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Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists perform a variety of functions that assist surgeons, anesthesiologists and registered nurses before, during and after surgery. The surgical technologist (also called operating room technician) is supervised by a registered nurse.
Before surgery, technologists prepare the patient (cleansing, shaving, positioning and applying local anesthesia) and the operating room (sterilizing instruments, assembling supplies and equipment).
During surgery, they pass instruments and supplies, assist in suturing, adjust lighting and assist the anesthesiologist during administration of anesthesia.
After the operation, the technologist may transfer the patient and help restock the operating room and maintain its aseptic conditions.
| Some of the other responsibilities include: |
| • | Accounting for the number of instruments and sponges used during surgery |
| • | Helping the surgical team scrub and put on masks |
| • | Sterilizing reuseable supplies |
| • | Holding retractors and cutting sutures |
| • | Preparing operating specimens for laboratory analysis |
| • | Assisting in positioning the patient for surgery |
| • | Recording data in patient's medical records |
| • | Maintaining specified supplies of fluids, such as plasma and blood |
| • | Readying the room for the next surgery |
| • | Helping with the application of bandages |
A good majority of technologists work in hospital operating rooms, while others , work in emergency rooms or out-patient surgi-centers.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities look good. Many surgical technologists continue their education to become operating room nurses, nurse anesthetists or surgeons.
Educational Requirements
Educational programs vary in length from nine to twenty months. Those programs that are two years are offered at community colleges and lead to an associate degree. Programs include classroom training and supervised clinical experience.
Courses include: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, care and safety of patients during surgery, use of anesthesia and its hazards, and nursing procedures.
Some hospitals have on-the-job training programs, usually preferring individuals to have experience as a nurse aide or licensed practical nurse.
Certification through the Association of Surgical Technologists is available after successful completion of a comprehensive written examination.
Educational Programs - Chicago Area
Other Programs - Illinois
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