Surgical Technologist Career

Surgical Technologist Job Description

A surgical technologist is a part of the surgical team. He assists the surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other operation-theater personnel.

A surgical technologist’s job description entails preparing the patient for the surgery, by cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting the area to be operated up on. He also disinfects the entire room, system and the surgical equipments. He will move the patient in to the operation theater, place him on the operation table, and cover him with surgical drapes.

In addition, the technologist helps the surgical team clean up and put on their gowns, masks and gloves.

Through the procedure, the surgical technologist hands over the equipment and supplies to the surgeons. He will also monitor the patient's vital signs.

Surgical Technologist Education, Certification and Training

• Hospitals, colleges, universities, and vocational schools provide training for surgical technologists. The coursework comprises of classroom training and practical experience. Subjects include: anatomy, microbiology, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, professional ethics, sterilization techniques, and patient care and safety. Hands-on skills, such as, handling of drugs and apparatus, sterilization, and prevention and management of infection are taught.

• Licensed surgical technologists have a greater edge, because, most employers prefer certified technicians. The Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologists provides Voluntary Professional Certification to students from a CAAHEP-accredited course. The title Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) can be used after you have been certified.

• Every 4 years, you need to renew the license. Therefore, continued training and additional exams are essential.

• You may perhaps even be licensed by the National Center for Competency Testing. After passing the examination, you are allotted ‘Tech in Surgery Certified’, TS-C. Re-certification every 5 years, by appearing for exams is crucial.

• Continual study of the recent advances and developments, surgical procedures and equipment is very important.

Surgical Technologist Jobs

Surgical technologist jobs are expected to be very good. Hospitals remain the biggest employers; nonetheless, posts at surgeon’s clinics and offices, and out-patient centers, like, ambulatory surgical centers are estimated to increase.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there will be a 25% increase in the employment of surgical technicians from 2008 - 2018.

Surgical Technologist Salary

A surgical technologist’s salary is about $34,010 per year. The salary largely depends on his education and qualification, employer, location and experience.