Surgical technologists, also known as surgical technicians or operating room technicians, play a crucial role in supporting surgical teams. They primarily work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physicians’ offices.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical technologists collaborate with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical assistants to ensure procedures run smoothly. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing the operating room: Assembling and disinfecting surgical instruments and equipment to ensure readiness.
- Patient preparation: Cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites when necessary, and helping patients feel at ease before surgery.
- Assisting during surgery: Providing sterile instruments to the surgical team, positioning diagnostic equipment, and fulfilling the needs of the operating staff.
- Post-surgery support: Transporting patients to and from the operating and recovery rooms.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Becoming a surgical technologist typically involves completing specialized education and certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Enroll in a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Complete your education by earning a certificate (approximately one year) or an associate degree (typically two years for full-time students).
- Pass a certification exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
- Pursue additional certifications, if required by your state, to enhance qualifications.
Accreditation is essential for quality education and may be required for certification and employment. With proper training and credentials, surgical technologists can enter a rewarding and in-demand career in healthcare.
Surgical Technician Salary
“The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $59,160 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,180.” – Surgical Assistants and Technologists Median annual wages, May 2023.
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