MEDICAL SUPPORT
Surgical Technologist
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 team 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, be orderly and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment.
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.
Specialties
- Scrub Surgical
- Circulating Surgical
- Central Supply
- Neuro or Cardiovascular Surgery
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
Average Annual Salary
$60,370 per year
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,700 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
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.
Where could I get the education/training?
- CT State Gateway
- CT State Manchester
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
More Information
Association of Surgical Technologists
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200
Littleton, CO 80120
800-637-7433
