Imagine yourself working in an operating room, helping a surgeon perform a life-saving procedure. You might think you need to attend years of study to take on such an important role. But you’d be surprised to learn that you can be qualified as a surgical technologist, also known as surgical technician, or “scrub,” in as little as 18 months.  Read on to learn what it’s like to work in this exciting profession.

As a surgical tech, you can have a range of responsibilities to ensure that the patient and the operating theater are properly prepared. Prior to surgery, you’ll set up the instruments and sterile drapes and prepare the equipment and solutions. After that, you’ll position and drape the patient on the operating table.

During surgery, you may operate the diagnostic equipment, lights, and suction machines, but you may also pass instruments and sterile supplies to medical personnel at various stages of the operation. You’ll be responsible for counting needles, supplies, and sponges, as well as more critical tasks such as cutting sutures and holding retractors.

Job Opportunities for Surgical Techs

The majority of surgical technologists are employed in hospitals in both operating and delivery rooms. Scrubs also find work in ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient care centers, and the offices of doctors and dentists.

As a surgical tech, you will not always be limited to a 9-5 schedule, as surgeries sometimes take place on nights, weekends, and holidays, especially emergency procedures. In addition, you may be “on call” for various shifts. Depending upon the facility where you work, you may receive extra pay for guaranteeing your availability, even if you are not called in.

Surgical Technologist Job Outlook and Earning Potential

What type of salary can you expect as a surgical technologist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, the median annual pay in the field was $41,790 per year, or $20.09 per hour. The future job outlook is excellent, as employment is expected to grow 30 percent between 2012 and 2022. This is likely due to advances in technology that have made surgery safer and more common, as well as an aging baby boomer population that desires to stay active. These individuals are increasingly likely to opt for elective procedures such as knee replacements and other procedures that improve their mobility and quality of life.

Becoming a Surgical Tech: Do You Have What it Takes?

Surgical techs must possess a fair degree of stamina. You might find yourself standing on your feet for long hours, especially during a complicated procedure. You might have to lift patients and heavy objects and move and adjust cumbersome equipment. And of course, you will have to be able to withstand the stress of a critical procedure, and not be adversely affected by unpleasant odors and sights such as body fluids and internal wounds. But if you are tough enough to handle the stress of being in an operating room, the profession is exciting and rewarding.

Get a Degree in Surgical Technology

A surgical tech program combines medical training with traditional arts and science courses. Classes include medical terminology, surgical theory and procedures, anatomy and physiology, culture and diversity, mathematics, psychology, and computer applications. In addition, clinical experience can give you hands-on training so you can know what to expect when you enter the operating room.

Take the Next Step

Is the job of surgical technologist appealing to you? Can you see yourself assisting with a critical procedure? If so, contact ECPI University’s College of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute (MCI) today to find out how you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science - Surgical Technology in just 1.5 years. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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