Surgical technologists, or operating room technicians, work during surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in all three phases of patient care: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative case management. A surgical tech job description includes preparing surgical equipment, supplies and medications; passing instruments to surgeons and assistants; operating sterilizers and lights; preparing specimens for lab analysis; and transporting patients to and from surgery. Surgical technologist jobs require the ability to work quickly and accurately. Most surgical activities are carried out during the day, but they sometimes occur during the night shift, or you may need to work on short notice in case of emergency.

Surgical Tech – An Interesting and Life-Saving Career

Constant breakthroughs in surgical technology make for innovative careers for surgical tech. There are different career options with immediate impact on patients’ lives. Many become technical specialists and go into specialized practices such as ophthalmology, neurosurgery or orthopedics. They can work in hospitals as well as ambulatory surgical centers, clinics and physician’s offices. Others decide to work for surgical equipment companies and help distribute the most innovative surgical supplies and medications around the world.

Surgical technologist careers have a bright outlook as healthcare demand continues to growth. Similar to emergency medical services careers, employment is projected to grow by 30% from 2012 to 2022, with a current median pay of $41,790 annually (BLS). Advances in medical technology enable treatment of a variety of illnesses and injuries and call for more surgical technologists to alleviate pain and extend the lives of millions of people.

Hands-on Learning Environment at Gulf Coast Community Colleges

Students must obtain an accredited surgical technology certificate prior to taking the surgical technologist credentialing exam. With a nine-to-twelve-month certificate program, Gulf Coast community colleges provide students an opportunity to train in a realistic, hands-on working environment. Besides lectures, the curriculum emphasizes mock surgery under supervision in actual operating room situations.

Realistic operating environments will enable quick reactions in case of emergency and a stable temperament when working with unpleasant sights, odors and hazardous materials. Frequent practices in such technical settings allow students to become detail oriented, patient, as well as sensitive to the needs of both patients and surgical teams. Additionally, students will be introduced to the latest advances in medical technology, including computers, lasers, fiber optics, electronics and robotics. This all gives students a bigger picture of how surgical tech jobs can help individuals all over the world and make a positive impact on society.

Surgical technologists can create a difference in patients’ lives and make a valuable contribution to society. Visit our surgical technology page for available programs and member colleges to get your hands-on learning experience.