4 Things You Didn't Know About Surgical Technologists

We've taken a look at the qualities that are important in a surgical technologist. Essentially, the most important traits are to be detail-oriented and to have a good memory. Veteran surgical technologists memorize the steps involved in certain procedures, and can often hand the surgeon the appropriate surgical tools without needing to be asked.

4. You Can Become One Too

There are many great careers available in healthcare, especially as the industry grows in response to the growing population and the needs of the aging baby boomer generation. A Surgical Technologist is one such career. These techs are an integral part of the operating team. Let's take a look at why this career might be great for you:

1. A Lot Rests In Their Hands

One of the surgical technologist's primary goals is to maintain a sterile operating environment. This takes place before, during, and after surgery, during patient prep, and as the surgical team prepares to begin the operation. Some of the duties include:

• Prepping the operating room for surgery
• Keeping equipment sterilized and making sure that the right supplies are available
• Helping to prepare patients for surgery, sterilizing incision sites
• Passing instruments and tools to surgeons during an operation
• Counting and keeping track of instruments and supplies

Surgical First Assistants, a popular step up for surgical technologists, assist directly in operations: suturing incisions and holding suction devices.

Martin Clifton / flickr / CC BY-ND

2. They Get Respect on the Job

One of the biggest issues hospitals face is the risk of hospital-borne infection. Because their duties involve sterilization, surgical technologists are the ground troops in the fight against such infections, getting them respect from the surgical team and hospital administration.

Most surgical techs work in hospitals, but some work in clinics that perform outpatient surgeries. Their hours are often similar to nurses and other allied health staff; surgical technologists work on the shift schedule of the hospital, so it's not uncommon to work longer than 8 hours in a day. Most are employed full time, however. They might also be on-call during nights and weekends, depending on the employer.

3. There are Lots of Job Opportunities

The job outlook for this career choice is very positive. By 2022 the number of surgical techs in the field is expected to grow by 30%, nearly 30,000 new jobs from 2012.

Growth in the field is attributed to the aging baby boomer population, who will require more and more surgical procedures to stay active and healthy. Also, new medical technologies make surgeries safer and more accessible. Therefore certified techs are expected to have the easiest time finding employment. Adding more surgical technologists to the team is also a popular strategy because hospitals find it cheaper than adding more surgical nurses.

Surgical Techs play a critical support role during surgery

Artur Bergman / flickr / CC BY-SA

Surgical tech programs range in length from 9 months to 2 years. It depends on the institution as well as the type of program. Reputable programs will offer hands-on training and the opportunity to get practical experience in a real work environment. Employers are unlikely to hire techs without this type of experience.

There are several professional certifications available in this field. The two most recognized certification exams are offered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). NBSTSA offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. NCCT offers the Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) credential.

Both certifications are nationally recognized and are cited by the U.S. Department of Labor as beneficial certifications for those looking to work in this field. It is also important to note that a small number of states may have their own rules and requirements for working as a surgical tech. Students interested in become a surgical technologist should do thorough research before choosing a training program.

The AIMS Education Surgical Technnologist program is designed to take nine months to complete (longer if taken at night). In addition to the hands-on training students receive at the school, they will also benefit from a significant amount of practical experience during the program's 400 hour clinical externship. If you'd like to know more, get in touch with a counselor to discuss your options and learn more about the program.