Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists, also called surgical technicians or operating room technicians, are members of the surgical team who work in the operating room with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other personnel before, during, and after surgery. They ensure a safe and sterile environment. To prepare a patient for surgery, they may wash, shave, and disinfect the area where the incision will be made. They arrange the equipment, instruments, and supplies in the operating room according to the preference of the surgeons and nurses. During the operation, they adjust lights and other equipment as needed. They count sponges, needles, and instruments used during the operation, hand instruments and supplies to the surgeon, and hold retractors and cut sutures as directed. They maintain specified supplies of fluids (for example, saline, plasma, blood, and glucose), and may assist in administering these fluids. Following the operation, they may clean and restock the operating room and wash and sterilize the used equipment using germicides, autoclaves, and sterilizers, although in most larger hospitals these tasks are done by other central service personnel. There are approximately 109,000 surgical technologists employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $75,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Helpful

Scientific

Technical

Career Ladder

Central Service Manager, or Surgery Scheduler, or Materials Manager

Surgical First Assistant

Experienced Surgical Technologist

Entry-Level Surgical Technologist