A surgical technologist is a person who assists surgeons. One of the responsibilities of a surgical technologist is to sterilize surgical instruments, prepare patients for surgery, and set up or organize equipment. They often work under the close supervision of other medical professionals such as surgeons, RNs, and/or anesthesiologists. They might also be there to supervise the patient during the entire procedure.
Training to become a surgical technologist takes up to nine months. However, it can take as much as two years. This training can be obtained through a technical school, community college or university. To be able to take courses leading to a certificate in surgical technology, a student must have a high school diploma. A student in high school who wants to pursue this career can also prepare by taking classes during junior and senior year, such as biology and chemistry.
Additional classes are offered in Surgical Technology programs. These include anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Students learn how to care for patients during surgery and how to prevent the spread of infections and viruses. The courses in surgical technology include both classroom and clinical education. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in the classroom and apply them in real-life situations Ambulatory Anesthesia.
For the next few years, there is a great job outlook for a surgical technologist. Demand is expected to rise even faster than other professions. They can also earn a good annual salary. As stated by the ACH (Occupational-Employment-Handbook), for the year 2008, the average annual salary for this job was at around $38k, and many in the surgical technology field earn more than $50,000 annually. For example, technologists who specialize in brain surgery earn more annually than those who work in a dental office.
If you are looking for a career in medicine, this is a good career choice. It is less difficult to train and educate to become a surgical technologist than for other medical fields. However, the job prospects are expected to grow Anesthesia.
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