Surgical Technician
A Surgical Technician is a medical professional who assists in surgical operations, prepares operating rooms, arranges equipment, and helps doctors during surgeries.
Top Articles for Surgical Technician
Sample Job Descriptions for Surgical Technician
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Surgical Technician is an integral member of the surgical team who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel to deliver patient care before, during, and after surgery. As a Junior Surgical Technician, you will assist in preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and helping doctors during surgeries.
Required Skills
- Strong attention to detail and precision.
- Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Good communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to follow instructions and protocols accurately.
- Adept at multitasking and working in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to think quickly on one's feet.
- A commitment to patient safety and quality of care.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program.
- Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or equivalent (depending on state requirements).
- Ability to stand for long periods of time and remain focused during lengthy and complex surgeries.
- Physical stamina for lifting, moving and positioning patients and equipment.
- Flexibility to work in shifts, during evenings, weekends, or on call.
- Understanding of medical terminology and anatomy is a plus.
- Basic lifesaving skills certification (e.g., BLS or CPR) is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and sterilize operating rooms and surgical instruments before and after procedures.
- Assist in setting up surgical equipment and passing instruments to surgeons during operations.
- Help prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, and anesthesiologists.
- Maintain a clean and safe surgical environment.
- Adhere to safety standards and protocols to ensure the well-being of patients and staff.
- Assist in the inventory of surgical tools and supplies.
- Participate in ongoing training and educational opportunities to stay abreast of new surgical techniques and safety protocols.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Surgical Technician, you will be a crucial member of the operating room team, performing a range of support duties during surgeries. You will work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel to ensure a safe and efficient surgical environment.
Required Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail.
- Proficiency in handling surgical instruments and equipment.
- Good manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
- Ability to stay focused and maintain quality of work under pressure.
- Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Adept at following complex instructions and procedures.
Qualifications
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential required.
- Associate degree in Surgical Technology, or a certificate from an accredited surgical technician program.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in an operating room setting.
- BLS (Basic Life Support) or ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification preferred.
- Experience with sterilization processes and aseptic technique.
- Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of surgical instruments.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment, and to take and follow directions efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Prepare operating rooms for surgery, including sterilization of instruments and ensuring necessary equipment is available and functioning.
- Assist in positioning, draping, and preparing the patient for surgery.
- Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants during surgical procedures.
- Maintain aseptic techniques and actively monitor situations which could lead to breaches in sterile field.
- Anticipate surgeon's needs and provide instruments and supplies in an efficient manner.
- Assist in collecting, preparing, and disposing of specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- Adhere to all surgical policies and procedures, including safety and infection control standards.
- Assist in transferring patients to and from the operating room.
- Perform inventory checks and ensure all equipment and supplies are stocked and maintained.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Surgical Technician to join our surgical team, offering substantial expertise in preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and providing assistance during surgeries. The ideal candidate will have a track record of supporting surgeons, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team, adhering to strict sanitary protocols and contributing to the efficiency and success of complex surgical procedures.
Required Skills
- Excellent manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
- Keen attention to detail
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment
- Familiarity with operating room procedures and protocols
- Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team
- Proficiency in maintaining sterile fields during surgery
- Capability to follow complex instructions quickly and accurately
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or in a similar role
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- Associate degree or Certification in Surgical Technology
- BLS/CPR Certification
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team and independently
- Experience with various surgical procedures, operating room protocols, and aseptic techniques
- Strong understanding of cross-contamination and infection control standards
- Ability to handle stress and stay focused while managing multiple tasks
- Physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods
Responsibilities
- Prepare and sanitize the operating room for surgeries
- Set up surgical instruments and equipment, ensuring they are in proper working order
- Assist in positioning and preparing the patient for surgery
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses
- Monitor and replenish operating room supplies before and after procedures
- Ensure the sterilization and proper maintenance of surgical tools and equipment
- Follow protocols for maintaining a sterile environment throughout surgeries
- Assist in transfer of patients to and from the operating room
- Conduct inventory checks and maintain documentation for surgical procedures
- Function effectively under high-pressure situations in a fast-paced surgical environment
See other roles in Healthcare, Wellness, and Social Services and Healthcare
Want content like this in your inbox? Sign Up for our Newsletter
Sample Interview Questions
