What Do Surgical Technologists Do?
Surgical technologists (also called operating room technicians) assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.
Surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They prepare patients for surgery and transport patients to the operating room. They will position patients on the operating table and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. They may remove a patient’s sutures and apply dressings. Surgery technologists also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team by passing instruments and other sterile supplies. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. They may also operate some diagnostic equipment and handle specimens taken for analysis. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Certified surgical technologists with additional specialized education and training may perform advanced duties that are typically performed by surgical first assistants or circulators. Circulators monitor operating room conditions and the patient and help preserve a sterile environment. The circulator may also keep a written account of the surgical procedure and will answer the surgeon’s questions about the patient during the surgery. First assistants, under the supervision of the surgeon, provide aid in exposure, hemostasis (controlling blood flow and stopping or preventing hemorrhage), and other technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation.
For more information about surgical technologists, go to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
Where Do Surgical Technologists Work?
Almost three-quarters of surgical technologists work in hospitals in operating rooms and delivery rooms. Other surgical technologists work in outpatient surgery centers, physician offices, or dental offices.
How Much Do Surgical Technologists Earn?
In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for surgical technologists in the United States was $57,500. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, surgical technologists in New York earned a median annual salary of $66,230 (surgical technologists in the 25th percentile made approximately $49,733 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $75,820).
Supply and Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for surgical assistants and technologists in the U.S. will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for surgical technologists in the state will increase by 16% between 2020 and 2030.
Growth in employment of surgical technologists will occur as the volume of surgeries goes up. The large population of baby boomers in the U.S. is aging and older people usually require more operations, including joint replacements and heart-related procedures. Technological advances have created a variety of new surgical procedures and will allow surgical technologists to assist with more procedures. Also, advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.
Surgical technicians may advance to a first assistant with proper training. Surgical technologists may advance to a registered nurse or postsecondary teacher of health specialties. A one year practicum is often encouraged to enhance the application of learned techniques.
For more information on surgical technologists by New York State labor regions for 2018-2028, click here.
New York Educational Requirements
Surgical technologists receive training in formal education programs at community colleges and vocational schools which typically last from nine to 24 months and result in a certificate or associate degree. Educational programs include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. Courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Students also work in supervised clinical settings to gain hands-on skills as technologists. Surgical technologists are trained in the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, and preventing and controlling infections. They also learn to handle and prepare special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
New York Licensure Requirements
New York does not require surgical technologists to be licensed, though many employers prefer to hire certified surgical technologists. Individuals wishing to demonstrate proficiency may obtain voluntary professional certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants. Individuals may also benefit by graduating from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited program and passing a certification examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Financial Support
The Foundation for Surgical Technology of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) sponsors a student scholarship fund to encourage and reward educational excellence demonstrated by surgical technology students and offer assistance to those who seek a career in surgical technology. The leadership of the Foundation determines the amount of the awards and selects the scholarship recipients.
Surgery technologist: https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/TSC.aspx
Certified Postsecondary Instructor: https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/CPI.aspx
The Foundation for Surgical Technology of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) sponsors a student scholarship fund to encourage and reward educational excellence demonstrated by surgical technology students and offer assistance to those who seek a career in surgical technology. The leadership of the Foundation determines the amount of the awards and selects the scholarship recipients.
Education Programs in New York
| Kingsborough Community College City University of New York 2001 Oriental Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11235 (718) 368-5000 |
Long Island University Brooklyn Campus School of Continuing Studies Allied Health Programs 9 Hanover Place, 2nd floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 488-1364 |
| Mandl School The College of Allied Health 254 W. 54th Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 247-3434 |
Nassau Community College One Education Drive Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 572-7501 |
| Niagara County Community College 3111 Saunders Settlement Road Sanborn, NY 14132 (716) 614-6417 |
Onondaga Community College 4585 West Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215 (315) 498-2458 |
| Trocaire College 360 Choate Avenue Buffalo, NY 14220 (716) 827-2454 |
Ulster County BOCES 175 Route 32 North New Paltz, NY 12561 (845) 331-5050 |
| Wilson Technology Center Western Suffolk BOCES 17 Westminster Ave. Dix Hills, NY 11746 (631) 261-3721 |
Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences 226 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001 (212) 924-5900 |
| Mohawk Valley Community College 1101 Sherman Drive Utica, NY 13501 (315) 792-5400 |
Monroe Community College 1000 E Henrietta Rd Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 292-2000 |
| Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave Troy, Ny 12180 (518) 629-4822 |
NYU Langone Health 462 1st Ave New York, NY 10016 (212) 263-6644 |
Additional Web Links
For more information about surgical technologists go to The Association of Surgical Technologists Web site at: http://www.ast.org/.
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