Surgical Technologist

What does a Surgical Technologist do?

The Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech) works hands-on in the operating room to assist surgeons during surgical procedures. The Surgical Tech must understand a surgeon’s needs to make sure the surgery goes smoothly by preparing and organizing the operating room with equipment and instruments that the Surgeon will use. The Surgical Tech is responsible for assisting the surgical team by passing the required instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure, and for cleaning, maintaining, and checking all equipment and instruments to keep them working correctly.

Minimum education and experience

1. Graduated from a nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists and holds and maintains a certified surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization.
2. Completed a military surgical technology program.
3. Provides evidence he or she was employed as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility for a cumulative period of one year, occurring within the four years immediately prior to January 1, 2015.
4. Is the in the service of the federal government, to the extent the person is performing duties related to that service.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The Surgical Tech enjoys working in fast-paced environments. In addition to being detail-oriented, the ability to work as part of a team, and stand for long periods of time, are crucial to this role. Having knowledge of basic medical terminology is also very helpful.

Days/hours

Days and hours will vary depending on location and may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Position locations

• Inpatient Hospital Operating Rooms
• Outpatient Surgery Centers

Work environment

Provider interaction in a clinical setting.

Pay range

$23.00 – $29.90 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Possible career pathways

Examples of pathways within this job family at the University of Rochester:

• Surgical Technologist > Surgical Technologist II > Surgical Technologist III
• Surgical Technologist > Registered Nurse

Become a Surgical Technologist

• Monroe Community College