Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

   Surgical technologist, also called operating room technicians, work alongside and assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team throughout a surgical operation. The role of the surgical tech is incredibly important because they ensure a sterile and organized environment. Surgical techs work in the operating room with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. Their common tasks and duties can be split into three phases: before the surgical operation (preoperative), during the surgical operation (intraoperative), and after the surgical operation (postoperative).  

• Before the procedure, surgical technologists focus on sterilization and preparation. This includes:  
  -Sterilizing the equipment and operating room
  -Helping with preparing the patient for  surgery
  -Gathering, counting, and arranging the equipment and surgical tools needed during the surgery
  -Preparing patients for the procedure
   
• During the surgery, surgical technologists also have a variety of important responsibilities:
  -Keeping the operating room sterile
  -Passing surgical tools to the surgeon and the surgeon’s assistant
  -Assisting in retracting tissues from the surgical patient
   
• After the surgery, surgical technologists assist with wrapping up the procedure and are responsible for:
  -Counting all of the tools and instruments used during the surgery
  -Applying dressings to surgical sites
  -Disposing of needles and gauze
  -Maintaining the sterile environment of the operating room until the patient is brought to the recovery room 

 Employers may choose to provide hands-on training to new hires, but many surgical technicians will seek employment without prior experience.  

Surgical Technicians can work in varies locations such as working in hospitals,  outpatient and day clinics, and more.