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Profession: Medical Technologies

Surgical Technologist: 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.

Salary Range: $30,300 - $43,560

Salary Notes: The median annual earnings of surgical technologists is $37,300 in offices and clinics of medical doctors and $35,840 in hospitals. Some surgical technologists earn more than $46,000 a year; median salary in Vermont is $38,820.

Where you can study:
Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor, ME
Great Bay Community College, Stratham, NH
Manchester (CT) Community College, Manchester, CT
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA

Where you might work:
Clinics - Hospitals - Physician and Dentist Offices - Surgical Centers -

Job Outlook: The demand for surgical technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016 as the volume of surgery increases.

Education, Licensing and Certification: A high school diploma is required for admission to one of over 400 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.

Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists. Certification can be obtained through the Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologist or the National Center for Competency Testing.

Professional Organizations:
Association of Surgical Technologists 303-694-9130 www.ast.org