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Surgical Technologist
As a Surgical Technologist, you ensure patient safety throughout the entire surgical process and assist the surgical team during operations and other medical procedures.
An important part of your work is making certain that the operating environment is safe, sterile, and fully prepared for surgery. This includes setting up surgical instruments, verifying that equipment functions properly, and preparing sterile drapes and sterile solutions. During surgery, you assist the surgeon and surgical assistants which can include any number of procedures — passing instruments and sterile supplies, holding retractors, cutting sutures, observing patients’ vital signs, preparing and caring for specimens taken for laboratory analysis, and more. After surgery, you may be responsible for cleaning and restocking the operating room.
It’s a field that’s demanding both physically and mentally. In addition to being exceptionally well-organized, precise, and conscientious, you must have the manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, and to stay alert while standing for long periods of time.
Career Facts
- The average annual wage for Surgical Technologists is $40,070.
- Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Certified technologists who are willing to relocate will have the best job opportunities.
- Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer, although with the aging baby-boom population, growth is expected in other facilities including outpatient surgical facilities, labor and delivery units, and physicians in private practice.
- The typical work week is 40 hours, although you may be on call or work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
- Your studies for this profession include sterile techniques, microbiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology.
Programs
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Everything about our college is aimed at getting you the job you want in the shortest time possible — from our affordable tuition, to how we choose our programs, to our small class sizes, and flexible class schedules.
Discover what Baker can do for your future. Schedule a visit or enroll online today.
