Surgical Technologist/Technician Salary, Job Description and Education

A Surgical Technologist or Technician are actually the same, though the title may get alternated. Find more details about the surgical technologist/technician Salary, Job Description and Education. A surgical technologist/technician are allied health practitioners, they do not undergo the same training as the physician. They help ensure patient and operating room safety, as well as the functionality and sanitation of surgical equipment.
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses (RNs) and other surgical personnel with surgical procedures. They help ensure patient and operating room safety, as well as the functionality and sanitation of surgical equipment.

Surgical Technologist/Technician Salary

The surgical technologist earn between $36,000 to $65,000, this amount vary in relation to the following conditions such as employee, company size, location, years of experience and level of education. The average pay per hour for a surgical technologist is $20, and  top earners work in California.

Surgical Technologist/Technician Job Description

The surgical technologist prepares and maintains medical equipment in preparation for surgical procedures, they may also be required to transport the patient to and from the surgical theater. They can perform basic resuscitation procedures and other first aid activities.
Surgical technologist also sterilize all surgical equipment, they support and prepare patients in readiness for surgery. Before every surgery the surgical technologist will set up the room, and after the surgery they clean and dispose of items post surgery. Each hospitals have its own procedure and industry procedure that should be followed by the surgical technologist,

Surgical Technologist Tasks

• Set up and maintain surgical field, collaborating with nurses and doctors and assisting where required.
• Assemble, transport, and retrieve surgical equipment, ensuring all pieces leave the room.
• Keep all needed surgical equipment at the ready, including sterile linens, saline, lights, suction machines, etc.
• Inspect, maintain, decontaminate, and repair surgical equipment, keeping inventory records up to date.
• Conduct pre and post-surgery patient care, including shaving, transporting, and applying dressings.

They might also cut sutures, hold retractors, operate suction machines or diagnostic equipment and apply dressings.

Surgical Technologist/Technician Education

The surgical technologist does not require years of education like the physicians and medical doctors do, the training for the surgical technologist is a period of 2 years. The training and education can take place in the hospital, vocational school or college. Getting certified with a license will help you gain a better standing, certificates, diplomas and associate degrees are awarded to qualifying students.
You are required to pass exams conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Center for Competency Training.