Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes." Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
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Surgical Technology Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists held about 86,000 jobs in 2006. By 2016, the BLS expects 107,000 jobs, an increase of 24%. About 7 out of 10 jobs for surgical technologists were in hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. Other jobs were in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery and in outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgical centers.
Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2016 as the volume of surgery increases. Job opportunities are expected to be good. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. The number of older people, including the baby boom generation, who generally require more surgical procedures, will account for a larger portion of the general population. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will permit an increasing number of new surgical procedures to be performed and also will allow surgical technologists to assist with a greater number of procedures.
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Surgical Technologist Salary
Salary.com states that in February 2009, the median salary was $39,344. The lowest 25th percentile earned $35,657 and 75th percentile earned $43,394. Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) improves employment and salary potential. According to a 2002 survey by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), 46% of CSTs reported that employers compensated them for maintaining their credential. CSTs earned as much as $10,000 more each year than non-credentialed technologists.
Surgical Technology Education and Training
Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. In 2006, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized more than 400 accredited training programs. Programs last from 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. High school graduation normally is required for admission. Recommended high school courses include health, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Other topics covered include the care and safety of patients during surgery, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
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According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) , the preferred entry level education for surgical technolgists is an associate degree (but this is not required to take the CST certification exam). However, all programs must be accredited by CAAHEP for examination eligibility.
CST Professional Certification
Credentialing for the ST is currently a voluntary process that helps determine, by examination, that an individual has met a national standard in both theoretical and practical knowledge in a particular field. Those who obtain the certification credential and become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) demonstrate a commitment to maximum performance and quality patient care
Only graduates of CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology programs (and currently or previously credentialed surgical technologists) are eligible to take the certification examination. Upon passing the certification examination, an individual is authorized to use the CST credential. Several states require surgical technologists to hold the CST credential in order to be credentialed by state regulatory agencies, or require that hospitals hire only Certified Surgical Technologists in their operating rooms.
Surgical technologists are credentialed by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST). >> See AST recommended standards of practice
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Surgical Technology Career Advancement
The Clinical Ladder provides a way for CSTs in hospitals to advance their careers. CSTs can attain the following titles by demonstrating advanced knowledge, skill, and leadership. The recommended criteria for each level are provided by the AST.
- Certified Surgical Technologist: Level 1
- Certified Surgical Technologist: Level 2 (Advanced)
- Certified Surgical Technologist: Level 3 (Specialist)
Surgical technologist can also advance their careers by specializing in a specific area of surgery such as neurosurgery
Surgical Technologist Professional Organizations
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
www.ast.org
6 West Dry Creek, Ste 200
Littleton, CO 80120
303-694-9130
Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCCST)
www.lcc-st.org
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Ste 100
Littleton, CO 80120
800-707-0057
Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST)
www.arcst.org
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Ste 110
Littleton, CO 80120
303-694-9262
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