Surgical technologists aid surgeons in the operating room in a number of ways.
They prepare the patients for surgery, as well as any surgical equipment needed.
A surgical tech salary varies with the position's responsibilities.
Job Description Not everyone entering into the health care industry is required to spend endless amounts of time and money on attending medical school.
Doctors, nurses, and surgical tech make up an operating room team.
The technologist is in charge of ensuring all equipment is fully functioning and supplies are well stocked.
They set out sterile operating tools, monitor the patient's saline, blood, and vital signs throughout the operation.
They also clean up after the operation is completed.
Necessary Skills An essential skill for any surgical tech is communication.
They must be able to clearly communicate with the surgeon during complex and stressful situations.
The technologist must be fully alert to avoid dangerous misunderstandings.
They should also be competent in science and math to keep track of and administer medication to patients.
Salary An average surgical tech salary is $38,000 a year.
Depending on where the technologist is employed, their amount of training, and level of education, the salary potential varies.
Technologists who are employed in the offices of health care practitioners can earn up to $56,000 a year.
Colleges and hospitals also tend to pay higher salaries.
In some states, such as California, Alaska and Hawaii, a surgical tech salary pays 10- to 20-percent higher than other states.
Benefits included in an average full-time surgical technologist position include paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance and retirement packages.
Tuition reimbursement is offered by some employers.
Becoming Certified Surgical technologists must complete a two-year program though a vocational institution or college to gain employment.
While certification is optional, most jobs are filled by those who have passed the test.
Within the field, there is room to progress as surgical technologists gain experience.
Some choose to specialize in a specific area of medicine, and others who choose to become nationally certified enjoy the highest levels of pay.
In order to become fully certified, individuals must pass a test through the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants.
Individuals can take the test within a year of graduating an accredited program.
Occupational Demand It is predicted that there will be a large growth in the surgical technologist field within the next five to 10 years.
It is estimated that for every surgeon in a hospital, there are five openings for surgical technologists.
These kinds of numbers indicate that graduates will have little difficulty with job placement after graduation.
A surgical technologist career can be fulfilling and challenging.
It is one of the fastest-growing fields in the health care industry.
It is an appealing option for many as it carries with it the possibility of a high salary without having to undergo years of education.
Surgical technologists can find work in hospitals, private practices, or surgical centers.