Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont

Surgical Technologist
Professional Organizations
Association of Surgical Technologists
Englewood, CO
303-694-9130
www.ast.org
Work Environments
Clinics
Hospitals
Physician and dentist offices
Surgical Centers
Surgical Technologists are members of the operating
room team who assist in surgical operations. Before
an operation, they set up surgical instruments and
equipment, and make sure the equipment is working
properly. Technologists get patients ready for surgery
by washing, shaving and disinfecting incision sites.
They transport patients to the operating room, help
position them on the operating room table, and
observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and help
the surgical team with putting on gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments to
surgeons, count supplies used, care for and dispose
of specimens taken for lab analysis and help apply
dressings. After surgery, they may help transfer
patients to the recovery room, and clean and restock
the operating room.
Education Programs
There are no surgical technologist programs in
Vermont, but the following are available through the
New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
www.nebhe.org.
Manchester Community-Technical College (CT)
Springfield Technical Community College (MA)
New Hampshire Community Technical College at
Manchester/Stratham
Job Outlook
The demand for surgical technologists is expected to
grow faster than the average for all occupations through
the year 2010 as the volume of surgery increases.
Salary
The average annual earnings of surgical technologists is
$31,000 in offices and clinics of medical doctors and
$28,000 in hospitals. Some surgical technologists earn
more than $40,000 a year.
Education, Certification and Licensing
A high school diploma is required for admission to one
of 350 accredited programs in community and junior
colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals,
and the military. Programs last 9 to 24 months and
lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Programs provide classroom education and supervised
clinical experience.
Career Ladder
Surgical technologists can advance by specializing in a
particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open
heart surgery. Other surgical technologists go on to
manage central supply departments in hospitals, or
take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply
services, and operating equipment firms.
FACTOID: Surgical technologists are also called scrubs, surgical or operating room technicians.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES / 39