Do you like Anatomy?
Do you like to watch surgery on TV?
Would you like to work in a unique environment?
- As a member of the operating room team.
- In a challenging fast paced environment that can change human lives. An emergency can occur anytime and no two human beings are alike so… it is never boring.
- Every day is spent exploring the human body, becoming familiar with surgical techniques, procedures and treatments.
- There is always something new every day. Technology and innovative changes are ongoing.
The Surgical Technologist works directly with the surgeon during surgery to complete the surgical procedure. Before an operation, you would set up the instruments and equipment. Ensure that both sterile and nonsterile equipment is assembled and adjusted to make sure it works properly. During the surgical procedure, you must know the surgical procedure, observe the conditions of the anatomy, pass instruments to the surgeon, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and react quickly to emergencies by providing the appropriate supplies or equipment.
Surgical technologists can perform the scrub role; assistant circulator (identify, position, and prepare the patient for surgery), or second scrub role (maintain retraction, cut suture, manipulate the camera for minimal invasive surgery, or hold clamps applied by the surgeon). With further training the surgical technologist can become a first assistant.
The professional association is the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Just prior to graduation, you will take the nationally recognized and accredited National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA) surgical technology exam to become a board Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
As you mature by gaining experience, you can opt to specialize in a particular field such as General Surgery, Trauma, Open Heart, Orthopedics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Transplant, Robotic and/or Neuro Surgery. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2015 income was $44,330 and job growth in the field is expected to be much faster than average.
