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

Apr 24, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Surgical technicians are essential members of the operating room team, playing a key role in ensuring successful patient outcomes. They are responsible for preparing the operating room for surgery, including setting up surgical instruments and equipment and ensuring that the environment is sterile. They also help the surgeon during the procedure, passing instruments and providing other assistance as needed.

As a result of their crucial role, surgical technicians must have excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, as well as precise attention to detail. They must also be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, as well as provide emotional support to both the patient and the surgical team. surgical technicians play an important part in providing quality patient care.

Steps How to Become

Research the career of a surgical technician and determine if it is the right fit for you. Make sure you understand the job responsibilities and educational requirements.
Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers will require a high school education or equivalent.
Look into specialized accredited programs that offer surgical technology training. Some of these programs can be found at technical schools, vocational colleges, or community colleges.
Complete a program in surgical technology. These programs can range from 10-24 months in length and will include both classroom studies and hands-on clinical training.
Become certified as a surgical technologist by taking the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Obtain a license to practice as a surgical technologist in the state in which you will be working. Laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your area.
Find a job as a surgical technician. Many hospitals, clinics, and medical centers are always looking for qualified surgical technicians.

Surgical technicians have an important role in a medical operating room and must stay up-to-date and qualified in order to ensure that procedures are performed safely. In order to do so, surgical technicians must regularly attend continuing education courses and seminars to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, in addition to maintaining licensure and certification requirements. staying informed of changes in technology and equipment is essential for a surgical technician to be familiar with the latest tools and techniques.

Finally, by participating in professional organizations, surgical technicians can network with other medical professionals and stay current with the latest advancements in medical technology. By taking these steps, surgical technicians can remain qualified and knowledgeable in their field, leading to improved patient outcomes.

You may want to check Surgical Center Administrator, Surgical Robotics Technician, and Surgical Technician Lead for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare operating rooms for surgery, including setting up surgical instruments and equipment.
Assist surgeons during operations by handing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
Monitor vital signs, such as pulse and respiration, and keep surgeons informed of changes during surgery.
Perform routine care and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment.
Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis by labeling and transporting them.
Clean and restock operating rooms between cases.
Prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, shaving the area, and positioning them on the operating table.
Assist in post-operative patient care, such as dressing wounds and administering medications.
Monitor and report any changes in the patient's condition to the healthcare team.
Provide emotional support to patients and family members before, during, and after surgery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Ability to follow detailed instructions
Understanding of surgical instruments and equipment
Proficiency in sterilization techniques
Ability to prepare and maintain sterile field
Knowledge of safety procedures and universal precautions
Ability to observe and anticipate the needs of the surgical team
Excellent communication skills
Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies quickly
Knowledge of medical terminology
Dexterity and manual coordination
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail
Problem-solving skills
Interpersonal skills
Empathy and compassion

The ability to remain calm under pressure is an essential skill for a Surgical Technician. In an operating room, there is often a high-stakes situation with little room for error. Surgical Technicians must be able to stay focused and think clearly in order to ensure that procedures are done correctly and efficiently.

This skill is even more important when faced with unexpected events that could potentially put patients lives at risk. It is essential for Surgical Technicians to remain calm and think through the situation in order to best serve their patients. Being able to assess a situation quickly and accurately is also important in order to prevent errors and reduce complications.

The ability to react quickly and effectively to emergency situations can save lives, as well as time and money. By having the ability to remain calm under pressure, Surgical Technicians are better equipped to handle any situation that may arise in the operating room.

Surgical Services Director, Surgical Scheduler, and Surgical First Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Surgical Technician?
How would you describe your knowledge of surgical procedures and instrumentation?
How would you handle a situation where a patients medical records are incomplete?
What knowledge do you have of pre-operative and post-operative care?
Are you familiar with the proper sterilization techniques for surgical instruments?
Can you provide examples of patient safety protocols that you follow?
Describe a time when you had to quickly respond to an emergency situation in the OR.
What do you think are the most important skills for a Surgical Technician to possess?
How do you stay current on the latest surgical technologies?
What do you think makes a successful Surgical Technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Scalpel. A small, sharp knife used to perform surgical procedures. (e. g. Used to make incisions in tissue)
Surgical Forceps. A hand-held tool with two curved arms that are used to grasp and hold objects. (e. g. Used to retrieve small objects from a wound)
Surgical Sutures. A material used to stitch up a wound or cut. (e. g. Dissolvable sutures used to close a wound)
Retractors. Devices used to hold open a wound or body cavity and keep tissue out of the way during surgery. (e. g. Rib retractors used to open the chest cavity during cardiac surgery)
Ligature. A cord, thread, or wire used to tie off blood vessels or other structures during surgery. (e. g. Silk ligature used to tie off a vein during an amputation)
Scissors. A cutting tool used for cutting tissue and suture material during surgery. (e. g. Metzenbaum scissors used to cut the umbilical cord)
Suction Device. A device used to remove fluids, such as blood, from the surgical site. (e. g. Yankauer suction tube used to remove fluids from an abdominal cavity)
Hemostats. A clamp-like device used to control bleeding during surgery. (e. g. Kelly hemostat used to clamp off a bleeding artery)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Surgical Technologists
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Anesthesiologists
International Association of Operating Room Nurses
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants
American Medical Association
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

We also have Surgical Physician Assistant, Surgical Coordinator, and Surgical Technologist Lead jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). A professional designation earned by individuals who have completed a surgical technologist program and passed the national certification exam.
Surgical First Assist (SFA). A healthcare professional who assists the surgeon during an operative procedure by providing assistance with retracting, suturing, and other tasks as assigned.
Operating Room (OR). The room in a hospital or clinic where surgical procedures are performed.
Scrub Technician. A healthcare professional responsible for preparing and maintaining the sterile field during a surgical procedure.
Universal Protocol. A set of precautions designed to ensure that correct patient identity, correct site, and correct procedure are followed throughout the surgical process.
Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform surgical procedures, such as forceps, scalpels, and scissors.
Asepsis. The practice of preventing the spread of infection by preventing contact with sources of infection.
Sterilization. The process of killing all microorganisms on an object or surface by using physical or chemical methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Technician?

A Surgical Technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a healthcare professional who works in operating rooms to assist medical staff in surgical procedures.

What educational requirements are necessary to become a Surgical Technician?

Most Surgical Technicians have an associate's degree in surgical technology or a related field, although some may have a certificate or diploma.

What does a typical day look like for a Surgical Technician?

A Surgical Technicians day typically involves preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and setting up equipment. During the surgical procedure, they may pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon, monitor the patients vital signs, and help with wound closure.

What qualities are important for a Surgical Technician to possess?

A successful Surgical Technician should have excellent communication and organizational skills with an eye for detail. They should also be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

What is the job outlook for Surgical Technicians?

The job outlook for Surgical Technicians is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Surgical Technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.