What Is A Surgical Technologist?

Posted by The Popular News Today on Sunday, May 27, 2012

By Kate Jones


One way to overcome the problem of finding a job in this challenging economy is to train for a high demand career. The health profession is one area that is well worth looking into. No matter what the economy does, people still need health care. One growing area of employment in the health field is the surgical technologist.


Just what is a surgical technologist? A surgical technologist is not an rn or a surgical assistant, but an important surgical specialist who helps in the operating room under the direction from the surgical staff. This staff might include surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses, and anesthesia providers. Although there are other specialties of surgical techs, the surgical technologist or scrub tech is definitely an important occupation choice. The scrub tech prepares and controls the sterile environment within the operating room and preps the operating room for any procedures to be done there.


Scrub tech duties can include checking the operating room supplies, setting up the surgical trays, tables, instruments and everything needed for the upcoming operation. The scrub tech will help set up sterile surgical drapes, and prepare sterile gowns and gloves for the surgical staff. They will pass instruments, and supplies to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. Counting all supplies and sometimes instruments before a surgery and then before the surgeon closes the incision is very important. Preparing surgical dressings can also be part of the duties. Cleaning the instruments and surgery room after an operation and preparing it for the next patient can be part of the surgical technologists duties.


This is a occupation that isn't for everyone, but tends to be very gratifying for the right individuals. For anyone who is thinking about being employed in the healthcare field, but don't prefer to invest in the years of training necessary for registered nurses or doctors and surgeons, this can be an option. The income is good, starting from $28,700.00 yearly to $57,330.00 annually dependant upon experience and work setting. There's job security as well as a high demand for surgical technologists. The hours are generally those of a standard workweek with 40 hours and a handful of weekends.


The profession can be physically and emotionally demanding and requires exact adherence to rules and protocols and a constant attention to details. Making mistakes is not an option. You will be working in an exciting environment where you make a difference in peoples lives.




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