What Is a Surgical Technologist? A Look Inside This Critical Career

Drama. Chaos. Disaster.

The operating room scenes we see in movies and TV shows can raise even the most rational viewer's heart rate—even while you're sitting comfortably on your living room couch.

Though these hectic emergencies are sometimes the reality—or close to it—of a career in surgery, many operations are planned and thoroughly prepared for by members of a surgical team. And while a surgeon may be the star of the show in the operating room, there are multiple professionals working alongside them who play crucial roles in the outcome.

Surgical technologists, sometimes called operating room technicians, are one of these medical specialists. Their involvement before, during and after any kind of operation is vital to every patient’s health. But what is a surgical technologist, and what does this career involve?

We interviewed a professional in the field and collected government data to give you a closer look at this healthcare career. Read on to discover if you’re ready to pursue this important profession.

What does a surgical technologist do?

You’ve probably figured out that surgical technologists have something to do with surgery, but what do they actually do in their day-to-day work? We went straight to the source for the answer, thanks to Deb Christiansen, surgical technologist at Avera McKennan Hospital.

A surgical technologist’s main duties are to prepare and maintain a sterile environment for surgeries, provide the surgeon with necessary tools during the operation and assist the surgeon in performing surgical procedures. Surgical technologists have the first interactions with patients and set the tone for surgery.

“There is such a wide span of what you can expect to do each day. I have done everything from helping with ear tubes and inserting catheters to actually catching babies while assisting with deliveries,” Christiansen says.

Here are a few other daily tasks that are a part of this career:

• Prepare a sterile processing area
• Review the supply list and the surgeon’s preferences
• Pass necessary tools and instruments to surgeon
• Assist surgeon as needed
• Review count of sponges, needles and other materials prior to surgery’s end
• Apply bandages to surgical sites and assist in transporting patients from operating room
• Remove tools and surgical instruments for sterilization
• Prepare and clean the operating room for next surgery

While these technical skills can be acquired in a surgical technology program, soft skills are also vital in this career.

“I make an effort to interact with the families before and after the procedures,” Christiansen explains. “This does a lot to build trust and a calming environment for what is often a stressful situation.”

Where do surgical technologists work?

Wondering what it could look like to walk into work as a surgical technologist on a daily basis? Surgical technologists have a flexible career when it comes to location and schedule.

Generally speaking, surgical technologists work in locations that have operating rooms or perform surgical operations. Though the most common setting for a surgical technician to work is a hospital, they may also work in the following locations:

• Ambulatory care centers
• Clinics
• Dental offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Private physician offices
• Surgical centers

What can surgical technologists specialize in?

Many surgical technologists remain generalists, but some choose to specialize in specific types of surgeries as they grow their careers and gain more experience surgical assisting. Hospitals offer a variety of operating specialty areas for surgical technologists, such as:

• Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
• Cardiovascular
• Orthopedic
• Neurology
• Reconstructive
• Urology
• Ear/nose/throat (ENT)

Who do surgical technologists work with?

Like most careers in healthcare, the surgical tech role is meant to operate as part of a team. Surgical techs may have several solitary tasks in a given day (for example, sterilizing surgical equipment), but they also work collaboratively alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other operating room technicians. Surgical technologists assist teams in surgeries by passing tools to surgeons and surgical assistants, as well as helping to prepare, retract and clean up the surgical field.

This role is also somewhat patient facing since surgical techs may help prepare patients for surgery, transport them to the operating room and apply bandages and sutures. As Christiansen points out, surgical techs may also interact with patient family members, helping everyone understand what is happening.

What kind of schedules do surgical technologists have?

Surgical technologists are typically hired as full-time employees in a healthcare facility. Depending on the place of employment, your hours and shifts will vary. As noted above, a majority of surgical techs are employed in hospitals. For these positions, your shifts may fluctuate on a weekly basis, meaning you'll need to be somewhat flexible. You may be on call during nights, weekends and holidays, and some shifts may last longer than eight hours.

Surgical techs who work in outpatient care centers or in physicians’ offices will likely have a more predictable weekly work schedule.

What skills do surgical technologists have?

Surgical technologists are typically trained in four focused skills areas:

• Preparing operating rooms
• Assisting surgeons during surgery
• Sterilization techniques
• Compassionate patient care

But there are also a handful of other characteristics and soft skills that can help make someone a great surgical technologist. Surgical technologists tend to have the following natural abilities in addition to the hard skills they learn in training:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• A knack for equipment and technology
• Strong and active listening
• Precise and detail-oriented
• Level-headed under pressure
• A sharp memory
• Excellent fine motor skills
• Flexible and adaptable

How much education do surgical technologists need?

Maybe you’re thinking that a surgical technologist career sounds great so far, but what about education? How can you fit the classes required into your already busy schedule, especially if you can’t be a full-time student? Take a look at some of your options.

Surgical technology roles typically require an associate degree. Becoming a certified surgical technologist isn’t necessarily required, but it may be helpful in finding a job. Anatomy, biology, medical terminology and pharmacology are common focus areas of a strong Surgical Technologist program.

Earning a degree may sound daunting, but the time commitment can be manageable. In fact, the Rasmussen University Surgical Technologist program can be completed in as few as 21 months.¹ That’s right—you can become a surgical technologist that's working in the field in less than two years.

Interested in joining the OR team?

These medical professionals may not experience all the drama of a Hollywood TV show, but the support they provide surgeons and patients is still a vital part of each surgery.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering this career,” says Christiansen. “The most rewarding part is seeing the outcome of each individual procedure. It is in witnessing the happy faces on patients and family members as they experience the results of a successful operation.”

Are you seriously considering joining the operating room team as a surgical technologist? Find out what it takes by reading “Your 4-Step Guide on How to Become a Surgical Technologist.”

¹Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.