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Field Description
Surgical technologists, also called “scrubs,” “surgical
technicians” or “operating room technicians,”
assist in surgeries under the supervision of surgeons, registered
nurses or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members
of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists
and circulating nurses.
Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating
room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes
and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile
equipment and ensure it’s working properly.
Technologists also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving
and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the
operating room, help position them on the operating table and cover
them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe patients'
vital signs, check charts and assist the surgical team with putting
on sterile gowns and gloves.
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During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile
supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors,
cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments.
Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens
taken for laboratory analysis and assist in applying dressings.
Some surgical technologists operate sterilizers, lights or suction
machines, and assist with diagnostic equipment. Surgical technologists
may help transfer patients to the recovery room following surgery
and clean and restock the operating room.
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.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about surgical technology:
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