What does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Surgical technologists play a vital role as part of the operating room team. This team is comprised of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and circulating nurses, among other specialized personnel. Surgical technologists are supervised by surgeons, unless stipulated otherwise by hospital policy or state law. The professionals often perform scrubbing using specialist skills in aseptic and sterile techniques.
The scope of their responsibilities varies by state. But surgical technologists are typically tasked with assembling gowns, suction tubing, gloves, drapes, medications, receiving solutions, and more. Individuals can opt to focus on a number of specialties, including orthopedics, cardiovascular, urology, neurology, ENT, OBGYN, and plastics.
Career Outlook and Salary Information for Surgical Technologists
The majority of surgical technologists find employment in hospitals, particularly in delivery and operating rooms. It is also common for private ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient care facilities to hire surgical techs. According to the US Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow by at least 15% by 2024. The increase is attributed to a variety of factors, including aging of the baby boomer generation, improved access to health insurance, and advances in medical technology.
Surgical technology, in addition to being a growing field, can also be financially stable as well. Surgical technologists have a median salary of $44,330 per year, according to the BLS. Most surgical technologists can expect to work full-time hours and might be on call for emergency surgeries.
A Day in the Life of a Surgical Technologist
As a surgical tech, you attend morning briefings to obtain updates regarding the day's work. The charge nurse uses the briefings to assign roles in different operating rooms. In addition, the nurse outlines specific details of each assignment, including patient information and the type of anesthesia required. During surgical procedures, you may also handle the tasks of an assistant circulator, which entails moving and positioning the patient. Also, the role involves disinfecting incision sites and shaving patients.
An experienced surgical tech can anticipate the surgeon's needs, which helps improve efficiency. This means you can pass instruments and supplies just in time, thus allowing the practitioner to focus on the patient. High levels of efficiency help prevent bacterial infections on incision sites.
When it comes to post-surgical roles, you are required to apply dressings to wounds. Tool counts are another key task performed by surgical techs; it is aimed at ensuring that nothing is left in the patient's incision sites. The use of carefully sterilized and single-use instruments is a practical way to keep the area surrounding the patient sterile for surgical procedures.
Training and Certification for Surgical Technologists
A wide variety of educational institutions offer courses in surgical technology. From certificate and diploma to degree programs, obtaining a suitable qualification has never been easier. You can also obtain certification to show your competency, such as the CORST and the TS-C (NCCT). The certifications entail ongoing education to keep you well-informed of new trends and practices. You need to complete regular tests to maintain your credential. In some cases, employers prefer surgery techs with certification in basic life support and CPR.
Additionally, there are courses designed to impart knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology. You will also gain an understanding of basic and advanced surgical instruments as well as supplies. The training prepares you well for the role by providing in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures. This is vital considering that there is little margin for error in operating rooms.
Qualities of Circulating Surgical Technologists
Some of the key qualities required to become a competent surgical technologist include:
- Physical stamina – the ability to stand in the operating room for long periods
- Dexterity – you must be comfortable working with your hands
- Detail oriented – surgical procedures demand high level of concentration and accuracy
- Stress management skills – ability to work under pressure allows you to cope in operating room conditions
If you think surgical technologist is the right career path for you, ECPI University could help you get there. With our Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree program, you could earn your associate’s degree in as little as 15 months. Contact an ECPI University admissions representative today to find out more information.
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Gainful Employment Information – Surgical Technology - Associate’s
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