Surgical Technician

Education Requirements:
Associate Degree from 2-year college or accredited training program Click here for more information
Certifications:
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) https://www.nbstsa.org/
Salary Range:
$30K - $45K Annually
Educational Institutions:
Employment Outlook:
High Job Demand
Job Overview:
Surgical Technicians are members of the medical teams that work in operating rooms and assist and support before, during, and after operations. A Surgical Technician is sometimes called an operating room assistant, surgical scrub technician or a surgical technologist.
Surgical Technicians work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses and make sure that the entire surgical process goes smoothly. Before operations, techs put surgical instruments and equipment into place in the operating room. They gather sterile linens and solutions. They check equipment to make sure that it is working well. Then they make any required adjustments in the room.
During surgery, techs work with instruments and other sterile supplies. They hand these items to surgeons and surgical assistants as needed. To help the surgeon, they may also hold retractors. This means they hold open the incision in the patient's body while the surgeon works.
After operations, techs often help move patients to the recovery room. Then, they clean and restock the operating room to get it ready for the next surgery.
Job Tasks:
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment
- Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
- Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia or subcutaneous wound layers.
- Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
- Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
- Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Job:
- Knowledge and use of automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles.
- Knowledge and use of electronic medical thermometers.
- Knowledge and use of electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment.
- Knowledge and use of surgical clamps, clips, forceps and accessories.
- Knowledge and use of medical stapler for internal use, surgical trocars and accessories.
- Knowledge and use of surgical lasers or accessories.
- Knowledge and use of autoclaves or sterilizers.
- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries diseases and deformities.
- Knowledge and use of circuit boards, processors, microchips, electronic equipment and computer hardware and software including applications and programming.
- Active Listening – Ability to give full attention to what others are saying.
- Speaking – Ability to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking – Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
- Near Vision – Ability to see details at close range.
- Problem Sensitivity –Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Finger Dexterity – Ability to make precise coordinated movements of the fingers.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness – Ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Visual Color Discrimination – Ability to match or detect differences between colors.
- Written Comprehension – Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Desired Work Style Attributes:
- Attention to details
- Integrity – Honest and ethical
- Dependability – Reliable and responsible
- Cooperation – Pleasant with others
- Stress Tolerance – Accepting criticism and dealing calmly in stressful situations
- Self-Control – Maintaining composure, can keep emotions in check
- Concern for Others – Sensitive to needs of others