"When I became a member of the operating
room team as a surgical technologist,
I entered into one of the most exciting careers in
the medical fields."
Lee Rhodes, CST
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These are just some of the benefits of becoming a
Surgical Technician:
- working with surgeons, anesthesiologists
and circulating nurses
- fastest growing field of employment*
- rewarding and fulfilling
- good pay
- versatility
- potential for advancement
- job security*
*CNI College does not guarantee employment.
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BECOMING A SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGIST*
Job Description | Working
Conditions | Surgical Technology
Job Opportunities
Job Description
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs
and surgical or operating room technicians,
assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons,
registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
A surgical technologist is a member of operating room teams,
which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists,
and circulating nurses. Before an operation, a surgical
technologist helps prepare the operating room
by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes,
and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and nonsterile
equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working
properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery
by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport
patients to the operating room, help position them
on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical
“drapes.” Technologists also observe patients’
vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with
putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile
supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors,
cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and
instruments. Surgical
techs help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens
taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some
operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate
diagnostic equipment.
After an operation, surgical technologists
may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and
restock the operating room.
Working
Conditions - Surgical technologists work in clean,
well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods
and remain alert during operations. At times they may be exposed
to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.
Most surgical technologist work a regular 40-hour week, although
they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on
a rotating basis.
Surgical
Technology Job Opportunities
Careers
in surgical technology are expected to grow faster
than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 as
the volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical
procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages.
As members of the baby boom generation approach retirement age,
the over-50 population, who generally require more surgical
procedures, will account for a larger portion of the general
population. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and
laser technology, will also permit new surgical procedures
to be performed.
Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical
technologists, although much faster employment growth
is expected in offices of physicians and in outpatient care
centers, including ambulatory surgical centers.
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*source: U.S.
Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics |
