Description of Occupation - Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Surgical technologists may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous materials.

The ability to perform under pressure in stressful and emergency situations is a quality essential to surgical technologists. A stable temperament, a strong sense of responsibility, considerable patience, and concern for order are required. Manual dexterity and physical stamina are vital. They must be oriented to detail, yet able to integrate a number of activities according to priority. They must be keenly sensitive to the needs of the patient as well as to the needs of other members of the surgical team.

Surgical technologists need manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly. They also must be conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment. Technologists must respond quickly and know procedures well to have instruments ready for surgeons without having to be told. They are expected to keep abreast of new developments in the field. Recommended high school courses include health, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Surgical tech is among the fastest growing occupations requiring post-secondary or associate's degree training in Pennsylvania 2002-2012. Many surgical technologists are employed in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, cast rooms, emergency departments, ambulatory care areas, and central supply departments. Some serve in management roles in surgical services departments. In the private scrub role, they are employed directly by surgeons, while others work as surgical first assistants. They are utilized in clinics and surgicenters; in opthalmologists', physicians', and dentists' offices; and in home health care.

Salary Range for Geographical Area - $38,265 median salary in Harrisburg (using zip 17110) from salary.com October 2007

Educational Advancement - Students can pursue the associate degree option or specialize in a particular area of surgery. With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants. Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management and Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration.  Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management (classes in accelerated format and held at HACC's Lancaster Campus).

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Profession
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
Association of Surgical Technologists
Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Assn of Surgical Techs on YouTube