Career in operation theatre technology (OTT) in India

Who Are OTT?

Operation Theatre Technology, OTT, sometimes called  Surgical Scrubs also, are allied healthcare professionals who make sure that every single process in the operation theatre is secure and protected. Operating theatre technicians are responsible for various pre-, intra-, and post-surgery duties within a hospital. They play an integral part in the smooth functioning of ICUs, CCUs, and Operation theatres in hospitals and clinics

What does an Operating theatre technician do?

They must have the crucial knowledge and the aptitude to make sure quality patient care is maintained throughout the operative process and the sterile field is sustained till the procedure concludes. They foresee the needs of the surgeon and respond by providing suitable instruments in the right manner. This is a job that demands great accountability.

• Transport patients to and from the theatre and wards.
• Assist in preparing, checking, and maintaining operating rooms for surgery.
• Sets up anesthetic workstations, life support machines, and associated equipment.

• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, and anesthetists.
• They also look after the drugs necessary for surgery, drapes, and all the linen and their sterilization. 
• Ready the patient for surgery by disinfecting incision sites.
• During the surgery, OTT  in the sterile field offers suction and retraction and hands the surgeon any essential instruments, sponges, and other items.
• Technicians functioning outside the sterile field provide extra supplies and sterile instruments, maintain a count of pads, sponges, etc.
• Sterile dressings at the end of surgery

Academic Qualification

• Certificate in Operation Theatre Technology, COTT, duration 6-12 months
• Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology, DOTT and Advanced Diploma program, ADOTT, of duration 1-2 years with 6 months of internship. 
• Bachelors in Operating Theatre Technology, BOTT, the duration is usually 3 years, with a compulsory 6months to 1 year of internship. 

Internships help you gain experience by participating in patient care under the direct supervision of a designated preceptor or instructor in prehospital or hospital settings.

Most of the paramedical courses including Certificate and diploma programs are offered here at Virohan institute of health and management sciences.

Eligibility criteria

For the Undergraduate Certification Programs e.g. Bachelors in Operating Theatre Technician (BOTT) or Diploma in Operating Theatre Technician (DOTT) – one should have cleared 10+2 from a recognized University/Board with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology in the 12th standard board examination.

Admission process

The admission process depends on the institute. Most institutes follow a merit-based admission process and consider the marks scored in the board exam and/or relevant entrance test. 

Some institutes follow the ‘direct admission’ process. A few institutes are known to have their own screening test for selecting candidates

The Curriculum

The curriculum aims at the creative amalgamation of skilled labor with developing intuitive interpersonal skills in a knowledgeable and informed individual, transforming him/her from a learner into a thorough professional. These are the subjects you are going to study for a career as OTT ;

• Human body – Anatomy and physiology
• Pathology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Medical terminology, Medical law/ethics, Infection control, medical emergencies
• Anesthesia and premedication
• OT equipment
• CSSD procedures
• Nursing care and principles of management
• Surgical techniques
• Hospital administration and training
• Basics of computer
• CSSD procedures
• various body systems

Skills Required

Apart from the fundamental educational, outstanding scientific skills, communication skills and behavioral skills are necessary for OTT. Accuracy, critical thinking along keen observation is important. Teamwork is essential as this job necessitates the OTT to work in partnership with other healthcare providers. An optimistic attitude, compassion, and high levels of endurance and dedication are some additional qualities. They must also have the stamina to work for long hours and unpredictable shifts.

Personal requirements for an Operating Theatre Technician

• Good communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to work accurately and with minimal supervision
• Able to work as part of a team
• Organized and methodical
• Good general health and fitness 

Employment Opportunities 

• Hospitals – CSSD technician, anesthesia technician
• A medical assistant in Nursing homes
• Assistant in private hospitals
• Sales and marketing
• Academics – trainer (college, universities)
• International health services
• Government health services
• NGOs

The healthcare industry is the fifth largest employer in India and is estimated to be creating over 4 crore jobs* (source) in the next few years, in order to double its workforce.