Surgical Technician: The Different Duties of a Surgical Technologist

Apr 30
21:16

2012

Arthur Mavericck

Arthur Mavericck

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Surgical technicians work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses. Just like doctors and nurses, they also play a vital role in the operating room.

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They perform duties that are critical to the success of the operation. These duties will include the following:

Preparing patients before a surgery

It is the nurse who will prep the patients before the surgery but it is the task of a surgical technician to clean and shave the patient. They also wash surgical sites to ensure that they are free of bacteria.

Preparing the room for the operation

This includes sterilizing drapes,Surgical Technician: The Different Duties of a Surgical Technologist Articles equipment and solutions. They make sure that the surgical instruments are in working condition, as this would greatly affect the procedure.

Providing correct surgical instruments to the surgeon

They work side by side surgeons to make sure that they are utilizing the right tools for the operation. They may also cut sutures during surgery. However, they are only done by experienced surgical techs.

Surgical Technician: Training Programs to Become a Certified Surgical Tech

The training program for surgical technicians can last from 9 months to 24 months, depending on the program. This program is offered by community colleges. Hospitals, vocational schools and some universities are also offering training program for this profession.

Most training programs for surgical techs require a high school diploma. High school students who are planning to take a career in this field should consider excelling in math, science, anatomy, chemistry and related topics while in school.

The courses offered by this program will include anatomy, medical terminology, professional ethics, pharmacology, and so on. The proper way of sterilizing the room and surgical instruments is also taught. In this way, students will know how to control infection to keep the patient safe before, during and after the procedure. Apart from that, they can also learn how to properly handle equipment and solutions, as well as special drugs.

Surgical Technician: Where do Surgical Techs Work?

The employment opportunities for surgical technicians are very good. Most professionals who are working in this field are employed in hospitals. Others, however, are working in a physician's office or dentist's clinic that carry out outpatient surgery. Some professionals can also work in ambulatory surgical centers.

The job outlook for this profession is very impressive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs in this field are expected to increase. The reason for this is the increasing number of older people who might need surgery. As a result, hospitals would hire as many surgical technicians as they can to meet the demand. As long as the person has the proper skills and education to work in this field, he/she has no problem looking for a career in this area. Certified surgical techs have more job prospects than those who do not have a designation.

With certification, this profession offers a lucrative job opportunity. The median wage for this occupation was reported to be over $38,000 in 2010. The lowest salary received by individuals in this field was said to be $27,000 while the highest salary was recorded to be $54,000 a year. Nevertheless, this profession offers a fulfilling and lucrative career for anyone who wishes to work in the medical field and who does not mind seeing blood.