SURGICAL TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 462 Interest Area 13 1996
TRENDS
During the twentieth century, the nature of most surgical procedures has become so complex that more staff are required to be a part of the medical team during surgery. Due to the growth in population, an increased life span, and improvements in medical and surgical procedures there is a growing need for Surgical Technicians. Additionally, as efforts to control health care costs become an issue, a shift toward performing minor surgery on an outpatient basis should contribute to a further need for Surgical Technicians.
THE JOB
SURGICAL TECHNICIANS, also called SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS, assist surgeons and anesthesiologists before, during, and after surgery. They work under the supervision of registered nurses or operating room technician supervisors.
Surgical Technicians prepare operating rooms with surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile linens that will be needed during an operation. Technicians also may prepare patients for surgery by cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting body areas where the surgeon will operate. They may transport patients to operating rooms, help position them on the operating table, and drape linens over the patient to prevent any exposure.
During surgery, Surgical Technicians pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants. They hold retractors, cut sutures, and keep inventory of sponges, needles, and instruments used during the operation. Technicians also help in the care and disposal of specimens removed for testing during operations and help apply dressings or bandages. They may also operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment.
After an operation, Surgical Technicians help transfer patients to the recovery room and assist nurses in cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next operation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Surgical Technicians work in hospitals or other institutions that have operating room and emergency room facilities. Some technicians, often called private "scrubs," work directly for specific surgeons, assisting them in surgery.
Surgical Technicians work in a clean, well-ventilated, and well-lighted environment. The work requires a substantial amount of standing and strict attention to proper surgical procedures. At times, the work can be high-paced and stressful.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 4,380 Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,510 Projected Growth 1993-2005 94% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,470
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the remainder of the 1990s and into the 2000s. Factors that will generate strong demand for other health workers will also spur demand for Surgical Technicians, such as population growth, the aging of the population, greater health consciousness, and widespread ability to pay for hospital and surgical care under public and private health insurance programs.
Also contributing to the growth and demand for workers in this small occupation is the practice in some hospitals of assigning Surgical Technicians a greater number of routine operating room tasks. Due to the relaxation of certain government regulations and to cost containment efforts by hospital administrators, Surgical Technicians are performing more and more tasks under the supervision of operating room nurses.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Surgical Technicians vary according to experience and location and size of the hospital. Hourly wages for beginning Technicians range from $6.50 to $13.00. Those with little experience can earn between $11.00 to $16.00 per hour. Wages for Technicians with three or more years with the same hospital range from $15.00 to $18.00 hourly. Wages for Surgical Technologists are slightly higher.
A 40-hour, five-day work week is normal for technicians, although many are required at times to be on-call, available to work on short notice, and be able to work overtime as needed to finish scheduled cases. Emergency surgery units require 24-hour coverage.
Benefits provided by most employers include paid vacation and sick leave, health, medical, vision, dental insurance and life insurance, and retirement programs. A few employers also provide child care benefits.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Surgical Technicians must be a high school graduate. They must complete a one year Surgical Technician/Technology training program offered at a vocational technical school, community college, or at a hospital. Some community college programs, however, last two years and lead to an associate degree. The program must be accredited by the American Medical Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA).
Students receive classroom training, as well as supervised clinical experience. They study anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Other courses include the care and safety of patients, use of anesthesia, and nursing procedures. Students also learn how to sterilize instruments, prevent and control infection, and handle special drugs, supplies, and equipment.
Upon graduation from the training program, students are eligible to apply for certification by the Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists. The Liaison Council certifies Surgical Technologists who pass a comprehensive written examination. Beginning in January 1997, the exam will be offered year round. Technicians can call the Liaison Council to apply for the examination, and upon the Liaison Council's approval, they can schedule a date to take the exam. Based on 1996 fees, the cost of the exam is $225 for nonmembers of the Association of Surgical Technologists and $120 for members. In 1997 the fees are expected to increase slightly due to the changes in the administering of the exam. A Surgical Technician does not have to be certified by the Liaison Council, however, it is well advised to become certified since some hospitals require certification before hiring. A Certified Surgical Technologist is recognized as competent in the field and may be paid a higher salary.
Recertification is required every six years. A Surgical Technologist must have at least 80 credits of continuing education within the six-year period to be eligible for recertification. Continuing education credits can be earned by attending seminars, conferences, home-study, vocational classes, or by retaking the certification exam.
Surgical Technologists can become members of the Association of Surgical Technologists. The yearly membership fee for 1996 is $70 and students can join for $35. As a member, the association will process the application for recertification without charge. The association also offers continuing education classes and has information of other classes or conferences.
Skills required to successfully perform the work of Surgical Technician are:
-- Ability to interact with different kinds of patients and other health
professionals
-- Skill to follow technical instructions
-- Ability to work precisely and accurately
-- Ability to work as a team member
-- Capacity to perform well under stress or in emergency situations.
ADVANCEMENT
Some Surgical Technicians advance to assistant operating room administrators and assistant operating room supervisors. Assistant operating room administrators deal with the administrative aspects of running an operating room, such as ordering supplies and arranging work schedules. Assistant operating room supervisors actually direct other technicians in the operating room.
FINDING THE JOB
Surgical Technicians who are graduates of formal training programs and are certified by the Liaison Council will have the best opportunities for the job openings that will occur. Those without these qualifications can expect to face competition for jobs of their choice. Some training programs offer job placement. Job seekers should check hospital job postings and the classified ads in newspapers.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists 7018-C South Alton Way Englewood, CO 80112 (800) 707-0057
Association of Surgical Technologists 7018-C South Alton Way Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 694-9130
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Techs No. 17 Radiologic Technologists No. 89
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Surgical Technician 079.374-022
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Surgical Technicians 329280
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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