Surgical technologists assist in the operating room.
A surgical technologist has a wide range of duties as part of an operating room team. A sterile processing technician is primarily responsible for the sterilization of medical instruments and equipment.
Sterile Processing Technician Job
A sterile processing technician sterilizes and assembles all the equipment needed for surgery, physical exams and other medical procedures. The technician may also be responsible for inventory and equipment ordering. Most sterile processing technicians work in hospitals but some also work in doctor's offices or clinics.
Sterile Processing Technician Education
Becoming a sterile processing technician requires a vocational school certificate in sterile processing and distribution. These programs are a few weeks long and include training in anatomy, medical vocabulary, microbiology, disease control, interpersonal skills and using sterilizing equipment. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution provides voluntary certification for sterile processing technicians.
Surgical Technologist Job
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgery under the supervision of surgeons, nurses or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists set up equipment in the operating room, prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting incision sites, and transport patients to the operating room. Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts and help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. Technologists may hold retractors, cut sutures, help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments, deal with specimens taken for laboratory analysis and related duties. After surgery, technologists may help move patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Surgical Technologist Education
Training programs for surgical technologists, available from community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals and the military, require from nine to 24 months to complete. Training includes classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, medical terminology, care and safety of patients during surgery, sterile techniques and surgical procedures.
Certified Surgical Technologists
Certified surgical technologists who have additional specialized education or training also may serve as the surgical first assistant or circulator. The surgical first assistant provides additional technical functions that help the surgeon perform a safe operation. A circulating technologist is an unsterilized member of the surgical team who interviews and prepares the patient before surgery, helps with anesthesia, obtains and opens packages for sterilized team members, makes a written record of the surgery and answers the surgeon's questions about the patient during the surgery.
Tags: operating room, processing technician, sterile processing, Sterile Processing, Surgical Technologist, during surgery, first assistant
