Medical Assisting Career

Surgical Assistant (Surgical Technologist) Career

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Surgical Assistants, or Surgical Technologists are pretty much the same thing. They both are members of the operating room team, where they assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Formal surgical assistant's education programs lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Certification is voluntary but often requested by the employer.

Surgical Technologists, also referred to surgical assistants, often work in shifts, including weekends and holidays, full-time, part-time, and flexible hours. This means: 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis. Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 as the volume of surgery increases.

Surgical Technologist's Job Description:

Surgical Technologists work in an assistive role in a surgical operating room setting. They maintain sterile fields, perform scrubbing routines, instrument and operating field set-up, draping of surface areas and patients, and assist during a variety of surgical procedures. Most positions require a diploma from a CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technology program, surgical technology certification, and experience in the field.

Surgical Technologist Summary

Job Listings: Medical Specialty Jobs
Education: High School, postsecondary vocational award (diploma)
Projected Growth: 49 %
Earnings: $31,210 to $47,352

Find a School: Schools by State

More Information: U.S. Department of Labor