Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians work with a medical team, provide sterile equipment to staff, and maintain the cleanliness of the operating room. They assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technicians work in clean, well lighted environments, and must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations.
Most surgical technicians work a standard 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Surgical education programs will help you get started. These programs provide classroom and clinical study and focus in areas of health, biology, chemistry, and math. Students also take classes in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology.
Job opportunities for surgical technicians will increase by 25 percent over the next 10 years, with the projected job growth increasing faster than average for all other occupations. Most employers prefer to hire certified technicians. About 71 percent of jobs for surgical technicians were in hospitals, mainly in operation and delivery rooms. Job opportunities will be best for technicians who are certified and for those who are willing to relocate.
As a surgical technician, you can expect to:
- Act as an important part of a surgical team
- Work in public and private hospitals
- Enjoy rewarding opportunities for job growth
