Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Surgical Technologist
Job description
The surgical technologist is a member of the surgical healthcare team and provides technical support to the surgeon, registered nurses, and anesthesiologist in the operating room. Hospitals are the primary employers of surgical technicians. Surgical techs advance by specializing in particular areas such as open heart or neurosurgery. With additional training they can also advance to first assistants, who help the surgeon with retracting, sponging, suturing, closing and treating wounds. Some manage central supply departments in hospitals or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services or operating equipment firms.
Activities may include
●
arrange supplies and instruments and keep accurate count of the instruments
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help the surgical team to scrub and dress for surgery
●
pass instruments and other sterile supplies during surgery
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help to apply dressing
●
help to prepare and preserve specimens
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may operate the sterilizer, lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment
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after surgery, may transport the patient and restock the operating room
Salaries and benefits*
Wages vary depending on the employer, geographic location and the amount of training and experience. Certified Technologists usually earn more. Surgical Technologists employed by physicians generally earn more than those who work for hospitals. Entry-level wages range from $1,993 to $2,340 per month. Working for a state institution of higher education, a Surgical Technologist earns $2,365 to $3,010 per month. Operating Room/Surgical Services Aides with a high school diploma or equivalent who work for health care facilities in the Pacific Northwest average $1,759 to $2,097 per month, while certified Operating Room Technicians with some experience average $2,376 to $2,730 per month. Statewide, Surgical Technologists average $2,114 to $2,700 per month. Surgical technologists who work in hospitals usually receive a full benefits package.
Training and requirements
Surgical technologists training courses are generally 9-24 months in length and lead to a certificate, diploma or Associate's degree. Shorter programs are available for Licensed Practical Nurses. In Washington, training is available at Bellingham Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Renton Technical College, Seattle Central Community College, and Spokane Community College.
Necessary skills
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a teamwork approach to work
●
critical listening
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ability to take instruction
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good eye/hand coordination
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accuracy and attention to detail
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strength to stand for extended periods of time
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conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable
Licensure/Certification
Currently not required anywhere in the U.S.; however, is available by examination from the Association of Surgical Technologists. To be eligible to sit for the examination, an applicant must be a graduate of a formal education program or its equivalent. Being certified expands the number of job possibilities and enhances earning potential.
Helpful high school courses
English, math, algebra, speech, chemistry, biology, physiology, physics, psychology, health, computer applications, first aid.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
3028 Lindbergh Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225-1599
(360) 738-0221
●
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Tacoma, WA 98499-4098
(253) 589-5678
●
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth St.
Renton, WA 98056-4195
(425) 235-2352
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Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 587-3800
●
Spokane Community College
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 16 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
●
Association of Surgical Technologists
7108-C S. Alton Way
Englewood, CO 80112-2106
(303) 694-9130
http://www.ast@ast.org
●
Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist
7790 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite 240
Englewood, CO 80112-1274
(800) 707-0057
(303) 694-9264
http://www.lcc-st.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04