To become an operating room technician, students must complete formal education and hands-on practice, including courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology. They prepare the operating room, assist surgical teams, and may work in hospitals, clinics, or with medical supply companies. Certification is required for employment.
To become an operating room technician, students participate in formal education and hands-on practice. Generally, colleges, technical schools, and universities offer programs ranging from less than one year to about two years, and require a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) for admission consideration. An operating room technician, also called a surgical or lab coat technologist, completes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology, among others, and generally must gain experience in a clinical setting. Upon completion of the coursework and clinical requirements, the student can earn the diploma or associate degree and complete tests for professional certification.
Training is an important part of a student’s preparation to become an operating room technician because the person in this role serves as part of a surgical team. Responsibilities include preparing the operating room and sterilizing all necessary tools prior to a procedure; assist surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists during procedures; and cleaning, resterilization, and storage of the operating room after surgery. Operating room technicians not only prepare the room and equipment, but also help prepare patients by cleaning and shaving the incision sites and transporting them to and from the operating room. In addition, they assist the surgical team with masks and gowns and can participate in procedures holding instruments and dressings, among other responsibilities.
When you become an operating room technician, hospital work is probably the most common career path, but some technicians work in small clinics, dental-surgical offices, or clinics where minor or less invasive procedures are performed. Others work only with the materials of a procedure and not with the patients. They prepare, inspect, or sterilize instruments or may work with companies that supply tools to physicians and medical facilities.
Completing the clinical and educational requirements to become an OR Technician is the first step, while testing and certification complete the preparation. Surgical technologists can become certified through the National Competence Testing Center and/or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Care after passing a qualifying test and participating in continuing education while working in the field. They must have completed education at an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Many employers will give preference to certified candidates when hiring an operating room technician.
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