Become a Surgical Technician

A Surgical Technician’s Job

Surgical technicians help nurses and doctors during surgical procedures. They generally work for hospitals, but also may work in outpatient care centers or for physicians that perform minor surgeries. If you desire to join the fast-paced operating room crew, training to be a surgical technician is a good choice.

Surgical technicians can obtain training from programs offered by universities, community colleges, hospitals, and vocational schools. Programs will last from 9 to 24 months and graduates receive associate’s degrees, certificates, or diplomas.

What tasks do surgical technicians perform?

Surgical technicians carry out most of the support work in an operating room. They get the room ready for surgery by ensuring sanitary operating conditions and stocking tools and supplies. They also prepare the patient by shaving and washing the proper areas and then transporting and placing the patient inside the operating room.

Surgical technicians help in many ways during procedures:

• Hold retractors
• Pass sterile supplies and instruments to surgeons
• Operate diagnostic equipment
• Cut sutures
• Prepare and dispose of specimens
• Help count needles, sponges, instruments, and supplies
• After the surgery, the technician might bring the patient to recovery areas and clean up and restock in the operating room.