The job of a surgical technologist is especially convenient for those who are interested in the field of medicine, but do not want do go through the many years of education needed for becoming a surgeon. Even though surgical techs only get a small part of the credit for a well done surgery, their role is very significant.

What is the starting and average salary of a Surgical Tech?

The starting surgical technologist salary is approximately $28,860 a year, which may not be very fulfilling, but the average surgical technician salary is quite satisfying. According to the Bureau for Labour Statistics, surgical technologists earn an average wage of $20 per hour, which means it is approximately $40,950 per year. Highly competent and experienced surgical technologists can earn up to $59,150 per year. Surgical techs working in speciality hospitals are the best paid, earning around $47,860 p.a. Surgical technologists employed in physician's offices are next on the list, with an average yearly salary of $44,860 p.a. Surgical techs working in general medical hospitals earn $41,730 per year, whereas technicians working in dental practices are the least paid, earning around $38,170 p.a.

The surgical tech salary will vary depending on:

Education
Experience
The standard of living
The institution the technician works in
The working hours
The responsibilities.

The field of surgical technology is a rapidly growing one, so if one has the necessary abilities, pursuing such a career is a wise step to make.

Job Description

Simply, surgical technicians could be considered as surgeons’ assistants. They have many various responsibilities before, during and after the surgery. First of all, the surgical technologist prepares the patient for surgery – washing, disinfection and transportation to the operating room. Also, one of the crucial tasks of a surgical tech is to provide sterile environment and instruments, which has a highly important role in the well being of the patients.

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Exact Job Duties :

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During surgery, the surgical tech must follow the surgeon’s orders and pass instruments, as well as monitor the patient’s condition and the conditions in the operating room. After surgery, the surgical tech usually transports the patient to the recovery room, but also cleans and disinfects the operating room. This kind of job requires excellent concentration and an ability to stand long hours. Surgical technologists must remain calm in stressful situations, as well as handle unpleasant sights well.

Education

There are many surgical technology programs that take up to 9 months to complete and provide the candidate with a certificate, but employers prefer surgical technologists with an Associate’s degree. One can obtain such a degree by completing a suitable program, which usually lasts two years. These programs are provided by colleges and other educational institutions, but there are many offered online, too. Earning an Associate’s degree from an accredited program makes one eligible for the national certification, which is highly recommendable. One can choose from either:

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam provided by the National Board of Surgical Technology and
The Surgical Assisting and the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) exam provided by the National Centre for Competency Testing.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates that this profession will experience a 25% growth in the next several years. There are two main reasons why it is expected that there will be more job opportunities for surgical technicians. First of all, the population is growing older, so it is supposed that more surgeries will be performed. Also, there is a major development in surgical technologies, so qualified professionals able to assist surgeons will become a crucial part of the medical team.

70% of the surgical technologists work in hospital operating rooms and delivery rooms, but there are job opportunities for these professionals in other types of medical institutions, too, such as dental practices, specialty hospitals etc.