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

Jul 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Surgical technologists play an important role in the healthcare industry, as they are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of a medical procedure. They are highly trained professionals who provide the necessary support for the surgical team before, during, and after an operation. This includes preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment and instruments, and setting up instruments and equipment for the procedure.

Their work is critical to ensure that the operation is conducted safely and efficiently. As such, their expertise can have a major impact on patient safety and the success of the procedure. In addition, a surgical technologist's knowledge of anatomy and physiology can help to reduce the risk of surgical errors and complications.

Therefore, having a skilled surgical technologist on staff is essential to providing quality care to patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program. Generally, these programs can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and universities.
Complete all coursework and clinical requirements of the program. This will typically include hands-on training in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or surgery center.
Take and pass the national certification exam for surgical technologists, offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Obtain a certification in basic life support (BLS).
Obtain a license to practice surgical technology in the state you wish to work in, if required.
Find employment in a hospital, surgical center, or other healthcare facility.

Staying ahead and capable as a Surgical Technologist requires dedication and commitment to continuing education. Keeping up with the ever-evolving technology and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field is essential to staying ahead of the game. Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops is a great way to stay informed.

In addition, reading relevant journals and books, keeping a network of colleagues, and participating in online forums are all excellent ways to stay up to date. It is also important to maintain a high level of proficiency in surgical techniques and equipment by participating in hands-on training courses and obtaining certifications. These steps, coupled with maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating a willingness to learn, will help ensure that you remain capable and ahead as a Surgical Technologist.

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Job Description

Assist in preparing and moving patients in and out of the operating room.
Prepare sterile field and instrument table according to the procedure outlined by the surgeon.
Set up surgical equipment, and monitor the sterile environment during the operation.
Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and other operating room staff.
Monitor vital signs during surgeries.
Anticipate the needs of the surgeons, and assist with procedures as needed.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operations, to ensure that all items are accounted for.
Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis and transport them according to safety standards.
Clean and sterilize instruments for future procedures.
Assist in preoperative and postoperative patient care, including wound dressing changes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Ability to maintain a sterile field
Ability to anticipate the surgeon's needs
Knowledge of aseptic technique
Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment
Ability to read and understand physicians' orders
Ability to scrub, gown, and glove properly
Ability to count sponges, needles, and other supplies accurately
Ability to use suturing techniques
Ability to maintain patient safety during procedures
Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations
Effective communication skills
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to follow established policies and procedures
Computer literacy

Surgical technologists are vital to the success of a surgical team. They play an important role in the preparation and delivery of quality patient care. As such, they must possess a strong set of skills ranging from communication and medical knowledge to technical proficiency and problem solving.

Good communication skills are essential for any surgical technologist, as they must be able to effectively communicate with their surgical team and patients. They also need to have a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology to be able to assist the surgeon during procedures. In addition, they must be able to operate and maintain the necessary equipment and instruments used during surgery.

Lastly, they must have the ability to think quickly and solve problems under pressure, as any mistake during surgery can have serious consequences. All these skills are essential for any successful surgical technologist, and any aspiring technologist should strive to develop them.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a surgical technologist?
How do you keep up with the latest developments in the field of surgical technology?
How do you handle stressful situations in the operating room?
Describe your experience with patient care.
How do you ensure patient safety during a procedure?
Describe your knowledge of sterilization techniques.
What challenges have you faced working as a surgical technologist?
How do you ensure that surgical instruments are in proper working order?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a surgical technologist?
How do you handle working with a wide variety of medical professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

Operating Room Table. A table used to position the patient during surgery, for example the Mayo stand.
Surgical Instruments. Various implements used to perform a surgical procedure, for example scalpels, forceps and sutures.
Suction Machines. Machines used to remove fluids and debris from the operative field, such as a Yankauer suction.
Disposable Supplies. Single-use supplies needed for a procedure, such as sponges and drapes.
Surgical Lights. Illuminated operating lights used to provide optimal visibility, such as a ceiling-mounted light or a headlight.
Autoclave. A pressurized device used to sterilize surgical instruments, such as a washer-disinfector.
Endoscopes. A device that allows for visual inspection of areas within the body, such as a laparoscope or arthroscope.
Respiratory Equipment. Equipment used to assist with breathing, such as ventilators and oxygen delivery devices.
Patient Monitors. Electronic devices used to track vital signs and alert the staff of any changes, such as an ECG or pulse oximeter.

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Surgical Technologists
American College of Surgeons
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
International Association of Healthcare Practitioners
International Federation of Surgical Technologists
National Certified Surgical Technologist Board
American Society of Anesthesiologists
National Center for Competency Testing
American Board of Laser Surgery

Common Important Terms

Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform surgical procedures.
Surgical Asepsis. A set of techniques used to minimize the risk of contamination during surgery.
Sterilization. The process of killing or removing all living microorganisms from an object.
Operating Room. A specialized room in a hospital where surgical procedures are performed.
Medical Scrub. A head-to-toe protective outfit worn by medical personnel during surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Preoperative Care. Care and preparation given to a patient before a surgical procedure.
Postoperative Care. Care and treatment given to a patient after a surgical procedure.
Surgical Count. A procedure performed by surgical staff to ensure all instruments and sponges are accounted for before and after a surgery.
Wound Management. The practice of treating, cleaning, and dressing wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.
Suture. A thread-like material used to close or join tissues together during surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Technologist?

A Surgical Technologist is a healthcare professional who assists in surgical procedures. They prepare the operating room, sterilize and arrange instruments, assist surgeons during the procedure and help with patient care and safety throughout the operation.

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?

It typically takes two years of education and clinical training to become a Surgical Technologist. Many programs offer certificate, diploma or associate degree programs.

What are the duties of a Surgical Technologist?

Duties of a Surgical Technologist include preparing the operating room and sterilizing and arranging instruments, assisting surgeons during the procedure, and helping with patient care and safety. They also help prepare patients for surgery, count sponges and instruments during the procedure, and help close the surgical site.

What is the salary of a Surgical Technologist?

The median annual salary of a Surgical Technologist is $47,300 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What certifications are available for Surgical Technologists?

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers two certifications for Surgical Technologists: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C).