Surgical Technologist: Aide to the Operating Room
The Surgical Technologist plays a key role in the fast-paced environment of the OR. From the preparation of sterile equipment before surgery until the patient is taken to recovery, the job of the Surgical Tech is to ensure the surgery runs smoothly and cleanly.
Most Surgical Technologists hold an associate's degree or certificate from a junior college, medical career college or technical school. A 12 or 24-month program will give you the training and job skills necessary to gain an entry-level position, and further on-the-job experience can open new opportunities to advance and earn more.
You can find out about entering this field today by contacting Surgical Technologist schools near you and getting valuable information such as enrollment details, degree options and placement opportunities. Simply complete the search form above to find Surgery Tech schools in your area, then click to have all the details sent to you, directly from the schools you select.
Surgical Technologist Job Description
The Surgical Technologist is essential to the smooth flow of the operating room. They are responsible for preparing the operating room before surgery, assisting the doctors during the surgery itself, taking care of the patient immediately after the operation, then preparing and restocking the operating room for the next surgery.
The Surgical Tech's duties can include:
- Setting up instruments and equipment
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Assisting the surgical team with preparations
- Passing instruments to doctors during surgery
- Assisting in minor surgical tasks
- Using diagnostic equipment
- Tending to patient after surgery
- Resetting and restocking operating room
To find out about Surgical Technologist training programs in your area, simply complete the school search form above and request training details from schools near you.
Surgical Technologist Training
Surgical Tech training involves either a 24-month program for an associate degree, or a shorter program for a certificate or diploma. Training can be found at career and junior colleges, technical schools or medical training colleges.
After graduation, most Surgical Techs take a certification exam to become certified by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCCST). To be eligible, you must have graduated from a program accredited by CAAHEP, so it is a good idea to ask school reps about a school's accreditation before enrolling.
Some of the coursework involved in a Surgical Technologist degree includes:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Care and Safety
- Sterile Techniques
- Surgical Procedures
To find Surgical Technologist schools near you, simply complete the search form above and select the schools you'd like to hear more about.
Surgical Technologist Salary
Most Surgical Technologists earn between $28,000 and $47,000 annually, while the highest-paid Surgical Techs earn over $57,330, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Employment & Wages database.
To advance to the higher end of the pay scale, Surgical Technologists can specialize in specific areas, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. They may also become Circulating Technologists, or receive additional training to become First Assistant.
Annual Mean Surgical Tech Salaries by Industry:
| Physicians' Offices | $55,840 |
| Employment Services | $48,460 |
| Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools | $47,590 |
| Specialty Hospitals | $46,630 |
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | $44,030 |
To learn more about the Surgical Technologist field, complete our easy School-Finder form above and request information from schools near you.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
Surgical Technologist employment is predicted to increase 23% by 2018, much faster than most occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor..The highest employment levels will be seen in hospitals, physicians' offices and outpatient care centers.
Growth is caused by increased demand for surgical procedures as the population of elderly increases. It also comes from advancements in technology, which all ow new surgical procedures to be performed. Employment opportunities will be best for Surgical Technologists who are certified (see Training Requirements).
To learn more about Surgical Technologist schools in your area, use our easy School-Finder form above to browse schools near you.
