More Information About Surgical Technician

• Job opportunities are expected grow for surgical technicians.
• Training programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
• Surgical technicians can become highly sought after if they specialize in a particular type of surgery.

What does a surgical technician do?

Surgical technologists, also called scrubs or operating room technicians, assist doctors and nurses in surgical operations. Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments, and sterilizing surgical equipment. They also transport patients to the operating room, and help to prepare them for surgery. During surgery, technologists pass instruments to surgeons and assistants. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.

Job opportunities for surgical technicians are expected to be very good because the number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Most technicians will work in hospitals.

The average yearly salary for a medical office clerk is $34,000, with a range from $28,000 to $40,000, depending on experience and location. Health and retirement benefits vary by workplace.

Surgical technologists receive their training in programs offered by community and junior colleges, each lasting between 9 to 24 months. High school graduation is normally required for admission to these programs and they can lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree. After completing an accredited program, surgical technologists can take a test for professional certification. Though this test is voluntary, many employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Surgical technologists must be able to distinguish and hand off instruments quickly and be very good at taking directions from authority. Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. Some also may work as circulating technologists.