Surgical Technologist Job Description

The Surgical Technologist is a highly skilled and knowledgeable allied health professional who, as an essential member of the surgical team, works with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room nurses, and other professionals in providing safe care to the surgical patient. Surgical Technologists possess expertise in assisting surgeons in the safe and effective conduct of both major and minor surgical procedures in several specialty services and in a variety of surgical settings.

As members of the surgical care team, surgical technologists need to understand surgical techniques and be knowledgeable in medical terminology. They support surgeons and surgical procedures by preparing the room and patient, assisting during the procedure, and managing the surgical equipment. Their expertise and meticulous attention to detail enhance the success of surgeries.
 

What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?

While the specific tasks of a surgical technologist may vary depending on the procedure, surgeon's preferences, or setting, these health care professionals are vital members of the surgical team. Surgical technologists perform various tasks before, during, and after surgical procedures, including:

• Setting up surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies in the operating room
• Reviewing the surgeon's requested supplies and preferences
• Sterilizing equipment and ensuring a sterile field is maintained
• Preparing patients for surgery, including positioning them on the operating table
• Passing instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures
• Helping the surgical team as needed
• Holding retractors and internal organs in place during surgery
• Counting all instruments, sponges, and other used materials during surgery
• Collecting specimens for laboratory analysis
• Removing surgical instruments and tools for sterilization
• Applying dressings to incision sites
• Transferring patients to recovery rooms
• Cleaning and restocking the operating room after procedures

Before surgery, a surgical technologist will receive a list of supplies for the procedure and notes on the surgeon's preferences, including whether the surgeon is right- or left-handed. The surgeon's dominant hand determines the operating room's organization and setup.

A surgical technologist may assist in surgeries for the same procedure with different surgeons, often with different setups based on each surgeon's specific preferences. They must have an eye for detail and the ability to adapt to meet each surgeon's needs. This may mean that no two days on the job are the same, adding variety to the daily routine.

Learn more: How To Become a Surgical Tech: Schooling, Certifications, FAQs
 

How To Pursue a Career as a Surgical Technologist

To pursue a career as a surgical technologist, follow these steps:

1. Complete a high school diploma or GED. Surgical technologists must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Potential candidates should consider taking courses in anatomy and biology or complete an internship with a local health care organization to prepare for a surgical technology program.
2. Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program, such as Concorde Career College's Surgical Technology Associate Degree program. Students can earn this qualification by completing 68 credit hours, 300 lab hours, and 570 clinical hours. 
3. Complete the program. Students can complete Concorde's Surgical Technology Associate Degree program in as little as 17 months through Concorde's curriculum, which includes surgeon assistance, sterile field preparation, and patient care.
4. Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Students have various opportunities to complete practical training through Concorde's Surgical Technology Associate Degree program. These rotations allow students to gain experience while determining if they want to specialize in areas such as:
   • Urology
   • Gynecology and obstetrics
   • Plastic surgery
   • Orthopedics
   • Reconstructive surgery
   • Ear, nose, and throat
   • Neurosurgery
   • Pediatric surgery
   • Cardiology
   • Organ transplantation
5. Earning a Surgical Technology Associate Degree prepares candidates to apply for certification. Common certifications include:
   • Certified Surgical Technologist from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
   • Tech in Surgery — Certified TS-C certification through the National Center for Competency Testing
6. Apply for state registration or licensure, if required. Requirements for a surgical technologist certification vary by state, and candidates must check the requirements specific to the state they wish to work in.

Ready to take the next step? Apply for the Surgical Technology Associate Degree Program

The important skills and qualities of surgical technologists include:

• Attention to detail
• Organization
• Teamwork
• Active listening
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Multitasking
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Strong communication skills
• Physical stamina
• Manual dexterity
• Emotional intelligence
• Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures

Surgical technologists should also be skilled in surgical procedures and technology, patient care, aseptic techniques or sterile procedures, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
 

Surgical Technologist Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for surgical technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033. This projected growth is faster than other occupations and could add an average of 8,700 openings each year over the next decade. Positions will become available due to workers moving jobs or exiting the workforce in retirement. Advances in medical technology have made surgeries more common and safer, increasing the number of operations performed and the number of surgical technologists needed in the field.

For more information read: How Do Certifications and Associate Degrees Differ?
 

Pros and Cons of Being a Surgical Technologist

As with any career, working as a surgical technologist has pros and cons. While candidates for surgical technologist positions don't require a bachelor's degree, they can expect to be on their feet for most of the day. The pros of being a surgical technologist include:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic health care environment
• Potential for career advancement
• Satisfaction of contributing to patient care
• Relatively short training period compared to other health care professions
• Minimal paperwork because registered nurses handle this on the surgical team
• Job security due to the growing demand in the health care industry
• Opportunity to work alongside surgeons and other medical professionals
• Competitive salary with the potential for growth

Conversely, the cons include:

• Physically demanding work
• High pressure when handling stressful situations
• Potential for long or irregular hours
• Exposure to potentially hazardous materials and infectious diseases
• Personal protective equipment used for extended periods, including shoe covers, gloves, body protection, face protection, and head protection
• Emotional stress from dealing with critical patient situations
• Potential for on-call shifts and working nights, weekends, and holidays

A surgical technologist's career may be demanding, and other medical professionals support these health care workers to improve lives. Candidates should consider the pros and cons of the surgical technologist job before committing to a program.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a surgical technologist and a surgical assistant?

While both roles work in the operating room, surgical technologists primarily focus on preparing the operating room, handling instruments, and maintaining the sterile field. Surgical assistants have more direct involvement in the surgical procedure, such as making incisions, suturing, and providing more hands-on assistance to the surgeon.

Is certification required to work as a surgical technologist?

While certification requirements vary by state, many employers prefer or require certification. The most common certification is the CST credential offered by the NBSTSA.

What are the advancement opportunities for surgical technologists?

Surgical technologists may advance their careers by specializing in specific surgical areas, becoming surgical assistants, moving into management roles, or pursuing further education to become registered nurses or other health care professionals.

What skills or background are needed for surgical technology?

While there are no specific skills or background requirements for surgical technology, it helps to have strong math skills, a basic knowledge of medical terminology, and an interest in science. Useful soft skills include interpersonal skills, concentration, conceptualization, hand/eye coordination, and organization.

What are some common misconceptions about the surgical technologist profession?

Some common misconceptions include:

• Surgical technologists only hand instruments to surgeons (they have many more responsibilities).
• The job is the same as nursing (surgical technologists have distinct roles from nurses).
• It requires extensive and expensive education (students may complete their training in 12-24 months).
• There is little job security (the field is growing with good job prospects).

What is the work environment like for surgical technologists?

Surgical technologists may work in outpatient centers, hospital operating rooms, or doctors' offices. Typically, a surgical technologist is employed full time, often with some nights, weekends, or holidays included, as medical facilities are open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Surgical technologists wear head-to-toe PPE surgical gear and stand under surgical lighting in the operating room. The position requires various physical tasks, such as walking between rooms, standing throughout surgeries, and arranging medical equipment.

If you aspire to support physicians, nurses, and patients in an exciting, fast-paced work setting, consider Concorde's Surgical Technology Associate Degree program. It offers real-world training to prepare you for a career in surgical technology.