Surgical Technologist

 

Career Description

Surgical technologists work as members of the surgical team to prepare operating rooms for surgery, assist
during surgery and perform the proper postoperative procedures. Technologists ensure operating rooms are prepared for surgery and all instruments are sterilized properly. They also ensure patients are ready for surgery by preparing the incision site, transporting the patient to the operating room, positioning patients for surgery and assisting the surgical team during and after the procedure.

A scrub technologist assists surgeons by handing them instruments during the surgery and ensuring the
immediate surgical fi eld remains sterile.

A circulating technologist is the unsterile member of the surgical team who is responsible for managing the
operating room. Circulating technologists dispense sterile items to the scrub technologist, monitor
supplies, keep records of the procedure, assist anesthesia personnel and perform other functions.

Academic Requirements

Usually, a high school diploma is a prerequisite for admission to these programs, which may be offered through community and junior colleges, hospitals and vocational-technical institutions. The length of training ranges from nine months to 24 months, depending on if a certificate, diploma or associate’s degree is awarded.

Schools

Allied College - North Campus (St. Louis)
866/502-2627

Sanford-Brown College - Hazelwood
314/731-1101

St. Louis Community College - Forest Park
314/644-9100

Professional Associations

National
Association of Surgical Technologists

State
Missouri Assembly - Association of Surgical Technologists

Additional Information

Learn More About Technical Instrumentation
Read Personal Accounts of Current Surgical Technologists