Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also called scrub techs, or operating room technicians, assist with operations. They transport patients to surgery, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment and help doctors during surgeries.
If you would like to become a critical part of a surgical care team, working alongside a surgeon, the surgeon's assistants, the nurses and the anesthesiologist, this may be the job for you. You’ll need to act quickly and accurately, work well with other people, exhibit manual dexterity, show empathy and work well under stressful situations.
Before an operation, surgical technologists set up instruments and ensure all equipment is working properly as well as gather and prepare any sterile solutions or medications the team may need.
During an operation, the surgical technologist acts as an extra set of hands for the surgeon and first assistants, handing out sterile instruments and supplies and preparing robotic surgical equipment.
After an operation, surgical technologists may take care of wounds by putting bandages and dressings on them and may take the patient to recovery or restock an operating room.
To become a surgical technologist, you must enroll in an accredited program in Surgical Technology. These Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs are designed to prepare you to take the national exam given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Students who pass this exam become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST), which is a requirement for employment in the state of Texas.
$39,467
entry level salary estimate
$59,697
experienced level salary estimate
1,009
projected annual job openings
Programs for Surgical Technologists
Many ways to make a difference.
When you think about healthcare, your thoughts likely turn to doctors and nurses, and caring for patients. Career opportunities in healthcare today are not only in high demand they are also highly diverse – spanning a range of specialist areas and different settings from home to hospital. For many healthcare positions you can get your start with a certificate, and advance your career with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Additional In Demand Careers in Health Sciences
Sources:
Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide wages by occupation, 2021. Statewide projections by occupation, 2020-2030.
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