Surgical Technologist Careers
Certified surgical technologists (CSTs) and instrument technicians assist with preparing surgical tools and spaces in the operating room as an integral part of the surgical team. These roles are typically in hospitals and/or surgery centers. CSTs are responsible for communicating with surgeons and nurses to carry out safe operations with exceptional patient care.
Certified surgical technologists help prep the operating room before a surgery by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They ensure instruments are sterile and that equipment is working properly. Knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique is required to prevent infection, prepare medications and solutions, and assist with drapes and gowns. Surgical techs may bring patients into the operating room and get them ready for surgery, including preparing the incision sites. After surgery, CSTs may transfer the patient to recovery, as well as take inventory and restock supplies in the OR.
Instrument technicians are responsible for the care and preservation of all instrumentation and equipment in the operating room. They select, assemble, and process instruments and equipment for use, including cleaning, decontamination, maintenance and preservation, and sterile processing. Some instrument tech roles require additional certification in sterile processing (CRCST or CBSPD).
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Grow Your Career
With additional training and experience, CSTs can pursue a career as a surgical first assistant. In this role, they work closely with surgeons, providing direct assistance during procedures. They may assist with wound closure, suturing, hemostasis and other surgical tasks under the direction of the surgeon.
CSTs may also find that providing more direct patient care is their passion, and decide to pursue their nursing degree. This can be a natural progression, especially if your goal is to continue working in an operating room environment.