Surgical Technologists
Did You Know:
- Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
- Job opportunities will be best for technologists who are certified and for those who are willing to relocate.
- Training programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree.
- Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer, although much faster employment growth is expected in other health care industries.
Industry Areas
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Offices of Physicians
- Outpatient Care Centers
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
Overall Kind of Work
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personne...
Work Environment
Civilian
Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases a...
Military
Medical care technicians work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 10.47% (0-20 Hours)
- 17.30% (21-34 Hours)
- 13.70% (35-39 Hours)
- 56.20% (40 Hours)
- 2.03% (41-49 Hours)
- 0.30% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Health practitioner support technologists and technicians (29-2050)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 81.88% (Private For-Profit)
- 10.46% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 4.72% (State and Local Govt)
- 2.42% (Federal Government)
- 0.52% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Health Diagnosing And Treating Practitioner Support Technicians
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,481 Surgical Technologists in the military