Have you ever thought about a career in health care, but you just can’t decide which one is best for you? Maybe you should consider becoming a surgical technologist. According to the United States Department of Labor, the employment rate for surgical technologists is expected to increase by 21% to 31% through the year 2012.
This is because the baby boomers are aging and the need for surgeries is on the rise. In addition, technological advances are opening up the door for more and more surgical procedures. Therefore, if you have ever thought about a career in health care now is a great time consider a surgical technologist career.
First of all, let’s examine the history of surgical technology. Surgical technicians can be found as far back as World War I. These early surgical technicians worked on the battlefields under very dangerous conditions. World War II found the army using corpsmen as surgical technicians because nurses were not allowed to enter combat ships. It was during this time the army realized the value of the surgical technician and gave them the name “ORTs” or operating room technicians.
In 1968, the Association of Operating Room Nurses created the Association of Operation Room Technicians. This was divided into two committees. These committees were named the Joint Committee on Education and the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. In 1970, the very first certification test was given and those that passed the exam were given the title Certified Operating Room Technician.
In 1973, the Association of Operation Room Technicians became an independent body and changed their name to the Association of Surgical Technologists. A certified Operating Room Technician or OR tech was given the new title of Surgical Technologist. The history of surgical technicians is fascinating and as advancements in surgical procedures proceed surgical technology will continue to be a career that is in high demand.
What Exactly Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
A surgical technician is a very important part of the surgery team. A surgery tech is responsible for preparing the operating room by gathering the needed supplies and equipment. The tech will create and maintain the sterile field and count the items that are going to be used in surgery.
During the surgery, the tech will pass the instruments and supplies to the surgeon or surgical assistant. The tech may also be responsible for handling and labeling specimens that are to be sent to lab for testing. The surgical tech will perform a count of sponges and supplies with another member of the surgery team. This is vital to make sure no sponges or instruments were left inside of the patient.
After the surgery, the surgery technician will remove any used instruments and supplies from the operating room. The tech will transport used instruments to central supply to be sterilized. Then the surgical technologist will prepare the operating room for the next patient.
It is important that you realize that a surgery technician is required to stand for long periods of time. They must also have the ability to lift and move heavy objects. The surgery tech must be able to remain focused on the procedure and to anticipate what the surgeon may need ahead of time.
Keep in mind that a career in surgical technology is not for those with a weak stomach. You will be exposed to many unpleasant sights, odors and sounds in the operating room. You will also be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous materials. If you become a surgical technologist you may be required to work weekends, holidays and night shift. A surgery tech must also be on call for emergencies.
A surgical technologist career requires that you possess certain characteristics. You must be able to work quickly and accurately and have a strong commitment to detail. It is vital that you are able to perform under stressful situations and maintain your cool. You must have good manual dexterity and stamina and be sensitive to the needs of your team members and your patients.
If a surgical technologist career sounds like the perfect fit for you then you must complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs can take as little as nine months, or you can get a two year associate degree. Once you complete the program you will then be able to sit for the certification exam.
