Partners Career & Workforce Development

Health Care Careers SurgTech

Surgical Technologist

Career Description:

Surgical Technologists are members of the surgical team, working closely with doctors and nurses in the operating room
Prepare for and assist with surgical procedures
Also called “Operating Room Technicians” or “Scrub Technicians”
Responsible for care and maintenance of surgical equipment and instruments
Responsible for setting up operating room before procedures and cleaning room between procedures
Help to prepare patients for surgery including transport, positioning and covering with sterile “drapes”
Helps surgical team gown and glove for procedures.
Pass and hold instruments and supplies to surgeons and their assistants during surgery
Prepare and care for surgical specimens taken for lab analysis

Work Environment:

Working Conditions:

Always work indoors; usually wear special uniforms, lab coat
Wear protective gloves, gowns, masks during surgery
Sometimes exposed to diseases/infections. Likelihood of even slight injury is low.
Fast-paced, constantly changing environment
Medium level of social contact: work closely with patients and medical staff, but spend time alone setting up operating room
May work full or part-time
May be on call or work nights, weekends, or holidays on a rotating basis
Required to stand for long periods of time; use hands to handle, control, feel objects, tools, equipment controls
May need to hold arm and hand in one position for extended periods

Job Outlook:

There are approximately 84,000 Surgical Technologists in the U.S.; approximately 1200 surgical technologist work in Massachusetts
36,000 Surgical Technologist job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 30% growth rate
50 open Surgical Technologist positions predicted annually in MA through 2008; faster than average growth rate expected through 2012

Career Advancement:

May specialize in a particular area of surgery
Can manage supply departments in hospitals
Can work with insurance companies, supply services, or medical equipment firms
With 1 + years experience it is possible travel around the country to work in different hospitals with Surgical Technologist agencies.

Earnings:

In Massachusetts, most surgical technologists make $15.50 - $20.70 per hour ($32,280-$43,080 per year). Some Surgical technologists make over $30 per hour or over $62,000.00 per year.
Wages vary by employer, location and experience

Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.

Education/Training Required:

Complete accredited Surgical Technology program; most programs range from 9 month certificate to 2- year Associate Degree
Education includes: anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, aseptic techniques, care and safety of patients during surgery, and infection control prevention.
Hands-on, practical training in hospital setting
Successful completion of national certification exam is preferred
Continuing education courses are required to renew certification

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

Is this career for you?

Can you successfully complete required math and science courses?
Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment?
Do you enjoy working with a diverse patient/staff population?
Are you interested in technology?
Are you a good communicator?
Are you ale to stand for long periods of time?
Do you have good dexterity on your hands and the ability to hold your arm/hand in one position for extended periods of time?
Do you enjoy learning and education on an ongoing basis?

For more information on this career, visit: