Surgical Technologist

Industry:
Healthcare
Last Updated:
April 27, 2023

Job Description Overview

If you are interested in working in the healthcare industry, becoming a Surgical Technologist might be a great fit for you. In this role, you will play a vital role in the operating room by assisting surgeons and other medical professionals during surgeries. 

As a Surgical Technologist, your job responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing surgical equipment, and ensuring that all necessary tools are available and in the right place during the procedure. You will also be responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs during the surgery, as well as keeping accurate records of the surgical procedure. 

To succeed in this role, you will need to have excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Additionally, you will need to be well-versed in medical terminology and have a thorough understanding of the human anatomy. 

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the healthcare industry that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives, a Surgical Technologist job description might be the right choice for you.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist surgeons during surgical procedures.
  • Prepare operating rooms and equipment.
  • Sterilize and maintain surgical instruments.
  • Anticipate surgeon's needs during procedures.
  • Adhere to proper aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.
  • Monitor patient vital signs during surgery.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare team members.
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment in the operating room.
  • Manage inventory of surgical supplies and materials.

Experience and Education Requirements

To become a Surgical Technologist in the Healthcare industry, you generally need to have some education and experience. You'll usually need to finish a program that's accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The program will often take around 9 to 24 months to complete. It will teach you how to clean surgical instruments, how to help doctors during procedures, and how to handle different medical technologies.

After you finish the program, you'll usually need to get certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). You may also need to have some clinical experience, which you can usually get during the program. With these qualifications, you may be able to find a job working in Operating Rooms, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, or other healthcare settings.

Salary Range

Surgical technologists are important members of the surgical team responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting surgeons during surgeries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists in the United States is $48,300, with the top 10% earning more than $68,000 per year. However, salary ranges may vary depending on the location, experience, and type of healthcare setting where they work. In Canada, surgical technologists earn an average salary of CAD $58,853 annually, while in the United Kingdom, their salary range is between £20,000 - £35,000 per year. 

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Surgical Technologists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
  • PayScale. (2021). Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=SurgicalTechnologist/HourlyRate
  • Indeed. (2021). Surgical Technologist Salaries in United Kingdom. https://www.indeed.co.uk/salaries/Surgical-Technologist-Salaries.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for Surgical Technologists in the healthcare industry appears to be growing steadily over the next five years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population and a greater demand for surgical procedures. Moreover, technological advancements require more skilled professionals to operate and maintain sophisticated equipment. Therefore, a career as a Surgical Technologist could be a solid choice for anyone looking for job security and growth opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Surgical Technologist do in the healthcare industry?

A: A Surgical Technologist works alongside the surgical team to prepare and maintain the operating room, sterilize equipment and instruments, and assist with procedures.

Q: How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?

A: Typically, it takes about 1-2 years to complete a Surgical Technologist program and attain a certification. Some programs may take longer if they include more coursework or clinical experience.

Q: Do Surgical Technologists work regular hours?

A: Surgical Technologists may work irregular hours depending on the needs of the facility or hospital, and may be required to be on-call or work evenings or weekends.

Q: What skills are required to be a successful Surgical Technologist?

A: To be a successful Surgical Technologist, you should have excellent attention to detail, technical skills, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Q: Are there opportunities for growth or advancement within the field of Surgical Technology?

A: Yes, there may be opportunities for advancement within the field of Surgical Technology, including becoming a surgical assistant, a sterile processing technician, or a surgical technology instructor.


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