CAREER

Surgical Technologists

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$49,710

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+6.8% (as fast as the average)

Career

What Surgical Technologists Do

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Other Job Titles Surgical Technologists May Have

Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Operating Room Technician (OR Tech), Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech), Surgical Scrub Technician, Surgical Scrub Technologist (Surgical Scrub Tech), Surgical Technician, Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Surgical Technologist

I get everything ready before a surgical procedure, including preparing any solutions, medications, instrumentation, and cameras so that it's all ready for the surgeon. I also assist during the procedure itself. I'll help with retracting, suturing, doing minor procedures, and anything else the surgeon might need assistance with.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
  • Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  • Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.