Surgical Technologist

A surgical technologist also called operating room technician is an important part of the medical team in any operating room. The operating room team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. The surgical technologists, before an operation prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipments and sterile solutions. They may also have to operate suction machines, sterilizers and diagnostic equipments.

Surgical Technologist Training

The employers generally prefer hiring graduates from associate degree programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These are usually 2 year programs. The certificate or diploma courses are of one year duration. However, these shorter programs may have limited career options.

You can receive formal training from community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities and hospitals. Students receive academic as well as the hand-on training. The programs may include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, medical terminology and sterilization techniques. Students also learn to sterilize instruments, handle special drugs, solutions and equipments.

Surgical Technologist Job Opportunities

Technological advancements like fiber optics and laser technology have opened greater avenues for surgical technologists. Surgical technologists can still find employment in hospitals and also expect jobs in new surgical procedures, physicians and dentists offices, outpatient care centers and ambulatory surgical centers. Also surgeons directly employ the technicians for special surgical teams like that for liver transplants.

Surgical Technologist Duties

Surgical technologists assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipments, adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists get the patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. It is their responsibility to transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical “drapes.” Also the technologists observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves. Before the surgery technologists get the room ready for the treatment.

During the operation, technologists hand over tools and supplies to the doctors and surgeon assistants . They also have to make sure that nothing is left inside the patient's body. They also assist with laboratory specimens. Surgical technologists with additional training, can advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging, suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds.

Georgia Medical Institute is one of many schools offering Medical Assistant training. Please check with them directly for accurate information.