Surgical Technologist Round Table | Find out more about…

Are you looking for a new career that is rewarding, challenging, and doesn’t require years of school? Do you want to make a meaningful contribution to patient healthcare in the medical industry? Then a career as a surgical technologist may be for you. Read on to learn what you need to know in order to decide if working as a surgical technologist is a good choice.

What is a Surgical technologist?

The function of a surgical technologist is to act as a second pair of hands for a surgeon before, during, and after an operation. As an essential part of an operating team, a surgical technologist is one of the best and highest paying careers in the medical field that you can get without having to obtain a medical degree.

Before a surgery takes place, a technologist makes sure everything is set up properly and that the surgeon has the right equipment and tools to perform a successful surgery. This includes setting up things like surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and monitoring devices.

During surgery, the technologist helps place the patient on the operating table. They also help prepare the patient’s body for the necessary incisions by cleaning and disinfecting the area. They also do the following:

  • Handle instruments and sterile dressings
  • Collect samples for lab analysis
  • Cut sutures
  • Hold retractors
  • Monitor diagnostic equipment

To put it simply, a surgical tech acts as an extra pair of hands for the surgeon during surgery.

After a surgery takes place, the technologists clean the room, sterilize equipment, and restock surgical supplies. As you can see, the role a surgical tech plays is essential during all stages of an operation.

How do I Become a Surgical Technologist?

Unlike some medical careers, becoming a surgical tech doesn’t take a long time. You can obtain the necessary schooling from some schools and hospitals in less than a year. Usually you need a high school diploma or equivalent before applying for a surgical tech program.

Most states require you to pass a certification exam before being allowed to work as a surgical tech, but you shonursing-assistantsld check the local laws in your area or the area where you intend to work to make sure.

When you enroll in surgical technologist courses, there are certain surgical tech classes you can expect to take. These include:

  • Medical terminology
  • Basic anatomy
  • Surgical procedures
  • Patient care
  • Operating room techniques
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology

Check local programs to know what to expect as far as classes go.

How Much Do Certified Surgical Technologists Get Paid?

In addition to how quickly you can become a surgical tech, another benefit is the pay. On average, surgical tech salary is about $36,000, but at least 80% of surgical techs employed in the United States earn between $25,000 and $51,000. You can earn even more if you become specialized in a specific type of surgery. Advancing to the rank of first surgical technician means even more opportunities to help during surgeries and more pay.

Like most jobs, as a surgical assistant you can expect to work a regular schedule which may includes, days, nights, and weekends. You’ll also receive benefits in most cases. This means working as a surgical tech is not just a job where you clock in to earn a paycheck—it’s a career where you can make a real contribution to healthcare and provide for yourself and your family while you do so.

Are There Jobs Available for Surgical technologists?

Spending time to learn about this exciting career opportunity won’t mean much unless there were actually jobs available. Fortunately, the jobs available for surgical techs is expected to increase at least throughout 2012, so you can start now and likely find a job when you receive your certification. Working as a surgical tech doesn’t have to be just something you can think about—it’s a potential reality.

If you want to change your career or find a career, consider working as a surgical technologist. The surgical tech classes only take between 9 months to a year to complete, and you will have a very rewarding, well-paying career when you finish. If this sounds like something you’d want, look into surgical technologist job courses in your area.

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