While surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, assist in surgical procedures, much of their time is spent preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment and assisting doctors during surgery. As such, they may not have much interaction with patients other than under sedation.
Surgical technologists handle a variety of job duties:
Prepare operating rooms for surgery.
Sterilize equipment for surgery.
Prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites.
Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterilesupplies.
National Median Salary
$44,330 annually*
*Figure represents national average. To view the average salary in your state visit the bureau of labor statistics.
Requirements
Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma/GED and postsecondary nondegree award (certificate)
Don’t have your high school diploma? Click here
Interested in career colleges that offer surgical technologist courses? Click here
Job outlook (2014-24):
Growing much faster than average (15 percent projected growth)*
