Surgical Technology

Job Description

Surgical technologists are also referred to as “scrubs,” or “operating room technicians.” They assist in surgical operations, helping surgeons and registered nurses. Surgical technology professionals prepare the operating room instruments, similar to the role played by dental assistants. Surgical technicians also pass these instruments and sterilize in the middle of an operation. They are considered essential to the operation room.

Surgical Technologist Salary

The median wages of surgical technologists in 2008 was approximately $39,000. The lowest percent earned under $27,000 and the highest percent earned over $54,000.

Education & Training

Surgical technologists receive their education from private or community colleges offering accredited surgical technician training or surgical technology degree programs. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized over 450 programs as fully accredited in 2008, meaning you’ve got a variety of options for pursuing your educational needs. To receive free information on top surgical technologist schools, please fill out our school finder widget at the top left side of this page.

Certification

Certified surgical technologists typically has an easier time finding permanent positions with top hospitals and clinical facilities. The Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist offers an examination that gives CAAHEP-accredited graduates the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), which helps when looking for a surgical technician job.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25 percent job growth rate for surgical technologists in the 2008-2018 decade. This is considered much higher than average, even for the accelerated growth of most fields and positions within the general healthcare industry. The primary factor propelling such high growth rates is technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technologies, allowing surgical technicians to play a larger role in surgical procedures.

Advancement

Surgical technician career advancement comes by specializing in a specific type of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open-heart surgery. They may also pursue a career as a circulating technologist. While many in the industry do work in hospitals, there are also positions for surgical technicians at medical equipment supply companies and insurance agencies. Excellent on the job performance allows surgical technology specialists to advance within their units, leading to management positions.

Learn More

To learn more about surgical technician schools with accredited programs, please enter your information in our school finder widget. Or to view another specialty within the medical technician careers field, check out our page on becoming a cardiovascular technologist.