What Do Surgical Techs Do?

Surgical technologists, commonly known as surgical techs, are vital members of the surgical team, responsible for ensuring that surgeries proceed smoothly and safely. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing a variety of tasks before, during, and after surgical procedures. Here’s a comprehensive look at what surgical techs do, the skills required, their education, and career prospects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Preparing the Operating Room:
   Before a surgery begins, surgical techs prepare the operating room. This involves:
   • Ensuring all necessary instruments and supplies are sterile and organized.
   • Setting up equipment, such as surgical lights and monitoring devices.
   • Assisting in cleaning and maintaining the surgical area to prevent infections.
2. Assisting During Surgery:
   During the procedure, surgical techs work closely with surgeons and nurses. Their tasks include:
   • Passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon.
   • Maintaining a sterile environment by ensuring that no non-sterile items come into contact with the surgical field.
   • Assisting with suctioning fluids and retracting tissues, depending on the type of surgery.
3. Postoperative Duties:
   After surgery, surgical techs help with:
   • Transferring the patient to the recovery room.
   • Cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next procedure.
   • Checking that all instruments are accounted for to prevent any items from being left inside the patient.
4. Equipment Management:
   Surgical techs must be knowledgeable about various surgical instruments and equipment, including how to operate and troubleshoot them when necessary. This ensures that everything functions properly during surgery.

Skills and Qualities Required

Surgical techs must possess a range of skills and personal qualities, including:

• Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in surgical procedures, where small mistakes can lead to significant consequences.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with surgical instruments and technology is essential.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with surgeons, nurses, and other team members is crucial for coordinating activities during surgery.
• Ability to Work Under Pressure: Surgical techs must remain calm and focused in high-stress environments, often making quick decisions in response to changing situations.

Education and Certification

To become a surgical technologist, individuals typically complete an accredited surgical technology program, which may last from 9 to 24 months. These programs often lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate degree. After finishing their education, many surgical techs pursue certification through organizations like the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the profession.

Job Outlook and Salary

The demand for surgical techs is projected to grow due to an increasing number of surgical procedures and advancements in medical technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was approximately $48,000 as of May 2022, with the salary varying based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.

Conclusion

Surgical technologists play a critical role in the healthcare field, ensuring that surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Their combination of technical knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to work as part of a team makes them indispensable in operating rooms across the country. For those interested in a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a surgical tech offers a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to patient care and surgical success.

External Resources

• American Surgical Technologists (AST)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Surgical Technologists
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)