During surgical procedures, a surgical technologist performs a variety of tasks to assist surgeons, nurses, and other surgical personnel. Preparing surgical equipment and instruments, preparing the patient for surgery, and transporting the patient to the operating room are all responsibilities of a surgical technologist. Many surgical technologists help doctors and nurses with sterile gowns and gloves.
A surgical technologist assists operating room personnel passing surgical instruments to them and keeping track of supplies such as sponges, needles, and other instruments during surgery. They may also apply dressings, cut sutures, and operate some diagnostic equipment. After surgery, a technologist will most likely restock and sterilize the operating room. Some technologists also assist in the removal of the patient from the operating room.
Surgical technologists are trained at universities, hospitals, community and junior colleges, as well as military and vocational schools. These programs typically last nine to 24 months and include both classroom and clinical training. Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology are among the topics covered students. Sterilization techniques, patient safety, and infection control and prevention are among the other topics covered in a surgical technologist training program.
Surgical technologists must have good dexterity and respond quickly. Because some situations are critical, a surgical technologist must also be orderly and emotionally stable. They must also be able to stand for extended periods of time without discomfort and be unaffected the sights and smells of medical procedures.
Surgical technologists are certified two organizations in the United States. A technologist can use the Certified Surgical Technologist designation after graduating from an accredited program and passing a national exam administered the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. Surgical technologists with on-the-job training and those who have graduated from an accredited school are both certified the National Center for Competency Testing. The surgical technologist can use the Tech in Surgery-Certified designation if he or she passes the required exam.
The majority of surgical technologists work in hospitals and work a 40-hour week that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Some work as outpatient surgery assistants for doctors and dentists.