Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations 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. Technologists also get patients ready 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.

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 help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.

Surgical Technology Career Outook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists held about 86,000 jobs in 2006. By 2016, the BLS expects 107,000 jobs, an increase of 24%. About 7 out of 10 jobs for surgical technologists were in hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. Other jobs were in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery and in outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgical centers.

Surgical Technologist Earnings
Salary.com states that in February 2009, the median salary was $39,344. The lowest 25th percentile earned $35,657 and 75th percentile earned $43,394. Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) improves employment and salary potential. According to a 2002 survey by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), 46% of CSTs reported that employers compensated them for maintaining their credential. CSTs also earned as much as $10,000 more each year than non-credentialed technologists.

Surgical Technologist Credential
Credentialing for the surgical technologist is currently a voluntary process that helps determine, by examination, that an individual has met a national standard in both theoretical and practical knowledge in a particular field. Those who obtain the certification credential and become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) demonstrate a commitment to maximum performance and quality patient care

Only graduates of CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology programs (and currently or previously credentialed surgical technologists) are eligible to take the certification examination. Upon passing the certification examination, an individual is authorized to use the CST credential. Several states require surgical technologists to hold the CST credential in order to be credentialed by state regulatory agencies, or require that hospitals hire only Certified Surgical Technologists in their operating rooms.

Programmatic Accreditation: This site only lists surgical technology programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and/or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Therefore, graduates of these programs are eligible for and encouraged to take the certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), formerly the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST). This credential is a nationally recognized voluntary certification that could enhance employment opportunities or income potential. Only graduates of CAAHEP and/or ABHES surgical technology programs are eligible to take this exam at this time.

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