Surgical Technologist Career
|
Surgical Technologist Job Description
Surgical Technologists or operating-room technicians are a part of the surgical team. They assist the surgeons, nurses, and other operation theater personnel.
They help prepare the patients for the procedure, by cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting the intended area of surgery. They disinfect the entire set-up and the surgical equipments. The technician also moves the patients to the operation theater, positions them on the operating table, and covers them with the surgical drapes.
Additionally, they help the surgical team clean up and put on their gowns, gloves, and masks.
During the surgical procedure, they hand over the instruments and supplies to the surgeons. They may also keep an eye on the patient's vital signs.
Technicians keep track of the equipment. They also prepare tissue or organ samples to be examined in the laboratory. Occasionally, they also operate some of the devices in the operating-room.
Surgical Technologist Skills/Duties
A surgical technologist primarily involves helping the surgeons during the surgical procedure. They prepare the operation theater and make sure that all of the equipments necessary for the operation are disinfected and assembled.
Cleaning, shaving and disinfecting the patient's body that will be operated on, is an important duty of the surgical technician. They position the patient appropriately on the operation table, using sterile surgical drapes to cover them.
During the operation, they give the sterile equipments, such as scalpels and forceps, to the surgeons. They also assist in cutting sutures, keeping track of items like sponges and needles, operate the lights and help dress the patient's wounds.
Surgical technicians are also in charge of preparation and disposal of laboratory specimens.
After the surgery, the surgical technician transports the patient back to his room. He will then return to the operation room to clean and prepare for the next procedure.
Surgical Technologist Education and Training
• Colleges, universities, hospitals, the military, and vocational schools all grant training and education for surgical technicians.
• Classroom training and clinical experience make up the training sessions. Subjects studied are: anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, physiology, medical terminology, professional ethics, sterilization techniques, surgical procedures, and patient care and safety. Practical skills, like sterilization, handling of drugs and apparatus, and prevention and control of infection are also taught.
• Licensed technicians have a bigger edge, since, most employers favor certified professionals. The Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologists grants Voluntary Professional Certification to graduates from a CAAHEP-approved program. The professional title Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) may be used once certified.
• Re-certification is necessary every 4 years; thus, making continued education and supplementary exams very necessary.
• You could also be certified by the National Center for Competency Testing. There are 3 ways to be eligible: you graduate from recognized program, do 2 years of training in a hospital, or have 7 years of experience in radiology. After the exam, you are assigned ‘Tech in Surgery-Certified’, TS-C (NCCT). You must re-certify every 5 years by re-taking the exam or building up education credits.
• Continued study of the modern developments, surgical procedures and equipment is also very essential.
• Progress opportunities for surgical technicians come from focusing on certain surgeries, like open-heart surgery or gastrointestinal surgeries.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
Job opportunities for surgical technologists are expected to be good.
Hospitals will definitely remain the largest employer; however, positions at doctors’ / surgeons’ clinics and out-patient centers, such as, ambulatory surgical centers are also likely to grow.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 25 % enhancement in the employment of surgical technicians from 2008 - 2018. This increase is partly due to a growing elderly population that will need more surgical procedures in the coming years.
Surgical Technologist Salary
The median salary for a surgical technologist is about $34,010 per year. It largely depends on the experience, training and employer.
|
|
|
|
|
|