be able to anticipate the needs of the supervising surgeon by providing medical instruments and assistance before the surgeon asks for them. Because of the relatively long and complicated surgeries that are performed in the OR, surgical technologists can expect to stand for hours at a time.
During an operation, a surgical technologist's duties are divided into three phases of patient and surgical care management:
- Preoperative case management includes duties such as preparing the OR, gathering the necessary tools and supplies, counting out the necessary items, and assisting the surgical team as they enter into the sterile field.
- During the intraoperative phase, the surgical tech passes instruments and equipment to the surgeon as needed, takes care of specimens, prepares medication and assists with dressings.
- Postoperative management involves maintaining the sterile field until the patient is transported, removing used instruments, caring for and maintaining the equipment, and preparing the OR for the next patient.
Rosy Career Outlook for Surgical Technologists
The number of people requiring surgical procedures is expected to rise as aging baby boomers continue to make up a large portion of the population, making a surgical tech career a secure choice. In addition, the career path for surgical technologists will continue to evolve as technology advances, further increasing job possibilities. New developments in fields such as fiber optics and laser technology will allow technologists to assist with a greater number of procedures.
Although hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, a rapid rate of growth is expected in physician offices and in outpatient care centers, making it likely that in the future this profession will provide even greater flexibility and options.
Education Resources
Certification
Learn how to become a certified surgical technologist.
Surgical Assistant vs. Surgical Tech
Find out what role a surgical assistant performs in the operating room.
Online Training
Learn why online surgical technician training is so appealing.
Career Resources
Job Description
Read about a Surgical Technician's Responsibilities.
Salary Information
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Career Tips
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The Phases of a Surgical Technologist
Learn the importance of a surgical technician's job in the operating room.