Career Growth: Surgical Technologists
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Description of the Profession of Surgical Technologist: The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. |
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Career Opportunities
Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010 as the volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also introduce new surgical procedures.
Hospitals will continue as the primary employer of surgical technologists, although much faster employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including ambulatory surgical centers.
Surgical technologists held about 71,000 jobs in 2000. Almost three-fourths are employed by hospitals. Others are employed in clinics and surgical centers, and in the offices of physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. A few, known as private scrubs, are employed by surgeons who have special surgical teams, such as those for organ transplantation.
Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. They also may work as circulating technologists, the “unsterile” members of the surgical team who prepare patients, assist with anesthesia, obtain and open packages for “sterile” persons to remove the contents during procedures.
With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging, suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds. Some surgical technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services and surgical equipment firms.
Earning Potential
Median annual earnings of surgical technologists in 2006 were $44,077. Salaries ranged from $34,410 to $54,204.
Educational Institution
A sponsoring institution must be at least one of the following:
1. A post-secondary academic institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency that
is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and authorized under applicable law or
other acceptable authority to provide a post-secondary program, which awards a minimum
of a certificate at the completion of the program.
2. A foreign post-secondary academic institution acceptable to CAAHEP.
3. A hospital or medical center or branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Excerpts From: Mayo Clinic, School of Health Sciences Website www.mayo.edu
and Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology www.arcst.org
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