Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons or registered nurses. Before an operation, surgical technologists help set up the operating room with surgical instruments, equipment, sterile linens, and fluids such as saline (a salt solution), or glucose (a sugar solution). They assemble, adjust, and check nonsterile equipment to ensure that it is in working order. Technologists also prep (prepare) patients 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 help the surgical team scrub and put on gloves, gowns, and masks.
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 may help apply dressings. They may operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. Technologists may also maintain specified supplies of fluids such as plasma and blood.
After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Surgical technologists set up the operating room with surgical instruments and equipment.
Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods of time and and remain alert during operations.
Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call (available to work on short notice for emergencies) during weekends and evenings on a rotating basis.
Surgical technologists held about 44,000 jobs in 1992. Most surgical technologists are employed by hospitals. Others are employed in clinics and surgicenters, and in the offices of physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. A few, known as private scrubs, are employed directly by surgeons who have special surgical teams like those for liver transplants.
Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. In 1993, the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical Association recognized 130 accredited programs. High school graduation normally is required for admission. Programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Required study includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology. Other studies cover care and safety of patients during surgery, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from a formal program and passing a national certification examination. Continuing education or reexamination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 6 years. Some employers prefer to hire certified technologists.
Surgical technologists need manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly. They also must be conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of surgeons. Technologists must respond quickly and know procedures well so that they may have instruments ready for surgeons without having to be told. They are expected to keep abreast of new developments in the field. Recommended high school courses include health, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Technologists may advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. They may also work as circulating technologists. A circulating technologist is the unsterile member of the surgical team who prepares patients; helps with anesthesia; gets, opens, and holds packages for the sterile persons during the procedure; interviews the patient before surgery; keeps a written account of the surgical procedure; and answers the surgeon's questions about the patient during the surgery. With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging, suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds. Surgical technologists may manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and operating equipment firms.
Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, as the volume of surgery increases and operating room staffing patterns change.
The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Older people require more surgical procedures. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also permit new surgical procedures.
Some employers may seek to substitute surgical technologists for operating room nurses to reduce costs. However, because some facilities and States limit the work that surgical technologists can do, widespread displacement of operating room nurses is not likely to occur.
Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists. Nonetheless, the shift to outpatient or ambulatory surgery will create faster growth for technologists in offices and clinics of physicians, including surgicenters.
According to a University of Texas Medical Branch survey of hospitals and medical centers, the median annual salary of surgical technologists, based on a 40 hour week and excluding shift or area differentials, was $21,741 in October 1992. The average minimum salary was $18,087 and the average maximum was $26,480.
Other health occupations requiring approximately 1 year of training after high school are licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapy technicians, medical laboratory assistants, medical assistants, dental assistants, optometric assistants, and physical therapy aides.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor