What Do Surgical Technicians Do?

There are a variety of names for Surgical Technicians including Scrubs, Surgical or Operating Room Technicians. You may be expected to set up the operating room, lay out surgical instruments, prepare surgical equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. You may also be required to collect the patient from the ward and prepare incision sites by washing, shaving and sterilizing. You may even be involved in positioning the patient on the operating table and taking vital signs such as breathing and blood pressure. After the operation you would probably return the patient to a recovery room or ward, or help clean down the operating room and instruments.

What Sort of Training is involved in becoming a Surgical Technician?

You may receive a mixture of classroom based academic studies and clinical hands on experience at Surgical Technician Schools. You may take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, ethics, medical terminology, sterilization techniques, health and safety, patient care and handling, infection control, equipment handling, instrument handling and decontamination. You may decide to specialize in a particular area with more training, for example neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, pediatric surgery, obstetric and gynecological surgery, or orthopedic surgery. Programs vary between Surgical Technologist Schools however training may last between nine months and two years for a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is responsible for accrediting Surgical Technician Training Schools.