Surgical technology is growing health care career
Surgical technology can be a rewarding career choice for those looking to enter the health care arena. This option requires a two-year associate of science degree.
As more and more of the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the demand for health care workers will rise.
Even in today’s stunted job market, the health care sector showed growth in March, despite fewer overall job gains than in recent months, according to a U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor press release.
Surgical technologists are an important part of the operating-room team. Responsibilities are varied for these professionals. Duties begin with preparing the OR for each surgery. Equipment must be in good working order and sterilized to prevent infection. All appropriate instruments for the specific procedure must be counted and set up. In addition, surgical technologists prepare patients for the operation by washing and disinfecting the incision area and helping the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgical procedures, the surgical technologist makes surgery go as smoothly as possible by counting instruments and supplies to ensure nothing gets left behind in the patient.
Surgical technologists hand instruments to the surgeon during procedures and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears in making sure nothing goes wrong. After the procedure, the surgical technologist does another instrument count and sometimes transfers the patient to a recovery room.
Whether joining the profession as a first or second career, surgical technologists take pride in being medical professionals, working with doctors and nurses on behalf of patients.
People who are well suited for a career as a surgical technologist tend to have an eye for detail, the ability to think critically and multitask, and have empathy for patients.
Many surgical technologists find employment at hospitals and inpatient facilities, and some work for dental surgeons in a dentist office.
Some states require surgical technologists to pass a certification exam given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The board is working toward a national standard in which all states would adopt the exam as mandatory.