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To
be a successful Surgical Technologist you should:
- Respond quickly and know procedures well.
- Be able to have instruments ready for surgeons without
having to be told.
- Be prepared to keep abreast of new developments in
the field.
- Have a teamwork approach to work.
- Have good eye/hand coordination.
- Show accuracy and attention to detail.
- Be able to stand for extended periods of time.
- Be conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable
to handle the demands of the operating room environment.
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| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Surgical technologists receive their training in formal
programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational
schools, universities, hospitals, and the military.
Education in surgical technology usually lasts from nine
to 12 months for a diploma or certificate, and two years
for an associate degree. Shorter programs are designed
for students who are already licensed practical nurses
or military personnel with the appropriate training.
Technologists advance by specializing in a particular
area of surgery.
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| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the State of Connecticut. |
| Where
can I get more information? Association
of Surgical Technologists
7108-C South Alton Way
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 694-9130
ast.org |
| What
is the salary for this career? $31,200-$49,920
(Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital Association
Compensation Survey) |
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| What
will my job be like? Surgical technologists
assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons,
registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Before
an operation, surgical technologists help set up the operating
room with surgical instruments and equipment, sterile
linens, and sterile solutions. Technologists may also
prepare patients for surgery.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other
sterile supplies to surgeons. They hold retractors, cut
sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and
instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care
for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis
and may help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers,
lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic
equipment. Technologists may also clean and/or restock
the operating room.
Surgical Technologists may specialize in the following:
- Scrub Surgical
- Circulating Surgical
- Central Supply
- Neuro-Cardiovascular Surgical
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| Where
could I work? Most surgical technologists
are employed by hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery
rooms. A few, known as private scrubs, are employed directly
by surgeons who have special surgical teams like those
for liver transplants.
Surgical technologists usually work a regular 40-hour
week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends,
and holidays on a rotating basis.
Other workplace settings:
- Clinics and Surgical Centers
- Physician and Dentist Offices
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| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
surgical technologists is expected to grow much faster
than the average through the year 2008, as the volume
of surgery increases. Technological advances, such as
fiber optics and laser technology, will also permit new
surgical procedures to be performed. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Accredited per Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs (CAAHEP):
- Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport
- Danbury Hospital, Danbury
- Eli Whitney Regional Vocational Technical School,
Hamden
- A.I. Prince Regional Vocational Technical School,
Hartford
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
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