Surgical Technician

Surgical Technicians, also called surgical technologists, assist surgeons during a surgical procedure. They prepare the operating room for surgery by assembling needed supplies, instruments and equipment.  Technicians may transport patients to operating rooms, help position them on the operating table and drape linens to ensure patient privacy. During the operation they pass instruments to the surgeon, cut sutures, keep track of all instruments and maintain a sterile operating area. After the operation, they assist patients to the Recovery Room and help in cleaning and restocking the operating room. Surgical Technicians work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician. Surgical Technicians work in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers and dental offices.

Education

Surgical Technicians must be high school graduates. They must complete a surgical technician training program offered at a community college, vocational technical school or a hospital. Program length varies from 11 – 16 months. Some community college programs last two years and lead to an associate degree.

Certification upon graduation is not required for employment. However, many hospitals do require that the surgical technician be certified before they are hired. A surgical technician can take an examination given by the Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists to become certified.

Average Starting Salary
(in Southern California) is dependent on specialty &  location of practice:       

Surgical Technicial   $25,000 – $30,000 annually

For More Information Log Onto:

Association of Surgical Technologists  click on Education & Standards, then on Colleges, then type in state for a list of accredited programs. Also click on Standards of Practice for more information on this career. 

Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists