Surgical Technologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Whenever someone needs to have any kind of surgical operation, it is a nerve wracking situation. Any time that you have to be sedated and cut open in order to repair an injury or remove an abnormality, you are putting your life at risk, even if the risk is very small. Although the senior surgeon is ultimately responsible for the result of the operation, it is the combined efforts of the entire surgical team that allows a person to emerge healthy and safe. The surgical technologist is the trained professional that is present in the operating room in order to make sure the surgeons maintain the utmost sterilization and that they have the instruments they need at all times. Surgical technologists are responsible for placing gowns, masks and gloves on the surgeons and knowing all the terminology of the procedure so that the right tools are ready and sterilized at the right time.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$34,100
Salary Range
$28,300 - $38,400

Work Environment

Because the surgical technologist is required to work so closely with the other members of the surgical team, it is typical for them to be employed at a hospital or other outpatient surgery setting. Surgical technologists are required to be able to remain calm, even in emergency situations, and to pay strict attention to cleanliness and detail.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that think they would enjoy the supporting responsibilities of a surgical technologist are encouraged to spend their high school career increasing their knowledge of biology, anatomy, and surgical procedure. Supporting course work for this line of work includes chemistry, nurse/medical aide training, psychology, and computer skills

Requirements

Those students that are interested in pursuing the career of a surgical technologist after high school should be aware that there are several ways in which you can become qualified for the position. Those that have already chosen to receive training as a nurse’s aide or physician’s assistant might be eligible for on the job cross training as a surgical technologist. These training programs typically last less than a year. For those with no prior health experience it is necessary to enroll in a certification or associates degree course to receive the necessary training.

Career Outlook

As more people gain access to adequate health insurance, and the elderly population in this country continues to grow, it is expected that the demand for qualified surgical team members will also increase. Experts predict that the number of jobs available to well trained surgical technologists will increase by at least thirty percent over the next few years.

Professional Organizations

Association of Surgical Technologists
7108-C South Alton Way
Suite 100
Englewood, CO 80112-2106
Phone: (800) 637-7433
www.ast.org