Surgical technicians assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. They are often referred to as scrubs or operating room technicians also. A surgical technician is primarily responsible for preparing the operating room by setting up the equipment and sterilizing tools that are necessary for the operation. They are also responsible for making sure all equipment is working properly which may involve the assemble of some materials. They also prepare the patient for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting areas for operation. In some instances they may also transport patient, observe vital signs, check charts and assist the surgical team in dressing for the surgery.
In the process of surgery, the surgical technician is responsible for passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon. Some of the tools that they are required to be familiar with are retractors, cut sutures, sponges, needles, supplies and other sterilized instruments.
Surgical technicians may also be helpful in assisting with laboratory analysis. In this process they properly care for and dispose of items that require lab work. They are not qualified to perform any of the laboratory tests, but aid in recording data and preparing specimens for examination.
After the completion of an operation, a surgical technician may help to transport the patient back to the recovery room, assist in assuring comfort and then they are responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization of the operating room, to prepare for the next surgery.
Surgical technicians work in environments that are clean, cool and sterile environments. It is crucial to respect these environments so that the safety and well being of the patient is not compromised. There may be times when a surgical technician is exposed to disease, unpleasant sights, odors and smells. It is important for technicians to practice safety measures to maintain their own health and they must also be able to stomach situations that may not always be pleasant.
During the course of a surgery, it may be necessary for a surgical technician to have to stand for long periods of time. It may also be necessary to be alert throughout a procedure. At times surgical technicians may be awake for long periods of time, so it is crucial to establish techniques that make it possible to handle this sort of working environment. The majority of technicians work a 40-hour workweek, so the chance of being sleep deprived is low. Those who work on call may suffer a bit being tired but are normally acclimated quickly because of the adrenaline rush associated with this profession.
The majority of candidates seeking a career as a surgical technicians are educated through programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals and the Armed Forces. In order to obtain a credential or certification it is necessary to participate in a program that is recognized by the Commission in Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This is an accreditation commission that certifies the requirements for the specific job are met in the education process. Generally programs last from 9-24 months; depending on the student’s ability to complete the program. In order to be eligible to enroll in these programs, it is necessary to have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school students who are interested in this profession are encouraged to take courses in health, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Throughout the certification program, students are instructed in both classroom and supervised clinical practices. The course curriculum normally includes studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics and medical terminology. In the clinical atmosphere, students are educated on the care and safety of patients during surgery, sterilization techniques and other surgical procedures. Students also learn techniques geared toward prevention and control of infection and diseases.
In order to be hired, employers generally require surgical technicians to be certified. Technicians may obtain voluntary certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by enrolling in and graduating from one of their accredited programs. Upon graduation, individuals are required to pass a national certification examination where they are then titled as Certified Surgical Technologists. In order to maintain this title, they are required to enroll in continuing education and go through a renewal process every four years.
Another way to obtain certification is through the National Center for Competency Testing. Candidates wishing to undergo this process can complete an accredited training program, participate in a 2-year hospital training program or have an accumulation of 7-years on-the-job training. Once completing and passing the examination, individuals who choose this path are considered Tech in Surgery-Certified. This certification is also dependent upon continued education and a renewal every 5-years.
The certification process designates an individual to a specific title of surgical technicians. Each requires a different degree of education and certification. It is important to check with professionals to determine the specific title interested in. The testing process emphasizes certification in the respective careers based on the requirements of the accreditation program.
The yearly earnings for surgical technicians will depend on a variety of situations. Those who continue their education an seek positions as technologists will generally earn more. A surgical technician’s salary may also depend on the level of certification and accreditation earned. Those who work in hospitals have the potential to earn more based on overtime and on-call opportunities. Surgical technicians also have salary variances based on the individual state of residency. Technicians earn in the range of $28,500 per year to $40,500 per year depending on the state. California boasts the highest earning technicians at $40,500 per year while Florida reports earnings in the lower bracket of $28,500 per year. Technicians working in New York, report earnings of $37,500 per year, while those in Georgia earn approximately $30,000 per year.
Technicians may also advance in the pay scale by choosing to complete an education program consistent with earning a bachelor’s degree. These technicians are referred to as technologists and are compensated with additional responsibilities in addition to higher earnings.
The need for individuals in the health care industry is growing, as is the need for surgical technicians specifically. With populations on the rise, so is the number of health related injuries that are requiring surgery. Hospitals are the most predominate in the hiring of surgical technicians and technologists.
As technology advances, so is the need for competent technicians that are educating in the growing trends of health care equipment. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible when it comes to the equipment and machinery involved in the operating room. The surgical technician is the one person who is primarily responsible for the sterilization and function of the equipment.
Overall, a career as a surgical technician is a rewarding one for those looking to work in the health care field in the attempt to help people. Those choosing a career in this industry will need to be competent in the education and clinical aspects of the job, but will also need to excel at customer service. The sensitivity of a patient’s issues will be crucial and confidentiality remains equally as important.
Once a technician has acquired experience in the form of on the job training and possibly years on the job, have the opportunity for advancement. Management and supervisory positions are also available for those who continue to learn and are able to handle the increase in responsibility. Average yearly earnings will also grow with yearly raises and advancements.