Surgery has been present for hundreds of years. Over time, medical advances, such as increased knowledge of anatomy, improved operative procedures, and an understanding of bacteria’s relationship with infectious disease, have advanced the field of surgical therapy. Surgery may be performed for various reasons, including relieving pain, improving body function, reducing symptoms, and diagnosing a condition or disease.

Today, there are many different types of surgery, and surgeries can be classified in various ways. For example, they can be categorized by the magnitude of the procedure, the body location (e.g., knee replacement), the body system affected (e.g., orthopedic or respiratory), or the type of condition being treated (e.g., neurologic or oncologic). Surgery can also be classified as inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient surgery (e.g., brain or heart surgery) usually requires overnight hospitalization. Outpatient surgery consists of more minor procedures that do not require as much monitoring and is often performed in ambulatory care centers.

As the title suggests, surgical technologists work in the operating room or any area where surgery is performed. Many people are familiar with roles such as perioperative nurses, surgeons, or anesthesiologists in the operating room, but they may not be familiar with surgical technologists, who are essential team members in surgery. Surgical technologists may also be called surgical techs, surgical assistants, scrub techs, or operating room technicians.

Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing the operating room for surgery. Their duties include preparing a sterile environment prior to surgery, reviewing the supply list and the surgeon’s preferences, handing instruments to the surgeon during surgery, assisting as needed, counting sponges and needles before the surgery concludes, and removing tools and instruments for sterilization. They also prepare and clean the operating room for the next procedure.

Surgical technologists have an extensive knowledge of surgical instruments and their uses. For example, they know that scissors and scalpels are used to cut tissue, while retractors hold an incision open during surgery. They also collaborate with various surgeons regularly, so they must be adaptable in their role and able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon they are working with, which promotes efficiency during the surgery. In addition, surgical technologists need to be familiar with hundreds of surgical procedures.

Essential skills and qualities of a surgical technologist include an understanding of patient care, aseptic/sterile procedures and techniques, and the ability to think critically. As part of a surgical team, good communication and time management are essential in this profession.

Employment Opportunities for Surgical Technologists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), demand for surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is on pace with other occupations. As mentioned previously, surgical technologists typically work in operating rooms with surgeons, but they may also work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. Essentially, wherever there is an operating room, a surgical technologist may be employed. Common specialties where surgical technologists are employed include orthopedics, reconstructive surgery, obstetrics and gynecology (OG/GYN), urology, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practices. The largest employers of surgical technologists are hospitals.

Surgical Technology Requirements and Qualifications

Requirements for surgical technologists vary slightly by state but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and completion of an accredited surgical technology program from an accredited college, vocational school, hospital, or university. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Programs (ABHES) are the primary accrediting bodies for surgical technology programs.

Most surgical technology programs are 2 years and result in an associate degree. Coursework includes general education subjects such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and additional courses depending on the program’s level (certificate or associate degree). Training also includes sterilization techniques, universal precautions, and the care and safety of patients and equipment.

Although certification is not mandatory in every state, many employers require it. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) both offer certification examinations in surgical technology.

Attributions

1. Figure 5.14: image released under the Pexels License
2. Figure 5.15: image released under the Pexels License