Here is the primary general distinction:

• Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for sterilizing equipment needed for medical procedures. Their duties are primarily outside of the operating room; however, their job function is critical to the operating room.
• Surgical Technologists are responsible for aseptic technique, understanding surgical procedures and instruments, maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments during the sequence of the procedure, as well as many other duties. They function as the masters of aseptic technique in the operating room.

Job titles, duties and responsibilities can vary between different healthcare institutions. Different states might have their own unique restrictions for who is qualified to handle what responsibilities. Some states require that the surgical technologist have a current certification for employment. Some surgical technologists handle the sterilization of equipment as well.

Earning your associate degree and becoming a certified surgical technologist is your ticket to becoming an indispensable member of a surgical team, handle many different types of tasks and become highly valuable to employers.

There are many unique job titles within surgical technology. Going back to school and earning your associate degree gives you further opportunity to climb the career ladder in the operating room. Potential job titles could include:

• Surgical Technologist
• Surgical Technician
• Scrub Tech
• Operating Room Technician
• Operating Room Assistant

Note: Becoming a “Surgical Assistant” requires additional education and is not within the surgical technology scope of practice. A surgical tech program does not offer surgical assistant training.

Healthcare institutions may have their own conventions for how positions are titled, the education/certification they require, and the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to each.

Earning your associate degree in surgical technology from Herzing University provides the education you need to thrive as a surgical technologist and carve your own unique career path in the OR.

Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They also get patients ready for surgery as well as pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants during surgery.

Surgical technologists advance by specializing in a specific area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open-heart surgery.

• Certified surgical technologists with additional specialized education or training also may act in the role of the surgical first assistant or circulator. The surgical first assistant, as defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), provides aid in exposure, hemostasis (controlling blood flow and stopping or preventing hemorrhage), and other technical functions under the surgeon’s direct supervision, assisting with a safe operation.
• A circulating technologist is the “unsterile” member of the surgical team who interviews the patient before surgery, prepares the patient, helps with anesthesia, obtains and opens packages for the “sterile” people to remove the sterile contents during the procedure, keeps a written account of the surgical procedure, and answers the surgeon’s questions about the patient during the surgery.
• Some surgical technologists manage central supply departments and sterile processing instrument departments in hospitals, work as private scrubs for surgeons, work in tissue retrieval and procurement, are employed as sales representatives for medical device manufacturers, teach and direct in surgical technology programs in colleges and universities, or take positions with insurance companies.

Get a preview of the career and walk through the day in the life of a surgical tech.

The short answer: no.

Becoming a certified surgical technologist requires hands-on training to be able to perform the day-to-day requirements of the job. This isn’t something you can learn entirely from online coursework. You will need to graduate with an associate degree from an accredited surgical technologist program like Herzing’s.

However, there is an online component of the Herzing program—you may complete some of your general education classes online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for surgical technologists in Louisiana is $51,830 per year ($24.92 per hour).* Pay depends largely on where you work, the type of healthcare institution you work for, your education and level of experience. Keep in mind this is not an entry-level salary; you will need to work towards this level of pay.

Surgical Technologists are also cross trained for several different departments related to surgery, and also have the option of over-time pay, and shift differential. Additionally, many of our affiliate hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees, enabling the surgical technologist to advance their education.

Are surgical techs in high demand?

As the number of surgeries increases to meet the needs of our aging population, so will the career opportunities for surgical technologists. The BLS projects a 6% increase in demand nationwide for surgical technologists from 2023-2033.*

The surgical technology associate degree program takes about 20 months to complete on average, meaning you can earn your degree and start your new career in 2 years or less.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 46% from 2023-2033.* Given the projected growth in the baby-boom population the need for advanced medical care is expected to rise, and nurse practitioners will continue to be leaned on as primary contributors in this level of healthcare.

Depending on where you live, there are certain guidelines related to licensure. You will need to check with your state board of nursing.

At Herzing University, we assist you in identifying which certification exam meets your needs. We also encourage testing within the first 90 days of graduation to help you take the next step in your career. Once you have successfully become certified then it is important to connect with your state board to meet their requirements.

At Herzing University, we strive to provide an affordable, career-focused education for all students. Financial aid options include loans, scholarships & grants, VA / military benefits and more. You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University Tuition Wizard.