What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations by preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and helping surgeons during procedures. They play a vital role in maintaining sterile conditions and ensuring that surgical teams have everything they need. Also known as scrub techs, they work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics.
Surgical Technologist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a surgical technologist include:
- Prepare operating rooms by setting up sterile tables, arranging instruments, and verifying equipment functionality.
- Sterilize surgical instruments and supplies using autoclaves and chemical sterilization methods.
- Assist the surgical team in gowning and gloving procedures while maintaining the sterile field.
- Pass instruments, sponges, and sutures to the surgeon and surgical assistants during procedures.
- Hold retractors, cut sutures, and assist with wound closure under the surgeon direction.
- Count all surgical instruments, sponges, and needles before and after each procedure to prevent retained items.
- Prepare and handle surgical specimens for laboratory analysis following established protocols.
- Apply sterile dressings and bandages to surgical sites at the conclusion of the procedure.
- Transport patients to and from the operating room and assist with positioning on the operating table.
- Maintain accurate records of surgical procedures, instrument counts, and any variances or complications.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a surgical technologist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Sterile technique and aseptic practices
- Surgical instrument identification
- Operating room setup and turnover
- Anatomy knowledge for surgical procedures
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Teamwork in high-pressure environments
- Specimen handling and labeling
- Time management during procedures
Education and Training
Surgical technologists typically complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology from an accredited institution. Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) are preferred by most employers. Coursework includes anatomy, medical terminology, microbiology, and extensive hands-on clinical rotations in the operating room. Many employers prefer or require certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), which requires passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $45,000 - $62,000 per year
The employment outlook for surgical technologists is favorable, with projected growth of 5% over the next decade. The demand is driven by population growth, advances in surgical techniques, and the expansion of outpatient surgical centers that perform procedures previously limited to hospitals. Surgical technologists with additional training in robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures will be especially competitive in the job market.