Students must complete both formal education and hands-on training in order to work as an operating room technician. Colleges, technical schools, and universities typically offer programs that last between one and two years and require a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) to be considered for admission. An operating room technician, also known as a surgical technologist or scrub, must complete courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology, as well as clinical experience. A student can earn an associate’s degree or diploma after completing coursework and clinical requirements, as well as passing professional certification testing.
Because the person in that role is a member of a surgical team, training is an important part of preparing a student to become an operating room technician. Preparing the operating room (OR) and sterilizing all necessary tools prior to a procedure; assisting surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists during procedures; and cleaning, re-sterilizing, and stocking the OR after surgery are just some of the responsibilities. OR technicians not only prepare the room and equipment, but they also assist in the preparation of the patients by cleaning and shaving incision sites and transporting them to and from the OR. They also help surgical staff with masks and gowns, and they may participate in procedures by holding implements and dressing wounds, among other things.
Hospital work is probably the most common path for operating room technicians, but some work in small practices, dental-surgical offices, or clinics where minor or less invasive procedures are performed. Others work solely with procedure materials and do not interact with patients. They can work with companies that provide tools to physicians and medical facilities, or they can prepare, inspect, or sterilize implements.
The first step in becoming an operating room technician is to complete the educational and clinical requirements, followed by testing and certification. After passing a qualifying test and participating in continuing education while working in the field, surgical technologists can become certified through the National Center for Competency Testing and/or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. They must also have completed their education at a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited institution. When hiring an operating room technician, many employers will give preference to certified candidates.