What is a Surgical Technologist?

Healthcare is an important field that many people strive to work in. In fact, surgical technologists provide an important role in hospitals, and it’s a viable and valuable trade for people interested in a stable and important career. Obtaining either a certificate or an associate’s degree in Surgical Technology is a key requirement for aspiring surgical technologists. 

What Is Surgical Technology?

Surgical technology involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques to assist surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. Surgical technologists — also known as operating room technicians — ensure operating rooms are properly stocked, surgical instruments are properly sterilized, and patients are prepared for surgery. Surgical technologists cover patients in sterile draping, wheel them into the operating room, and disinfect the incision site.

What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?

Surgical technologists maintain a sterile field during surgery to reduce the patient’s chances of getting an infection before, during, and after surgery. They are also responsible for ensuring sterile instruments are properly stocked and safe for use before surgery. They also count tools before and after an operation is complete to ensure every tool is properly accounted for, reducing the risks of foreign bodies being left in a patient’s body. 

During surgery, surgical technologists should be able to anticipate the surgeon’s and their assistant’s needs to ensure the procedure flows as smoothly as possible. Any tissue or fluid samples removed from a patient during surgery are handled by surgical technologists. They place these specimens in sterilized containers and properly label each specimen with the date, surgical site, patient’s information, and specimen type. They document these details in the patient record alongside the circulating nurse, then pass them off the specimens. The circulating nurse is then in charge of transporting the specimens to the pathology lab.

Depending on where they work and that company’s policies, the surgical technologist may be responsible for delivering specimens to the pathology lab.

Preparing and Cleaning the Operating Room

Surgical technologists are usually among the first people to enter the operating room since they are tasked with making sure the room and the equipment are sterilized and appropriately stocked for the upcoming procedure. They test equipment to make sure that it works as it should, and prepare necessary sterile solutions or medications for the surgical team.

Surgical technologists must be vigilant before and during operations to help prevent  the spread of infectious diseases by ensuring all equipment and surfaces are properly sterilized.

Because surgical technologists are responsible for sterilizing and overseeing medical instruments and equipment, they also understand how to properly use, store, and clean it. They are responsible for understanding what the surgeons will be doing, and are expected to be reliable when it comes to keeping things sterile and usable. 

After surgery, the surgical technologist disposes of items like needles and gauze, puts away the rest of the equipment, and sterilizes the room for the next operation.

Surgical technologists ensure things in the operating room are ready to be used without running out of supplies or having technological malfunctions throughout the procedure. It also helps ensure that the room remains sterile once the procedure is finished and that things remain in the proper place. Without a surgical technologist on board, things could quickly become lost, infections could spread, and equipment could fail.

Help During Surgeries

Sometimes, surgical technologists assist in various capacities during surgeries. They collaborate closely with other operating room personnel to help ensure the success of surgical procedures.

These jobs still revolve around handling equipment and making sure things remain sterile. They may prepare medications, assist in retracting tissue, pass the surgical tools, take care of suturing any incisions, and apply the clean dressings. 

Education and Training

To become a surgical technologist, you usually need to complete either a certificate or an associate’s degree-level Surgical Technology program. These programs are typically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Surgical technology students learn about various surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, pathophysiology, the side effects of medicine used during surgery, and more.. A Surgical Technology program also allows students to gain hands-on experience in both mock operating rooms and real health care facilities as part of a practicum or an externship requirement.  

The core curriculum for surgical technologists includes courses in human anatomy, surgical procedures, and patient care, as well as training in robotic surgical equipment and other advanced technologies. Upon completion of their education and training, surgical technologists can take the national certification examination to become a certified surgical technologist (CST). Students must earn their CST credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam and undergo competency testing to become certified surgical technologists.

Financial Aid

Options for Students

Students pursuing a career in surgical technology may be eligible for various forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Many accredited surgical technology programs offer financial aid packages to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses. Additionally, students may be eligible for federal student aid, such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs or other forms of financial assistance to help surgical technologists further their education and advance their careers. 

Accepted BTI students can work with our financial aid team to learn more about their funding options.

Work Environment

Operating Room

Surgical technologists work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, primarily in hospital operating rooms, but also in outpatient centers, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare settings. They are members of the surgical team, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses to ensure quality patient care. The operating room is a sterile environment where surgical technologists must maintain attention to detail and adhere to strict protocols to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. They must possess physical stamina, as they often stand for long periods and may be required to lift heavy equipment or patients. Effective communication and teamwork are essential in the operating room, where surgical technologists work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

Specializations

Surgical technologists may specialize in various areas, including general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. Specializations may require additional education and training, as well as certification or licensure. For example, surgical technologists who specialize in cardiovascular surgery may need to complete a certification program in cardiovascular surgery and obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Other specializations, such as neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery, may require completion of a fellowship program or additional coursework. Surgical technologists who specialize in robotic surgery may need to complete a training program in robotic surgery and obtain certification from the manufacturer of the robotic system.

Career Path

The career path for surgical technologists typically begins with completion of a formal education program in surgical technology, followed by certification or licensure. Entry-level surgical technologists may start as assistants or technicians and work their way up to more senior roles, such as surgical technologist or surgical assistant. With experience and additional education, surgical technologists may specialize in specific areas or move into leadership or management roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists was $62,830 in May 2024, with the top 10% earning around $83,000.

Becoming a Surgical Technologist

If you’re thinking about a career in surgical technology, it helps to know what the journey typically looks like. Becoming a surgical technologist usually starts with earning a high school diploma or equivalent.

From there, the next step is enrolling in an accredited surgical technology program. At Berks Technical Institute, our Surgical Technology program is designed to help students build the skills needed for entry-level roles. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and supervised clinical training, students gain exposure to both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the role.

Clinical experience is a key part of the learning process. It gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-world surgical settings, which can be essential for building confidence and competence.

After completing the program and meeting all required objectives, graduates may consider pursuing certification. While certification isn’t mandatory in every state, it can be a valuable way to demonstrate commitment and expand job prospects. Many graduates choose to prepare for the CST exam or similar credentials.

With education, training, and certification, graduates can begin applying for entry-level roles in hospitals, surgical centers, or outpatient facilities. Each step builds toward a potential future in a fast-paced, team-oriented healthcare environment.

At BTI, we’re here to support you on this path. If you’re ready to take the next step, submit this form for more information.