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Surgical
Technology @ STCC
| The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that
employment in surgical technology is expected to grow much faster
than the average for all occupations through the year 2008 as the volume of surgery
increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population
grows and ages. Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology,
will also permit new surgical procedures to the performed.
Admissions
Information Sessions now available for FALL 2008 applicants (PDF).
|
 Surgical Technology
students in SIMS Medical Surgery. |
Who
is that person
behind the mask?
Chances are they are not a nurse or a
doctor, but they could be a surgical technologist!
Surgical Technologists held about 54,000 jobs in
1998. Most are employed by hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. Others are
employed in clinics and surgical centers, and in the offices of physicians and dentists
who perform outpatient surgery. A few, known as private scrubs, are employed
directly by surgeons who have special surgical teams like those for liver transplants.
So, what does a surgical technologist do?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, an agency within
the U.S. Department of Labor |
What is a Surgical
Technologist?
Surgical technologists, also called surgical or operating room technicians, assist in
operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical
personnel. Before an operation, surgical technologists help set up the operating
room with surgical instruments and equipment, sterile linens, and sterile solutions.
They assemble, adjust, and check non-sterile equipment  to ensure it is working properly.
Surgical Technologists also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and
disinfecting incision sites. They may also transport patients to the operating room,
help position the patient on the operating table, and cover the patient with sterile
surgical drapes.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and
surgeon assistants. The surgical technologist may hold retractors, cut sutures, and
help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help
prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and may help
apply dressings. Some surgical technologists operate sterilizers, lights, or suction
machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
More
information on Surgical
Technology @ STCC | Apply
NOW!
More on
Surgical Technology at www.ast.org
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