Surgical Technologist

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Work Tasks

• Get operating rooms and medical equipment ready for surgery
• Help others scrub and dress for surgery and get the patient in position for surgery
• Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon during surgery
• Put on dressings and take samples for lab tests
• Work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor's offices, in operating and delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and outpatient care areas
• Work with surgical instruments, drapes, salines and glucose, disinfectants, lab samples, sterilizers, suction machines, diagnostic equipment, and wheelchairs and gurneys

Salary, Size & Growth

• $40,000 average per year ($19.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (92,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training or a certificate or diploma from an accredited training program
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in a formal program and professional certification
• Skills/Courses: College courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, medical terminology, patient care during surgery, sterilization techniques, and surgical procedures.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available.