Surgical Technologists
Additional Information
Duties
These are some of the main tasks performed by surgical technicians:
- Prepare the operating rooms for operation before the patients arrive.
- Make sure that surgical supplies and equipment are properly sterilized.
- Perform pre-surgical preparations, such as cleaning and disinfecting the surgical site.
- Supply the surgical team with tools and other sterile equipment while the procedure is taking place.
- Count surgical tools and other supplies to guarantee that no foreign items are left in patients.
- Protect patients from infection by keeping the workplace hygienic.
Surgeons and surgeons, as well as registered nurses and other healthcare personnel, are all part of the surgical team.
Surgical technologists set up the operating room with surgical instruments and equipment prior to a procedure. Sterile solutions and drugs for surgery are prepared and surgical equipment is tested for appropriate operation by these individuals. Technologists also bring patients to the operating room and prepare them for surgery by setting up sterile drapes and washing and sanitizing incision sites. They are also responsible for placing patients on a surgical table. Sterilization robes are placed on by them, as well.
Surgical technicians hand off sterile materials and devices to surgeons and first assistants during operations. Robotic surgical equipment can be set up, or retractors can be held in place during the process. Some specimens taken for testing in the laboratory are handled by technologists.
Surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site once the procedure is complete. Depending on the technique, they may also be responsible for transferring patients to recovery rooms and restocking operating rooms.
As a surgical first assistant, you are immediately involved in the surgery and support the surgeon. Using suction or suture, for example, can aid with incision suction or stitch a wound.
Education
It's common for surgical technologists to require a diploma, certificate or associate degree from a recognized surgical technology program. These programs are available at many community colleges and vocational institutions, as well as at some universities and hospitals.
There are courses in anatomy, microbiology and physiology that are part of the surgical technology curriculum. In addition, they learn about patient safety and hygiene, sterilizing methods, technical setup, and infection control. Additionally, students obtain practical experience in clinical settings under the guidance of trained professionals in addition to traditional classroom instruction.
In order to become a surgical first assistant, one can pursue a formal training program. The first assistants may also be surgical technologists who have received further training on the job.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Schools has approved over 500 surgical technology programs (CAAHEP).
Qualities that may matter
Communication. Surgical technologists are responsible for reporting any problems that develop during surgery to the rest of the healthcare team in order to avoid infection or other complications.
Dedicated to accuracy. Attention to detail is critical for surgical technicians. They must, for example, supply the surgeons with the proper sterile equipment.
Dexterity. Surgical technicians need to be at ease with using their hands in surgical procedures. They need to get the necessary equipment for them fast.
Integrity. Surgical technologists must be ethical and honest because they are entrusted with providing sterile materials and caring for patients during surgical procedures.
The ability to pay attention and understand what is being said. It is important to be able to listen and understand what surgeons and other members of the surgical team are saying.
The ability to maintain one's energy levels. Surgical technicians must be able to stand for long periods of time without discomfort.
Possessing the ability to cope with stress. An operating room job can be very taxing on the body and mind. Working under pressure is essential for surgical techs.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
Having a certification could help you land a job. Credentialing organizations offer certification for surgical technicians.
"Certified Surgical Technician" (CST) is the official designation for those who have passed a certifying agency's examination. An authorized formal education degree or military training program and passing an examination are normally required for certification.
The title "Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C (NCCT)" can be used if you've been certified by the National Center for Competency Testing. A formal education, military training, or previous work experience are all acceptable forms of proof for applicants. Documenting essential skills and passing an exam are both required for each of these tasks to be completed successfully.
Both certifications require surgical technologists to retain their certification by completing continuing education courses.
There are a number of positions that demand that technicians have CPR or BLS certification, or both.
Surgical technologists, surgical first assistants, and/or both are regulated in a small number of states.
There are three certification programs for surgical first assistants: the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants
Pay
A surgical technologist's average yearly salary was $49,710 in May of this year. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is said to be the "median." Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide disparity.
Job Projections
Surgical technicians should expect a 9 percent increase in employment between 2020 and 2030, which is in line with the average for all occupations.