Surgical Technologist—Tasks, Skills, Responsibilities, Outlook

Surgical Technologists face a very promising future. The profession is expected to grow by as much as 25% between 2008 and 2013, much faster than the average rate for all occupations.

Surgical Technologists (STs) are members of operating room (OR teams) with specific responsibilities before, during, and after surgery.

• STs prepare the OR for surgery. They lay out instrument trays, prepare sterile drapes and solutions, and help the surgical team put on caps, gowns, and gloves. They may assist to prep patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting the surgical site and may take the patient to the OR. Once in the OR, they may assist with the properly positioning the patient on the table.
• During surgery, STs pass instruments to surgeons and surgical assistants. They count sponges, needles, and other supplies to track materials used in surgery. They operate suction, diagnostic, and sterilizing equipment, and package specimens to take for laboratory analysis. They also apply dressings to surgical wounds.
• After surgery, STs may help transport patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the OR.

STs can advance in their career by gaining certification through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). They can become skilled in a specialty such as neurosurgery or cardiac surgery, or manage the hospital supply department.

STs need basic knowledge of medicine, biology, psychology, and safety. They use surgical equipment and instrumentation such as suction devices, aspirators, and staplers during the course of their work. STs are trained to assist in the use electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment as well.

Excellent manual dexterity and arm/hand steadiness are perhaps the most critical skills needed in an OR, along with communication skills, particularly the ability to comprehend speech and effectively communicate with other OR team members. Critical thinking, social perceptiveness and information ordering—the ability to order items in a defined format or according to specified rules—are also essential for the OR environment.

Learn more about studying for a Surgical Technology degree or diploma at Anthem College, Anthem Institute, or The Bryman School of Arizona. Visit our Web site or call us at 1.866.502.2627.

Sources:
“Surgical Technologists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 3 Nov. 2010.

“Summary Report for Surgical Technologists.” O*Net Online. U.S. Department of Labor, 2010. Web. 3 Nov. 2010.