Surgical Technician
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, work alongside and assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical operation. The role of the surgical technologist is incredibly important because they ensure a sterile and organized environment.
Role of a Surgical Technician
Surgical technologists work in the operating room with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. Their common tasks and duties can be split into three phases: before the surgical operation (preoperative), during the surgical operation (intraoperative), and after the surgical operation (postoperative).
Field of Responsibility
Before the procedure, surgical technologists focus on sterilization and preparation. This includes:
- Sterilizing the equipment and operating room
- Helping with preparing the patient for surgery
- Gathering, counting, and arranging the equipment and surgical tools needed during the surgery
- Preparing patients for the procedure
During the surgery, surgical technologists also have a variety of important responsibilities:
- Keeping the operating room sterile
- Passing surgical tools to the surgeon and the surgeon’s assistant
- Assisting in retracting tissues from the surgical patient
After the surgery, surgical technologists assist with wrapping up the procedure and are responsible for:
- Counting all of the tools and instruments used during the surgery
- Applying dressings to surgical sites
- Disposing of needles and gauze
- Maintaining the sterile environment of the operating room until the patient is brought to the recovery room
Work Environment
Surgical technologists work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient centers, and doctors’ offices. They spend much of their working day in the operating room, preparing for, assisting with, and cleaning up after surgeries. It can become quite warm working under surgical lights in the operating room, especially when wearing sterile surgical gowns and gloves. The surgical technologist will need to stand for long periods and must remain alert and ready for anything during operations.
Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of surgical technologists will continue to grow at an average pace. This is due to advances in medical technology and more operations are being done to treat many types of illnesses and injuries.
With additional experience and education, some surgical technologists become first surgical assistants or registered nurses. Others advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery. Some technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and surgical equipment firms.
Why SW Medical Academy?
Our program focuses solely on the skills needed as a Surgical Technician, making it one of the most affordable programs in the area, and is designed to be valuable, accessible, and flexible for all students. With online learning mixed with in-person simulation coursework and rotations, this type of learning environment allows for a better fit with your schedule and aspirations.
Tuition Fee: $1,200
Surgical Technician Program at SW Medical Academy
Surgical Technician
Duration: 5-Weeks/10-Weeks Program
Registration Fee: $200
Note: This Program is coming up 2025.