What does a Surgical Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A surgical technician is a medical professional who works alongside surgeons and other medical staff during operations. They are responsible for preparing the operating room and ensuring that all of the necessary equipment is sterilized and ready to use. They also assist in transporting patients to and from the operating room, and may help to position them on the operating table. During surgery, surgical technicians typically hand instruments and other supplies to the surgeon, and may also help to apply dressings or close incisions.
Surgical Technician job duties include:
- Prepare operating room for surgery
- Help transfer patients to operating room
- Prepare patient for surgery
- Assist surgeon during surgery
- Monitor patient's vital signs during surgery
- Perform post-operative care
- Help transfer patient to recovery room
- Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment
- Keep operating room clean and organized
- Stock operating room with supplies
Surgical Technician Job Requirements
A surgical technician, also called a scrub, is a medical professional who works alongside surgeons during surgeries. They are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile, as well as setting up any equipment that may be needed during the surgery. In order to become a surgical technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many surgical technicians also choose to pursue certification through an accredited program. Although certification is not required, it may give candidates a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Experience is also beneficial, as many employers prefer to hire surgical technicians with at least one year of experience working in an operating room.
Surgical Technician Skills
- Sterile techniques
- Suturing
- Knot-tying
- Hemostasis
- Wound closure
- Tissue handling
- Patient positioning
- Draping
- Instrumentation
- Exposure
- Retracting
- Suctioning
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How to become a Surgical Technician
A surgical technician, also called a scrub, is a medical professional who works alongside surgeons and other operating room personnel during surgeries. Surgical techs typically have an associate's degree in surgical technology, although some may have completed a certificate program. Many surgical techs start out working in the field as certified nurse assistants or orderlies before completing their formal education.
The job of a surgical technician is to ensure that the operating room is ready for surgery and that the patient is prepared for surgery. Surgical techs also assist surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and providing other support. After surgery, surgical techs may help care for the patient in the recovery room.
If you are interested in becoming a surgical technician, you should first complete a certified nurse assistant or orderly training program. Once you have completed your training, you can then enroll in an accredited surgical technology program. Upon completion of your program, you will need to pass the national certification exam to become a certified surgical technician.
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