A
surgical tech is usually part of an operating team room, and
works with a surgeon to pass instruments and manage the
functions of the operating room during surgery. A surgical
technologist works under the supervision of a registered nurse
and surgeon, and is often involved with the operation of
diagnostic equipment and various instruments. Surgical techs are
commonly referred to as 'scrubs' or a surgical assistant. While
hands-on training can provide extensive work experience in the
field of surgical technology, a surgical tech career begins with
comprehensive education in the medical field followed by
certification.
Job Description and Responsibilities of a Surgical Tech
A surgical technologist, or
surgical tech, is involved with preparation of the operating room, along with
working with patients as they prepare for treatment. The surgical assistant
helps to coordinate tasks of the surgical personnel, and receives direction from
the supervising nurse or surgeon. Responsibilities of the surgical technologist
may include:
-
Working with a team of health
professionals in an operating room environment
-
Counting and organizing all
surgical instruments alongside the registered nurse
-
Monitoring all members of the
operating team to make sure procedures are followed and all instruments remain
sterile
-
Operating suction machines,
sterilizing equipment, and other instrument devices
-
Working with patients to move
them from room to room
-
Ensuring patients are
comfortable and prepared for surgery with the appropriate supplies
-
Stocking supplies, equipment,
and other tools needed for an operation
-
Observing patients' vital
signs
-
Assembling sterile and
nonsterile equipment
-
Passing instruments and
sterile supplies to operating room staff
-
Disposing of and transporting
specimens to laboratories or testing facilities
A surgical technologist or
surgical technician may choose to work in operating rooms at a hospital, private
surgical facilities, in a dental office, or turn to teaching in order to train
other surgical techs.
Career Options for a Surgical Technologist
A surgical technician can
advance in their particular area of surgery through specialization and ongoing
experience. They may work along with a team of surgical techs to help patients
in a hospital environment, or individually with a supervising surgeon or nurse.
A surgical technologist can begin a career in the field as a surgical assistant,
which can then advance to positions with more responsibility. A surgical
technician may choose to specialize in areas such as:
-
Neurosurgery
-
Heart surgery
-
Anesthesia
-
Wound preparation
Surgical Technology
Training Programs and Certification
A prospective surgical
technician or surgical technologist can pursue a 2-year associate's degree
program from an accredited school, or simply complete a 1 year program for
certification or a diploma. A surgical technologist can receive formal training
from junior colleges, tech schools, and vocational schools. Courses of study
include hands-on educational components that may include classes such as:
-
Surgical Instrumentation
-
Pharmacology
-
Medical Terminology
-
Sterilization
-
Physiology
-
Anatomy
After completing the necessary
courses for a degree or diploma in surgical technology, certification as a
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is an important step. Most employers find
certification to be a valuable asset, and are more likely to hire a surgical
tech that is certified. Students can receive certification by completing the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
examination. This is a national examination that must be renewed every four
years by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Some hospitals choose to test their employees on site, so if a surgical
technician does not meet the basic standards before employment they may have an
alternative option.
The National Center for
Competency Testing also offers certification, and students who qualify for this
version must meet specific requirements such as:
-
Successful completion of a
2-year hospital training program
-
Seven years of work
experience in the field
-
Successful completion of an
accredited training program
Surgical technology students
who have done well in biology, math, physical sciences, and anatomy during high
school will be well-prepared for their career as a surgical tech.
Surgical Technologist Program Accreditation
Surgical techs can pursue an
education at over 400 accredited programs throughout the
United States. The Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognizes these
programs.
Surgical Tech Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
The employment prospects for the surgical technologist look
promising with the rise in health services and the need for certified and
skilled medical professionals. Surgical procedures are becoming increasingly
advanced and many require a surgical assistant for maintenance and general
operation. With a higher demand for doctors and nurses, a surgical tech can find
many job opportunities in the health industry. As a result, employment of
surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than average through 2014.
Median annual earnings for a surgical assistant or surgical
technician were $44,077 in 2006. With additional training, a surgical
technologist has an opportunity to advance to a senior position and work with
various departments. Related occupations include:
|