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Surgical technologists assist surgeons, nurses, and other surgical personnel during operations by preparing equipment, transporting patients, passing instruments, and restocking and sterilizing the operating room. They must complete a training program and pass a national exam to become certified. Most work in hospitals and have a 40-hour work week.
A surgical technologist performs a variety of roles to assist surgeons, nurses, and other surgical personnel in the course of surgical operations. The duties of a surgical technologist include preparing surgical equipment and instruments, preparing the patient for surgery, and transporting the patient to the operating room. Many surgical technologists also help doctors and nurses with sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, a surgical technologist assists operating personnel by passing surgical instruments to them and keeping count of supplies such as sponges, needles, and other instruments. They can also cut sutures, apply dressings and operate some of the diagnostic equipment. After surgery, a technologist will likely restock the operating room and sterilize it. Some technologists also help transport the patient out of the operating room.
Universities, hospitals, and community and junior colleges, as well as military and professional schools, train students for a position as a surgical technologist. Generally, these programs last from nine to 24 months and involve classroom study and clinical experience. Students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology, among other topics. Other topics covered in a surgical technologist training program include sterilization techniques, patient safety, and infection control and prevention.
Surgical technologists must have good dexterity and be quick to respond. It is also important for a surgical technologist to be emotionally stable as some situations are critical. They must also be able to stand for long periods without complications and must not be disturbed by the sights and smells of medical procedures.
Two organizations in the US certify surgical technologists. Upon graduation from an accredited program and passing a national examination administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist, a technologist may use the Certified Surgical Technologist designation. The National Competency Testing Center also certifies surgical technologists with on-the-job training, as well as those who graduated from an accredited school. If the surgical technologist passes the required exam, he or she may use the Certified in Surgical Technology designation.
Most surgical technologists work in hospitals and have a 40-hour work week, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some work for doctors and dentists who perform outpatient surgery.
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