In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, there are numerous roles that ensure the smooth functioning of medical procedures and patient care. Among these, the role of a surgical tech stands out as particularly critical. If you’ve ever wondered who surgical techs are, what they do, and what career prospects they offer, you’re in the right place. This article will provide an in-depth look at what is a surgical tech, exploring everything from work environments and job duties to salary prospects and the steps required to embark on this career.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist, is a vital member of the surgical team who assists surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals before, during, and after surgical procedures. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that surgeries run smoothly and safely, making their contribution to patient care indispensable.
But there is much more to the role of a surgical tech than meets the eye. They are not just passive participants in the operating room; they are active and essential contributors to the success of surgical procedures. From preparing the operating room to assisting the surgical team, surgical techs have a wide range of responsibilities that demand both technical skills and a deep understanding of surgical procedures.
Work Environment of a Surgical Tech
Surgical techs are integral to any healthcare setting, and their work environments can vary significantly depending on where they are employed. The majority of surgical techs, approximately 71%, find employment in hospitals. Hospitals are the primary workplace for surgical techs because of the high volume of surgeries conducted in these settings. Working in a hospital often comes with perks such as paid time off, retirement plans (like 401(k)s), and opportunities for overtime. However, it also requires surgical techs to be prepared for a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable work environment.
Aside from hospitals, surgical techs can also work in outpatient care centers, which employ about 12% of these professionals. Outpatient care centers typically perform surgeries that do not require overnight hospital stays, offering a slightly different work environment that might be less hectic than that of a hospital. Additionally, surgical techs may find employment in the offices of physicians, dental offices, and administrative and support services, providing them with a variety of work settings to choose from.
Duties of a Surgical Tech
The responsibilities of a surgical tech are extensive and essential to the surgical process. These duties ensure that surgeries are conducted efficiently and safely, minimizing risks to patients and enabling the surgical team to focus on the task at hand. Here’s a breakdown of the typical duties of a surgical tech:
1. Preparing the Operating Room
One of the primary responsibilities of a surgical tech is to prepare the operating room (OR). This involves ensuring that the OR is sterile and fully equipped with all necessary instruments, equipment, and supplies. Surgical techs must set up the surgical instruments and ensure that everything is in place before the surgery begins. This preparation is crucial for avoiding any delays during surgery and maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infections.
2. Assisting the Surgeon During Surgery
During surgery, the surgical tech plays an active role by assisting the surgeon and the surgical team. They pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon as needed, anticipating the needs of the surgical team. Maintaining a sterile field is critical during this time, as any contamination could lead to severe complications for the patient. Surgical techs must be vigilant and responsive, ensuring that the surgery proceeds smoothly.
3. Instrument Sterilization
After the surgery, the surgical tech is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing instruments and equipment for future procedures. This task is vital for preventing infections and ensuring that the next surgery can proceed without delays. Proper sterilization techniques are a key aspect of a surgical tech’s job and require a thorough understanding of infection control protocols.
4. Safety and Infection Control
Surgical techs must adhere to strict safety and infection control measures to protect both patients and the surgical team. This includes following established protocols to maintain a sterile environment throughout the surgical procedure and ensuring that all safety guidelines are met. These measures are essential for reducing the risk of complications and ensuring patient safety.
5. Emergency Situations
In the event of an emergency during surgery, such as sudden bleeding or an unexpected complication, the surgical tech must be able to assist in stabilizing the situation. This might involve handing the surgeon the necessary instruments quickly or helping to control the situation until the stabilization of the patient. The ability to remain calm under pressure and act swiftly is crucial in these scenarios.
Salary and Job Prospects
Surgical Tech Salary
The surgical tech salary is quite promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for a surgical tech in the United States is approximately $56,300 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, and the specific workplace.
For those just starting out, entry-level surgical techs can expect to earn between $35,000 and $43,000 annually. While this might seem modest, there is significant potential for salary growth as you gain experience and pursue continuing education. In some states, particularly those on the West Coast like California, experienced surgical techs can earn close to $100,000 per year.
Job Prospects
The demand for surgical techs is high and continues to grow. With the aging baby boomer population and ongoing advancements in medical technology, the number of surgeries performed each year is expected to increase. As a result, the demand for skilled surgical techs will also rise. According to the BLS, there were close to 130,000 jobs available for surgical techs in the U.S., and this number is set to grow annually.
This high demand not only ensures job security but also provides opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential. If you are interested in a career that offers both stability and growth potential, becoming a surgical tech could be a great option.
How to Become a Surgical Tech
If you’re considering a career as a surgical tech, the first step is to obtain formal training. Most surgical techs complete their training through programs offered at community colleges, universities, or vocational schools. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Training Programs
While many students opt for on-campus programs, which provide a more traditional learning environment, online surgical tech programs are also available. These online programs are often more affordable and can be completed more quickly, making them an attractive option for those who need to enter the workforce sooner rather than later.
Certification
After completing your training, obtaining a surgical tech certification is very important. Certification not only improves your job prospects but also demonstrates your commitment to the profession and ensures that you have met a recognized standard of competence. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the field.
Life as a Surgical Tech: Pros and Cons
Like any career, working as a surgical tech comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help you decide whether this career is the right fit for you.
Pros of Being a Surgical Tech
- High Demand: As mentioned earlier, surgical techs are in high demand, ensuring job security and numerous employment opportunities.
- Job Satisfaction: If you find fulfillment in making a direct impact on patients’ lives, this career can be deeply rewarding. Surgical techs play a crucial role in assisting during surgeries and helping save lives.
- Quick Entry into the Workforce: Unlike many healthcare careers that require years of education, becoming a surgical tech can become a reality relatively quickly, often in just one to two years.
- Good Pay: Surgical techs can earn a competitive salary, with the potential to earn six figures as they gain experience. Additionally, working in a hospital setting often comes with benefits such as retirement plans and paid time off.
- Variety of Specialties: Surgical techs have the opportunity to work in various surgical specialties, from orthopedics to cardiovascular surgery, allowing them to choose an area that aligns with their interests.
Cons of Being a Surgical Tech
- Physically Demanding: The job can be physically challenging, requiring long hours of standing, sometimes during nights, weekends, and holidays. Maintaining good physical health is essential to handle the demands of the job.
- Stressful Work Environment: The fast-paced nature of the surgical environment, combined with the pressure of handling emergencies, can be stressful. It’s important for surgical techs to develop coping mechanisms to manage the emotional demands of the job.
Conclusion
Becoming a surgical tech is an excellent career choice for those who are passionate about healthcare and want to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. With a relatively short training period, high demand, and good salary prospects, it’s a profession that offers both stability and fulfillment. While the job can be physically and emotionally demanding, the rewards—both personal and financial—make it a career worth considering.
If you want to start a career as a surgical tech, now is a great time to explore your options and take the first step toward this rewarding profession.
Become a Surgical Tech with The Preppy Method
If the traditional pathway to becoming a surgical technologist seems daunting, there’s a more efficient and cost-effective alternative: Preppy’s online surgical tech programs. In fact, this method allows you to obtain the necessary training, surgical tech certification, and clinical experience in just a few months, without the high costs or long time commitments associated with CAAHEP-accredited programs.
Also read: How To Start Your Surgical Tech Career
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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