Surgical technologists, also called surgical or operating room technicians, assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel (see also physician assistant under Nursing and Patient Care). Before an operation, surgical technologists help set up the operating room with surgical instruments and equipment, sterile linens and sterile solutions. They assemble, adjust and check nonsterile equipment to ensure that it is 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 help the surgical team scrub and put on gloves, gowns and masks.

During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon 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 may help apply dressings. They may operate sterilizers, lights or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. Technologists may also maintain supplies of fluids, such as plasma and blood. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.

 

Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

 

Surgical technologists need manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly. They also must be conscientious, orderly and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment. Technologists must respond quickly and know procedures well so that they may have instruments ready for surgeons without having to be told. They are expected to keep abreast of new developments in the field. Recommended high school courses include health, biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Surgery can be very physically demanding, so good health and stamina are important. Meticulous personal hygiene and a fanatical regard for cleanliness and safety are a must for all healthcare workers. Surgical technologists may be exposed to individuals with infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. They must observe rigid guidelines to guard against these and other dangers such as radiation, chemicals used for sterilization of instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they face back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases.

 

Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals and the military. In 1997, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized 145 accredited programs. High school graduation normally is required for admission. Programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Shorter programs are designed for students who are already licensed practical nurses or military personnel.

Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics and medical terminology. Other studies cover the care and safety of patients during surgery, aseptic techniques and surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special drugs, solutions, supplies and equipment.

Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from a formal program and passing a national certification examination. They may then use the designation Certified Surgical Technologist, or CST. Continuing education or re-examination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 6 years. Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program will be a prerequisite for certification by March 2000. Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists.

 

Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery. They may also work as circulating technologists. A circulating technologist is the "unsterile" member of the surgical team who prepares patients; helps with anesthesia; gets, opens and holds packages for the "sterile" persons during the procedure; interviews the patient before surgery; keeps a written account of the surgical procedure; and answers the surgeon's questions about the patient during the surgery.

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.

 

According to a 1996 membership survey conducted by the Association of Surgical Technologists, the average annual salary for surgical technologists, excluding overtime or on-call pay, was about $25,000. Beginning technologists earned about $20,900 a year, while the most experienced technologists earned about $28,000 a year.

 

Surgical technologists held about 49,000 jobs in 1996. Most are employed by hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. 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 directly by surgeons who have special surgical teams like those for liver transplants.

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2006 as the volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Older people require more surgical procedures. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also permit new surgical procedures.

Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, although much faster employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including ambulatory surgical centers.