Surgical Technologist

A surgical technologist (also known as a surgical tech) is a healthcare provider who supports surgeons, nurses and other providers during surgery. If you’re having surgery, a surgical tech may be the person in the operating room who’s setting up surgical equipment. But that’s just one of their many responsibilities.

What do surgical techs do?

Surgical techs do many things to support surgical teams. Some of their roles include important tasks for surgery prep. For example, they:

• Set up surgical instruments and equipment in the operating room
• Set up any robotic surgical equipment that the surgical team may use
• Prepare sterile solutions and medications for use during your surgery
• Make sure all surgical equipment works as it should

Surgical techs also keep the surgical team on track. To do this, they:

• Actively participate in surgical team safety checks before and during surgery
• Count all instruments and supplies with an operating room registered nurse before, during and after the case to protect patients from harm
• Help surgeons during surgery by handing them surgical instruments and other sterile supplies
• Take steps to reduce the chance of surgical wound infections
• Monitor all activities around the surgical instruments and operating room to make sure everything remains sterile
• Apply bandages to the surgical site after surgery

Where do surgical technologists work?

Surgical techs typically work in hospitals or outpatient surgery centers. They may also work for healthcare providers who have their own practices.

How do you become a surgical tech?

Surgical techs have associate degrees or certificates in surgical technology. These programs include class work, practical training and hands-on experience in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. Surgical technology programs include courses like:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Physiology

Programs also include training in:

• Surgical equipment setup
• Patient care
• Preventing and controlling infection
• Sterile techniques

How long is surgical technologist school?

It can take six months to complete a program and get a certificate in surgical technology. Associate degree programs take about two years to complete.

What skills do you need to be a surgical tech?

If you want to be a surgical tech, you’ll need soft skills, like:

• Attention to detail: You’re responsible for giving surgeons the right sterile equipment at the right time.
• Communication: Preventing infection is an important part of the job. Strong communication helps you effectively speak up to the team if you have any concerns about patient safety before or during surgery.
• Listening skills: These skills go along with communication. Listening skills mean you focus on what the surgical team says. That way, you can act on their directions.
• Dexterity: This is working with your hands. Surgical techs keep surgical equipment in good shape. You must also move equipment during surgery as needed.
• Physical stamina: Some surgeries take hours to complete. You should be comfortable staying on your feet throughout surgery.
• Stress management: Working in an operating room can feel like working in a pressure cooker. Managing stress helps you stay focused.