Surgical Technologists
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical Technologists are specialized healthcare professionals who assist in surgical operations. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff to ensure that the operating room is sterile, equipped, and prepared for surgery. Their primary role is to facilitate a smooth surgical procedure by managing instruments, sutures, and supplies while maintaining a sterile environment. Surgical Technologists are instrumental in patient care before, during, and after surgery, often acting as the primary support for the surgical team by anticipating their needs and ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available. They follow strict protocols regarding sterilization and infection control, making their role crucial in preventing complications. Surgical Technologists can specialize in different surgical fields, allowing them to gain expertise in various types of surgeries ranging from orthopedics to cardiovascular operations. Adept at working under pressure, they must possess strong attention to detail, sharp communication skills, and the ability to remain calm in fast-paced environments.
Tasks
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers
- Surgical suction machine or vacuum extractor or ultrasonic surgical aspirator
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment
- Medical staplers for internal use
- Surgical power equipment sets
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
- Maintain sterile operative fields.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$40640.0 - $83150.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.