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Career Development Denise Alexander
When you watch a medical drama and the scene switches to the operating room, there is usually one star – the surgeon. But other medical specialists deserve their turn in the spotlight because it takes a team to effectively treat patients during an operation.
One of those vital support professionals is a surgical technologist, whose service before, during and after surgery is vital to every patient’s health. Even though they may not hog the limelight, surgical technologists are very important in medical procedures.
Here are some facts to know if you’re considering a career as a surgical technologist.
A surgical technologist carries a lot of responsibilities. Surgical technologists assist with operations, prepare operating rooms for surgery, and arrange equipment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgical technologists will:
Many duties are neatly organized between pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery tasks. Surgical technologists have the unique responsibility of assisting in every aspect of patient care.
The daily life of a surgical technologist can vary based on the facility, the type of surgery and the tech’s experience. According to Herzing’s Surgical Technology Program Chair, Adrienne Conca, “the Surgical Technologist is a highly qualified specialist in aseptic technique and an essential member of the operating room team. Each day they may participate in many different cases or concentrate in one specialty area. Working alongside other team members, the surgical technologist ensures quality patient care and safety by maintaining the sterile field and meeting the needs of the surgeon.
Surgical technologists most often work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, sterile processing, or privately for a surgeon. They may also choose to advance their credentials as Certified or Licensed First Assistants and work exclusively as the surgeon’s assistant in surgery. Many surgical technologists also continue their education with advanced degrees in the field and become instructors, Clinical Coordinators, and Program Chairs in Surgical Technology programs.
Typically, a surgical technologist can expect can work a regular 40-hour week since surgeries are often scheduled in advance. However, this depends on location. You could be on call or must work nights and weekends on a rotating basis.
Just like with any career, surgical technologists need to have a combination of both hard and soft skills to be successful.
Here are some of the most important attributes for a successful surgical technologist:
Surgical technology is a growing career. The BLS shows a 9% growth for surgical technologists from 2020-2030. The aging of the large baby boomer generation is expected to increase the need for surgical technologists because of the likelihood of more medical procedures. For example, people in advanced age are more likely to get knee replacement operations to maintain an active lifestyle and/or have cataracts removed to improve vision.
Besides overall job growth, it is a rewarding career. Herzing graduate Dakota Stamant shares her experience: “I initially chose to get my degree in Surgical Technology because I’ve always watched and enjoyed surgical shows. I knew they were different from working in real life, but they gave me the initiative to try. After the first surgery I scrubbed in on, I knew that I had made the right decision coming here. I was so comfortable and felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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