There are many professions in the medical field that have extraordinary value, but are not significantly appreciated in the public. One of them is the surgical technologist. This article will help you understand what exactly a surgical tech is and how to become one.

Where do Surgical Techs Work?

Most of the surgical technologists work in operating or delivery rooms in hospitals. Some are employed by dentists, physicians, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers and other health care institutions. Surgical techs can also transfer to another filed, so there are many of them working for insurance companies, medical equipment companies etc.

What Do Surgical Technicians Do?

Depending on the place of employment, the job duties of a surgical tech can, of course, vary. When it comes to the surgical techs working in medical institutions, their main role is assisting during surgeries. They have many responsibilities before, during and after the operation. Typically, a surgical tech is responsible for preparing the operating room, which includes checking the equipment, sterilizing and calibrating the instruments, setting the lights etc. He/she is also expected to prepare the patient, transport him to the operating room, position him properly for the surgery and check his vital signs, chart and medical history. He/she also assists the surgical team to put gloves and gowns on. It is highly important for a surgical technician to be fully concentrated during surgery, since it is his/her duty to pass instruments to the surgeon and follow any instructions given by the members of the operating team. Also, it is the surgical technologist who is obliged to clean the operating room and restock it after surgery.

An experienced surgical technologist usually gets more serious duties, bringing him/her bigger responsibility, but also a better salary.

How to Become a Surgical Technician?

The educational path of a surgical technician is significantly shorter than that of a surgeon. You can get an appropriate training in the field of surgical technology in many colleges, universities, hospitals, technical schools and even in the military. The length of these programs varies between 9 and 24 months and they can lead to a certificate, a diploma or an Associate's degree. A surgical technician can go through the basic training only or decide to specialize in a certain field, thus increasing his employment opportunities.

Still, the most important thing in the education of a surgical tech is the certification, which is the most appreciated credential, recommended for everyone pursuing a successful career in this field.

Simply, a surgical technologist is a very important part of the operating room team and his significance must not be underestimated. This is also a very well paid profession, with excellent future prospects, offering many employment and career advancement opportunities.
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