Surgical Technologist: Everything You Need to Know
According to the National Library of Medicine, around fifteen million people in the United States undergo surgery every year. Whether it is a minor or a major operation, millions of people put their lives in the hands of a team of doctors and nurses who are up to the task of alleviating any health related problems. However, most people are not aware of the unsung heroes of the operating room who ensure that the procedure runs as smooth and efficient as possible. These unsung heroes are the surgical technologists.
What is a Surgical Tech?
Surgical technologists are also often referred to as surgical technicians, scrub techs or operating room technicians. They are part of the allied health professionals who use their knowledge and expertise to help treat people in need of any surgical care. A surgical tech must possess the skills and knowledge in sterile and aseptic technique. These aseptic techniques are needed in procedures that are done under sterile conditions.
It is important that they are able to keep the instruments and work area sterile to avoid any contamination as the patient may get an infection. Undoubtedly, their role that they play a surgical procedure is an important and essential one. It is not a wonder that a lot of people are signing up for surgical tech programs. Not only is the job a challenging and fulfilling one. There are other factors as well: salary, benefits, and professional recognition. Now the question is, how to become a surgical tech?
Training to Become a Surgical Tech
In order to perform the job successfully, a surgical tech must undergo various training and programs. Some schools offer a 13-month course. Other schools, such as the SJVC Fresno Surgical tech program, offer an associate’s degree that lasts up to two years. There are a lot of community colleges, or vocational and technical schools that offer programs to become a surgical tech. Some surgical techs are trained in military schools in which they perform the roles of the ‘circulator’ and the scrub tech. A circulator also ensures that the operating room is sterile but also prepares the operating room and the patient before the operation.
Most surgical techs are trained by working under a nurse or a senior surgical tech. They assist on different surgical procedures. The procedures become increasingly more difficult and this allows them to develop their skills and knowledge, until they are able to assist in all types of operations. It is the surgical tech’s job to anticipate the next move of the surgeon and prepare the instruments needed.
Surgical technologists assist in different fields of medicine such as cardiovascular, plastic surgery, ENT, orthopedics, just to name a few. It is imperative that a surgical tech is familiar with the different procedures that she/he assists on and what are the types involved. Furthermore, surgical techs must also regularly attend training sessions so as to keep them abreast of the latest advancement in technology in surgery.
Roles and responsibilities of Surgical Techs
The roles, responsibilities and qualifications of surgical techs vary in each country. In the United States, surgical techs are unlicensed hospital personnel who are supervised by a surgeon or a registered nurse. They make sure that the operating room and instruments are prepared and that the patient’s safety is double checked. They are also responsible of stocking and restocking supplies in the operating room before and after a procedure is done. In some countries, surgical techs can work independently in the absence of a doctor. They can perform advanced surgical procedures as required of them. In other countries, the roles and responsibilities of a surgical technician are performed as well by a registered nurse.
Average Surgical Tech Salary
A surgical technician may expect a great compensation package. This is because they are highly trained and their job is high pressure. The average surgical tech salary in the United States is $44,300 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That comes out to $21.31 per hour. A surgical tech salary is very competitive given the fact that they are not required to have a full degree and can become a surgical tech in a year’s time.
However, other surgical technicians may get paid as low as $17 per hour, which is about $35,360 per year. This is because in some states in the United States surgical techs receive the highest pay compared to other states. For instance, surgical techs in Maryland receive up to $48,000 in annual salary while in California, they receive an average of $46,000 per year. However, they may only get an annual salary of $36,000 in Alaska and Arizona. In Hawaii, they may even get only an annual salary of $35,500. Thus, it is important to consider your location when trying to become a surgical technologist.
Surgical Tech Salaries in Other Countries
Salaries of surgical technologists in other countries are also in the same range. In Canada, the average surgical tech salary is $34,593 Canadian dollars. This amounts to $16.63 per hour. In Australia, the average per hour rate for surgical techs is $48,758 Australian dollars. Those who are at entry level position may only get an annual salary of $36,400. On the other hand, surgical techs with three to five years of experience under their belt may receive higher salaries amounting to $40,000 Australian dollars.
Other Benefits for Surgical Techs
Aside from the a surgical tech salary, they also enjoy other benefits such as paid sick leave, paid vacations or holidays, 401K’s, insurance and healthcare packages. Some hospitals also offer a training subsidy wherein they will reimburse any amount that they spend on additional training that help them become better in their field. Even though the base salary of a surgical tech might not incredibly high, if she/he is given these benefits, the job is surely well worth it. And the profession of being a surgical technician has seen steady job growth in the recent years despite the global financial climate.
They do not need to be worried of layoffs and downsizing of their company as the role they play in the medical field is a vital one. Without a doubt, the profession of being a surgical tech can truly be a rewarding one, on a personal level as well as a financial level.