SURGICAL TECHNICIANS (TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS IN MEDICINE) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-E (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
Surgical Technicians work in operating rooms assisting Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Registered Nurses, and any other Surgical Personnel. The Technicians prepare the operating room for surgery by selecting tools and opening sterile supplies. Some of those supplies include drapes, sutures, sponges, electrosurgical devises, and suction tubing. Before the operation begins the Surgical Technicians assemble, adjust, and check the non sterile equipment to make sure everything is in working order. They prepare patients and position them on the operating table. During the operation, the Technicians are responsible for anticipating the surgeons' needs and pass instruments and provide sterile items when necessary.
COMPENSATION
A national survey reported an annual average salary of $21,741 for Surgical Technicians. The average minimum salary was $18,087 and the maximum average salary was $26,480.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-- Interact with different kinds of patients and other health professionals
-- Follow technical instructions
-- Work precisely and accurately
-- Work as a team member
-- Perform well under stress or in emergency situations
Training/Requirements
-- Pass a Surgical Technology Program through a Community College, a
Junior College, a Vocational or Technical School, the Military, a
University, or a Structured Hospital
-- Program should be accredited by the American Medical Association's
Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA)
-- Certification by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical
Technologist (LCC-ST) is preferred
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1): 079.374-022 OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System: 329280
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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