Surgical Technologist

Your Fit

Income

$63K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Surgical Technologist?

A Surgical Technologist, also known as a Scrub Tech, plays a critical role in the operating room, assisting in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses. They are responsible for ensuring that the surgical environment is safe, equipment is functioning properly, and the procedure is conducted under optimal conditions.

Sample job titles:

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Technician (OR Tech), Surgical Technician, Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Surgical Technologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Surgical Technologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$52K per year	$63K per year	$77K per year	$91K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

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What does a Surgical Technologist do?

Work environment

Surgical Technologists typically work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, or specialty areas such as cardiology or orthopedics. Their environment is fast-paced and requires standing for long periods. They need to adhere to strict sterilization and safety protocols.

Quick task list

Prepares operating rooms with necessary surgical instruments and equipment.
Assists in surgeries by passing instruments to surgeons and nurses.
Maintains a sterile environment to prevent infections.
Counts sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery.
Assists in patient preparation and transport.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist: Specializes in surgeries involving the musculoskeletal system.
Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist: Focuses on heart and blood vessel surgeries.
Neurological Surgical Technologist: Works on surgeries of the brain and nervous system.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Technologist: Assists in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgical Technologist: Specializes in surgeries related to the female reproductive system and childbirth.

Description

Surgical Technologists are integral members of the surgical team, working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. Their primary responsibility is to maintain the sterile field in the operating room, ensuring that all instruments, equipment, and environmental conditions meet the stringent standards required for surgical procedures. They need to be knowledgeable about a vast array of surgical instruments and procedures to anticipate the needs of the surgical team.

Communication and teamwork are essential in this role, as Surgical Technologists must coordinate closely with other team members to ensure patient safety and the smooth running of the operation. They need to be adaptable, able to respond quickly to changing situations during surgery, and have a strong attention to detail.

The role of a Surgical Technologist is both physically and mentally demanding. They must be able to handle the pressure and intensity of surgery, including exposure to sights and situations that can be challenging.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a critical role in life-saving surgical procedures.
Working in a dynamic and technologically advanced environment.
Continuous learning and specialization in various surgical procedures.

You might make a good Surgical Technologist if you are...

Highly organized and attentive to detail, ensuring a safe and sterile surgical environment.
Able to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
Interested in anatomy, surgery, and working in a healthcare setting.
A team player who communicates effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Physically able to stand for long periods and handle the intensity of an operating room.

Pros:

Highly rewarding and impactful work.
Opportunities to specialize in various surgical areas.
Growing demand in the healthcare sector.

Cons:

Physically and mentally demanding.
Exposure to potentially distressing situations and bodily fluids.
Requires working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and being on-call.

How to become a Surgical Technologist

Typical education

Becoming a Surgical Technologist generally requires completing a postsecondary educational program in surgical technology, which usually takes about 1-2 years. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, or the military.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry for foundational knowledge in life sciences.
Health Science to understand basic healthcare principles.
Anatomy and Physiology to gain an understanding of the human body.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals or healthcare facilities.
Joining health science or medical clubs.
Participating in first aid or CPR certification courses.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program.
Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships.
Obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or similar organizations.

More resources

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) - Provides resources, certification, and educational information.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) - Offers certification for Surgical Technologists.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - Lists accredited programs in surgical technology.
Surgical Tech Schools - A resource for finding schools and understanding the career path of Surgical Technologists.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.