How to Be Operating Room Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 5, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Operating Room Technician plays a critical role in the success of surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include setting up and organizing the operating room, sterilizing and preparing equipment, and maintaining a sterile environment. If the Operating Room Technician does not properly perform these duties, it can lead to serious complications, including increased chances of infection, medical errors, and a longer recovery time for the patient.

Furthermore, if the Operating Room Technician does not have the necessary experience and training, there is potential for unsafe conditions and costly mistakes. proper training and experience of an Operating Room Technician is essential for a successful operation and a safe recovery for the patient.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step in becoming an Operating Room Technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. In some cases, a college degree may be preferred by employers.
Complete an Accredited ORT Program. An Operating Room Technician program can typically be completed in one year and is offered at many community colleges, technical schools, and universities. During the program, students learn about patient care, sterilization techniques, operating room safety and procedures, and anesthesia technology.
Apply for Certification. After completing a program, students can apply to be certified as an Operating Room Technician. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification, which requires passing an exam.
Obtain an Entry-Level Position. Once certified, individuals can apply for entry-level positions as an Operating Room Technician. This can include working in a hospital, surgery center, or doctors office.
Gain Experience and Advancement. With experience, Operating Room Technicians can become supervisors or educators. They may also specialize in certain fields such as pediatrics or trauma.

The quality of an operating room technician is critical for providing safe, reliable medical care. Becoming a reliable and qualified operating room technician requires extensive education, training, and clinical experience. A successful technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and instruments, and proper patient positioning and care.

they must understand the various types of sterilization and infection control procedures, be able to quickly recognize any potential hazards, and be able to adapt to changing conditions in the operating room. Furthermore, they must be able to effectively communicate with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff while performing their duties. With the right education and training, as well as the proper attitude and commitment to patient safety and care, an operating room technician can become a reliable and qualified professional who is essential to any medical team.

You may want to check Operating Room Patient Care Technician, Operating Room Clinical Coordinator, and Operating Room Technician Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites.
Assist surgeons during surgery by passing instruments, sutures, and other supplies.
Maintain sterile environment during surgical procedures by ensuring all instruments, supplies, and equipment are sterilized as per hospital protocols.
Clean and maintain operating rooms between procedures.
Set up operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies.
Monitor patient vital signs during surgery and report any changes to the surgeon.
Transport patients to and from the operating room.
Document patient history and vital signs prior to surgery.
Change operating room gowns and linens between procedures.
Assist nurses and medical staff with patient care as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of aseptic and sterile technique
Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment
Ability to anticipate surgeons needs
Ability to monitor vital signs
Ability to set-up and break-down the operating room
Ability to set-up and use specialized equipment
Ability to maintain a safe environment for patients
Ability to transport patients and equipment
Ability to provide emotional support to patients and family
Ability to follow post-operative care instructions
Ability to provide patient education
Ability to follow physicians orders
Ability to document patient care accurately and completely

Operating Room Technicians (ORTs) are essential healthcare workers who work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other medical facilities. They provide support to surgeons and other medical staff during surgical procedures. ORTs need to have a variety of skills to be successful in this role, but the most important of these is attention to detail.

ORTs need to be able to pay attention to small details, as even the smallest mistake or omission can have serious consequences for the patient. ORTs must also be organized and efficient, as they need to be able to quickly set up the operating room, prepare the patient for surgery, and keep track of instruments and supplies. They must also be able to respond quickly to instructions from surgeons and other medical staff, as well as follow safety protocols.

The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is also important, as ORTs often find themselves in high-pressure situations. Finally, good communication skills are a must, as ORTs need to be able to clearly convey information to other members of the surgical team. All of these skills are essential for ORTs to successfully perform their duties and ensure that patients receive the best care possible.

Operating Room Aide, Operating Room Scheduler, and Operating System Administrator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an Operating Room Technician?
How do you ensure that you are up to date on the latest techniques and protocols in the operating room?
Describe your experience in setting up and breaking down the operating room for procedures.
What safety protocols do you follow when handling and disposing of contaminated materials?
How do you handle stressful situations during a procedure?
What do you think is the most important responsibility of an Operating Room Technician?
How do you make sure that all necessary equipment and supplies are available prior to a procedure?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly and take initiative to resolve a patient care issue.
How do you collaborate with other team members to ensure that procedures are carried out efficiently?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and timeliness when preparing and documenting patient records?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Scissors. A sharp edged cutting tool used to make precise cuts in tissue during surgery (eg: Metzenbaum Scissors).
Surgical Needles. A medical device used to pass sutures through tissue, often used to close up a wound or incision (eg: Curved Needles).
Surgical Forceps. A tool with two flat tips, used to hold and manipulate tissue during surgery (eg: Mosquito Forceps).
Suction Machines. A device used to remove tissue, fluids, and other matter from an operating rooms (eg: Wall Suction Machines).
Electro-Cautery Devices. A device used to cut, seal, and remove tissue using heat (eg: Bovie Pen).
Retractors. A tool used to separate (retract) tissue so that the surgeon can better see the operative site (eg: Richardson Retractor).
Surgical Drills. A handheld tool used to make holes in bone during surgical procedures (eg: Orthopedic Power Drill).
Anesthesia Machines. A device used to deliver anesthetic gases to a patient during surgery (eg: Drager Apollo Anesthesia Machine).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Surgical Technologists
Association of Operating Room Nurses
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management
Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety
International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

We also have Operating System Developer, Operating Room Anesthesia Technician, and Operating Room Scheduling Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Anesthesia. A medical specialty that uses medications to induce loss of sensation or awareness during medical procedures.
Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform surgical procedures, such as forceps, scalpels, and retractors.
Sterilization. The process of destroying microorganisms on a surface or in a liquid by using disinfectants, heat, or radiation.
Surgical Scrub. The practice of washing hands and arms with antimicrobial soap before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Surgical Gowns. Specialized protective clothing worn by healthcare workers during surgical procedures to minimize the risk of contamination.
Operating Room Setup. The positioning of personnel and equipment in the operating room prior to a procedure to ensure safe and efficient performance.
Surgical Counts. A procedure used to ensure that all instruments and sponges used during a procedure are accounted for at the end of the surgery.
Intraoperative Monitoring. The continuous monitoring of a patients vital signs during a surgical procedure to detect signs of distress.
Surgical Site Preparation. The preparation of a surgical site by cleaning it with antiseptic agents to reduce the risk of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Operating Room Technician?

Generally, Operating Room Technicians must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a formal training program in surgical technology. Additionally, many employers require certification from a professional organization such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

What is the average salary of an Operating Room Technician?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Operating Room Technicians is $47,300, with the top 10% earning more than $71,270 per year.

What tasks does an Operating Room Technician typically perform?

Typical tasks for an Operating Room Technician include preparing operating rooms and equipment for surgeries, setting up instruments and supplies needed for a procedure, assisting surgeons during operations, and cleaning and sterilizing equipment after procedures.

What type of environment does an Operating Room Technician typically work in?

Operating Room Technicians typically work in a hospital or outpatient surgical center setting.

What kind of schedule does an Operating Room Technician typically work?

Operating Room Technicians usually work full-time, with some weekend or evening hours. Additionally, they may be required to be on call for emergency surgeries.