Surgical Technologist

NewWhat it takes

Wages and Employment Trends For These Occupations

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
  • May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

General Requirements

  • Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
  • Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
  • Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree. (source: O*NET).
  • About 85% of workers in this occupational category have some college or less; 53% have some college (Source: BLS).

Sample Job Titles

Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Surgical Technician, Operating Room Technician (OR Tech).

Education and Credentials

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