Surgical Technology
By Deborah Knight
Surgical technologists ensure that the operating room and surgical equipment are safe, sterile, and functional. They are key members of most OR teams.
Do you have what it takes? You’ll need . . .
• The ability to stay calm in stressful situations: working in an operating room means working under pressure and in emergency situations.
• An aptitude for detail, order, and accuracy: you’re a key player in making sure the operating room is safe, the machines function properly, and all the procedures go smoothly.
• The ability to focus closely on a task and to think quickly: you must be able to respond quickly and anticipate the needs of both the surgeon and the patient.
• The desire to help others: you’re playing a role vital to the successful outcome of the operation.
What will your work day be like?
You’ll be spending most of your time in the operating room, usually on your feet. You’ll work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other specialists and practitioners. You might work in a hospital, delivery room, emergency department, ambulatory care area, or central supply department. Although the standard schedule is 40 hours a week during the day, often you would be “on call” in cases of emergency.
Besides physical stamina, you need to feel comfortable working with patients who are ill or injured. Your job will expose you to unpleasant sights and odors and to patients with infectious diseases. You’ll need strength, character, and even courage to enjoy your work and prosper in it.
What will you earn?
The median salary in 2004 was $34,000, although it may vary widely. The number of jobs is expected to grow quickly.
What kind of training do you need?
You may pursue either a two-year associate degree or attend a nine- to 24-month training program. There are approximately 400 programs currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These programs include both academics and hands-on experience in the operating room. Passing a voluntary national exam qualifies you as a “Certified Surgical Technologist” (CST).
Your training will include the study of basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology), learning surgical care and procedures for all the different kinds of surgery, and an understanding of the kinds of communication and behavioral skills important for working in the operating room.
Do you want a career where you and your skills really matter? You’ve just found one.
For more information, see the website of the Association of Surgical Technologists, www.ast.org, from which much of this information was drawn, or call them at 800-637-7433. For a list of accredited programs, go to www.caahep.org; click on “Surgical Technologists.”
If the idea of working in an operating room appeals to you, read on. As a surgical technologist, you could do the following: Before an operation: During an operation: After an operation: With additional training or education, you could act as “surgical first assistant,” doing additional tasks to assist the surgeon. |
2009
