Potential Positions Most surgical technicians are employed by hospitals and work primarily in operating and delivery rooms. Others are employed in clinics and surgical centers and in the offices of physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technicians, although much faster employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including ambulatory surgical centers.
Employment Outlook Employment of surgical technologists and technicians is expected to increase 28% by 2012 as the volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the populations grows and ages. Technological advances such as fiber optics and laser technology will also permit new surgical procedures to be performed. Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the Surgery Technology program is 93%. The graduate starting median wage is $15.98 with a wage potential of $26.40.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks Surgical technicians are under the supervision of the physician and/or registered nurse at all times. Specific tasks typically required of a surgical technician include: Placing equipment and supplies in operating room and arranging instruments; maintaining supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, and glucose for use during operation; handing instruments and supplies to surgeon, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and performing other tasks as directed by the surgeon during operation; counting sponges, needles and instruments before and after operation; washing and sterilizing equipment and using germicides and sterilizers; assisting team members to place and position patient on table; putting dressings on patient following surgery and scrubbing arms and hands and donning gown and gloves and aiding team members.
