Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which include the surgeon(s), anesthesiologist and circulating nurse. Surgical technologists work under the authority and supervision of the surgeon. They work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, medical offices and in medical sales. The average annual salary range for a Surgical Technologist is $38,235 to $54,784, depending on experience.
Preparing for Surgery
Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment and supplies, such as drapes, gowns, gloves, suction tubing, as wells as receiving solutions and medications from the circulating nurse. They also assist the surgeon with putting on his/her gown and gloves, as well as assisting the surgeon in placing the sterile drapes on the patient to create the sterile field.
During Surgery
During the operation, the surgical technologist is responsible for anticipating the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and providing needed supplies such as sponges, performing counts of the instruments, sponges and sharps, providing solutions and medications to the surgeon, receiving tissue specimens to be passed off to the circulator and ensuring there are no breaks in sterile technique in order to prevent the patient from acquiring a surgical site infection.
What Training is Needed?
To help you become a Surgical Technologist, Front Range Community College offers a two-year associates degree to learn the essential hands on skills to be job-ready when you graduate. Front Range Community College is currently seeking accreditation from Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Upon accreditation, graduates can then take the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technology administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).*
To learn more about the FRCC Surgical Technology program and admissions requirements, attend an information session held at the Westminster Campus on the second Wednesday of each month, 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Level A, Room 0211. See building map.
