A surgical technologist is an integral member of the operating room team, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to ensure surgical procedures are safe and efficient. This hands-on career requires a unique combination of technical skill and mental focus in a fast-paced environment. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to enter this growing healthcare field.
What Surgical Technologists Do
A surgical technologist’s responsibilities are split into three phases: preoperative (before), intraoperative (during), and postoperative (after) surgery. Before a procedure begins, their primary duty is to prepare the operating room. This involves setting up sterile surgical instruments, drapes, and solutions, and ensuring all equipment, like operating lights, is functioning correctly. They also prepare the patient for surgery by disinfecting incision sites.
Once the surgery starts, the technologist’s focus shifts to assisting the surgical team. They pass instruments, sponges, and other supplies to the surgeon and surgeon’s assistant as needed. This requires them to anticipate the surgeon’s needs. Maintaining the sterility of the operative field is a constant responsibility to prevent infection.
After the procedure, the surgical technologist assists with applying dressings to the patient’s surgical sites. A count of all sponges, needles, and instruments is conducted to ensure nothing is left inside the patient. Following the count, they are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing the used instruments and restocking the operating room for the next case.
Educational Pathways
There are three primary educational routes to becoming a surgical technologist: a certificate, a diploma, or an associate’s degree. Certificate and diploma programs are the most direct paths, typically taking 9 to 15 months to complete. These programs, often at vocational or technical schools, focus on the core curriculum of surgical technology, covering topics like anatomy, sterilization techniques, and surgical procedures.
An Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree generally takes 18 to 24 months to complete and is offered at community colleges and some universities. In addition to specialized coursework, an associate’s degree includes general education classes in subjects like math, English, and science. This broader academic foundation can make graduates more competitive and is often recommended for future career advancement.
Regardless of the path chosen, the program must be accredited. The two main accrediting bodies for surgical technology programs are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for taking the national certification exam, a standard for employment.
Certification and Licensing
After completing an accredited educational program, the next step is to obtain a professional credential. While direct state licensure is only required in a minority of states, national certification is the industry standard and is preferred by most employers.
The most widely recognized credential is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To become a CST, a candidate must have graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program and pass a comprehensive examination. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover the full scope of a technologist’s responsibilities.
Another available credential is the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), though the CST is generally considered the gold standard. Maintaining either certification requires ongoing professional development. For instance, CSTs must complete continuing education credits to renew their credential every two years, ensuring they remain current with advancements in the field.
Essential Skills for Success
Success as a surgical technologist requires specific technical skills. A deep understanding of aseptic (sterile) technique is paramount to prevent infections, which involves creating and maintaining a sterile field. A comprehensive knowledge of hundreds of surgical instruments, their names, and their uses is also necessary to anticipate the surgeon’s needs during an operation.
On the soft skills side, a high level of attention to detail is required for everything from counting sponges to ensuring the correct supplies are ready for a complex procedure. The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is another important trait, as operating rooms are high-stakes environments. Technologists must also possess strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with the surgical team.
Career Outlook and Advancement
The employment outlook for surgical technologists is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this field will grow 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by advances in medical technology and an increasing number of surgical procedures for an aging population. The median annual wage was reported by the BLS as $56,350 in 2022, though salaries can vary based on location, employer, and experience.
With experience and further education, surgical technologists have several opportunities for career advancement. Some specialize in a specific area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or cardiology. Others may advance into leadership roles as a lead technologist or a manager of a hospital’s central supply department. A common path is to become a surgical first assistant, which requires additional training for more direct participation in surgery.