Career Overview

Once called operating room technicians, surgical technicians work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses to maintain the sterile atmosphere and contribute to the efficiency of the operating room. Their professional objective is to contribute to the positive outcome of a surgical procedure.

Before surgery, technicians sterilize the instruments to be used and organize the instruments, sterile drapings, and solutions. They also check that any required equipment is available and ready before the procedure.

Surgical technicians help patients to prepare for the operation, they place the patients on and secure them to the operating table. They may also serve as scrub technicians during the operating procedure, steralizing and handing equipment to surgeons, or as circulating technicians, standing by to provide needed supplies, adjust lighting, and bring in any necessary diagnostic machines to assist the surgical team. They also make sure that the operating facility is adequately stocked.

Career Requirements

Formal training programs are available for surgical technician candidates. They are offered by vocational schools, junior colleges, and community colleges, as well as hospitals, universities, and military units. A high school diploma or a GED is required for entry into a surgical technician training program.

The majority of training programs offer classroom-based courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and professional ethics. They also offer courses covering the patient care during surgery, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures. Clinical training, which varies from 500 to 1,000 hours, students observe common surgical procedures and a variety of specialties.

More information about the field and about certification, which is voluntary, is available from the following organizations:

The Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologists
7108-C South Alton Way,
Englewood,
CO 80112

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
7108-C S Alton Way,
Centennial, CO 80112
www.ast.org

Job Outlook

The number of surgical procedures performed is expected to increase as the population of the United States becomes better able to afford these types of treatments and as the population on average lives longer. Cost containments favors the use of surgical technicians because they are less expensive than Registered Nurses or additional surgical specialists. They are also trained in the procedures with which a surgeon is most likely to require assistance; equipment sterilization and general preparation.

Career Track

Surgical technicians mostly work in hospital surgical facilities, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and private specialized surgical centers. Some also work for physicians, either individual physicians or private groups that are involved in performing surgical procedures.

Experience, certification, and supervisory skills lead surgical technicians to supervisory positions, often to the position of assistant operating room supervisor or assistant operating room administrator.

Surgical technicians can also specialize in open-heart surgery and neurosurgery, which typically secure larger salaries and better benefits for qualified and competent individuals.

Compensation

Standard compensation for surgical technician ranges between $25,000 and $40,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance.