Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are specifically trained to function as an integral member of the surgical team, performing specialized duties before, during and after a surgical procedure.
Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, including the sterile field, setting up surgical equipment, supplies and solutions. During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments, fluids and supplies to the surgeon and prepare and manage surgical equipment. Surgical technologists simultaneously manage the sterile field and specimens. Surgical technologists perform a count of sponges and supplies to prevent foreign retained objects. Surgical technologists are certified following successful completion of a CAAHEP-accredited program or other programmatically-accredited surgical technology program and the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
How will this degree help me?
Employment Opportunities
Most surgical technologists are employed in operating rooms; however, they also work in delivery wards, clinics, surgery centers, and offices of physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. A few, known as private scrubs, are employed directly by surgeons.
Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 14,700 new jobs and employment growth of nearly 15 percent between 2014 and 2024. Surgical technologists who have completed an accredited program will have the best job prospects.
Rankings
Surgical Technologists rank #24 in Best Health Care Support Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors.
Salary
Certified Surgical Technology professionals had a median salary of $43,350 in 2014, according to the BLS. The highest earners made more than $62,170, while the lowest earners took home less than $30,780.
According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) the expected growth for jobs in the Surgical Technologist field from 2011 through 2020 is 26.1%. Candidates across the US are earning an average $23.07 ($14.28 – $26.19) an hour or $47,980 a year.
Here’s the latest hourly and annual rates of pay for Surgical Technologists via PayScale:
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