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Surgical Technicians

TRENDS

During the twentieth century, the nature of most surgical procedures has 
become so complex that more staff are required to be a part of the medical
team during surgery.  Due to the growth in population, an increased life
span, and improvements in medical and surgical procedures there is a 
growing need for Surgical Technicians.  Additionally, as efforts to control
health care costs become an issue, a shift toward performing minor surgery
on an outpatient basis should contribute to a further need for Surgical 
Technicians.


THE JOB

SURGICAL TECHNICIANS, also called SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS, assist surgeons
and anesthesiologists before, during, and after surgery.  They work under
the supervision of registered nurses or operating room technician 
supervisors.

Surgical Technicians prepare operating rooms with surgical instruments,
equipment, and sterile linens that will be needed during an operation. 
Technicians also may prepare patients for surgery by cleaning, shaving, and
disinfecting body areas where the surgeon will operate.  They may transport
patients to operating rooms, help position them on the operating table, and
drape linens over the patient to prevent any exposure.

During surgery, Surgical Technicians pass instruments and other sterile
supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants.  They hold retractors, cut
sutures, and keep inventory of sponges, needles, and instruments used
during the operation.  Technicians also help in the care and disposal of
specimens removed for testing during operations and help apply dressings or
bandages.  They may also operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and
diagnostic equipment.

After an operation, Surgical Technicians help transfer patients to the 
recovery room and assist nurses in cleaning and restocking the operating 
room for the next operation.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Surgical Technicians work in hospitals or other institutions that have 
operating room and emergency room facilities.  Some technicians, often 
called private "scrubs," work directly for specific surgeons, assisting 
them in surgery.

Surgical Technicians work in a clean, well-ventilated, and well-lighted 
environment.  The work requires a substantial amount of standing and strict
attention to proper surgical procedures.  At times,  the work can be 
high-paced and stressful.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections and Planning
Information published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated  number of workers in 1993            4,380
Estimated number of workers in 2005             8,510
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        94%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   1,470

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than the average for
all occupations through the remainder of the 1990s and into the 2000s.  
Factors that will generate strong demand for other health workers will also 
spur demand for Surgical Technicians, such as population growth, the aging 
of the population, greater health consciousness, and widespread ability to 
pay for hospital and surgical care under public and private health 
insurance programs.

Also contributing to the growth and demand for workers in this small 
occupation is the practice in some hospitals of assigning Surgical 
Technicians a greater number of routine operating room tasks.  Due to the
relaxation of certain government regulations and to cost containment 
efforts by hospital administrators, Surgical Technicians are performing 
more and more tasks under the supervision of operating room nurses.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Wages for Surgical Technicians vary according to experience and location 
and size of the hospital.  Hourly wages for beginning Technicians range 
from $6.50 to $13.00.  Those with little experience can earn between $11.00
to $16.00 per hour.  Wages for Technicians with three or more years with 
the same hospital range from $15.00 to $18.00 hourly.  Wages for Surgical 
Technologists are slightly higher.

A 40-hour, five-day work week is normal for technicians, although many are 
required at times to be on-call, available to work on short notice, and be 
able to work overtime as needed to finish scheduled cases.  Emergency 
surgery units require 24-hour coverage.

Benefits provided by most employers include paid vacation and sick leave, 
health, medical, vision, dental insurance and life insurance, and 
retirement programs.  A few employers also provide child care benefits.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Surgical Technicians must be a high school graduate.  They must complete a 
one year Surgical Technician/Technology training program offered at a 
vocational technical school, community college, or at a hospital.  Some 
community college programs, however, last two years and lead to an 
associate degree.  The program must be accredited by the American Medical 
Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation 
(CAHEA).

Students receive classroom training, as well as supervised clinical 
experience.  They study anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.  Other 
courses include the care and safety of patients, use of anesthesia, and 
nursing procedures.  Students also learn how to sterilize instruments, 
prevent and control infection, and handle special drugs, supplies, and 
equipment.

Upon graduation from the training program, students are eligible to apply  
for certification by the Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical 
Technologists.  The Liaison Council certifies Surgical Technologists who 
pass a comprehensive written examination.  Beginning in January 1997, the 
exam will be offered year round.  Technicians can call the Liaison Council 
to apply for the examination, and upon the Liaison Council's approval, they 
can schedule a date to take the exam.  Based on 1996 fees, the cost of the 
exam is $225 for nonmembers of the Association of Surgical Technologists 
and $120 for members.  In 1997 the fees are expected to increase slightly 
due to the changes in the administering of the exam.  A Surgical Technician 
does not have to be certified by the Liaison Council, however, it is well 
advised to become certified since some hospitals require certification 
before hiring.  A Certified Surgical Technologist is recognized as 
competent in the field and may be paid a higher salary.

Recertification is required every six years.  A Surgical Technologist must 
have at least 80 credits of continuing education within the six-year period 
to be eligible for recertification.  Continuing education credits can be 
earned by attending seminars, conferences, home-study, vocational classes, 
or by retaking the certification exam.

Surgical Technologists can become members of the Association of Surgical 
Technologists.  The yearly membership fee for 1996 is $70 and students can 
join for $35.  As a member, the association will process the application 
for recertification without charge.  The association also offers continuing 
education classes and has information of other classes or conferences.

Skills required to successfully perform the work of Surgical Technician 
are:

  --  Ability to interact with different kinds of patients and other health 
      professionals
  --  Skill to follow technical instructions
  --  Ability to work precisely and accurately
  --  Ability to work as a team member
  --  Capacity to perform well under stress or in emergency situations.


ADVANCEMENT

Some Surgical Technicians advance to assistant operating room 
administrators and assistant operating room supervisors.  Assistant 
operating room administrators deal with the administrative aspects of 
running an operating room, such as ordering supplies and arranging work 
schedules.  Assistant operating room supervisors actually direct other 
technicians in the operating room.


FINDING THE JOB

Surgical Technicians who are graduates of formal training programs and are 
certified by the Liaison Council will have the best opportunities for the 
job openings that will occur.  Those without these qualifications can 
expect to face competition for jobs of their choice.  Some training 
programs offer job placement.  Job seekers should check hospital job 
postings and the classified ads in newspapers.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Liaison Council on Certification 
  of Surgical Technologists
7018-C South Alton Way
Englewood, CO 80112
(800) 707-0057

Association of Surgical Technologists
7018-C South Alton Way
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 694-9130


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Techs          No. 17
Radiologic Technologists                       No. 89


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Surgical Technician                       079.374-022

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Surgical Technicians                           329280


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.