Surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs, play an important part in ensuring a patient’s safety and health. Their main duty involves assisting surgeons with procedures in operating rooms, but their responsibilities also include a number of tasks before and after surgery, such as preparing the operating room with instruments, sanitizing the room, preparing the patient for surgery, transporting the patient before and after the surgery, assisting with postoperative care, and tracking paperwork. Collectively, these responsibilities make it easier for a healthcare facility to provide the best patient care possible during crucial times.
A surgical tech’s work can be challenging, but the opportunity to provide a vital form of patient care also makes it a rewarding occupation. The role is also versatile, as those who enroll in a surgical tech program can focus on one of several surgical tech specialties. Those seeking a career in the surgical tech field should understand these specialties and how they support care delivery in surgical settings.
Why Choose a Surgical Tech Specialty?
Surgical techs may choose to specialize in a specific type of procedure, allowing them to develop the expertise needed to support surgeons performing complex operations within their specialty.
While many duties overlap across specialties, some areas require unique skills and responsibilities. For example, technologists may need to master techniques such as operating surgical robotics or assisting with organ transplant procedures.
Specializing can also enhance career opportunities by enabling surgical techs to expand their skill sets and stand out within a competitive field that is poised for growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of surgical techs is projected to increase 5% between 2022 and 2032.
4 Specialties for Surgical Techs
While there are several surgical tech specialties to consider, four in particular stand out as common options. Additional training may be needed to handle the responsibilities within each specialization.
1. Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular surgical techs, sometimes known as cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) technologists, help cardiovascular surgeons as they perform heart-related procedures, such as open-heart surgery, stenting, and pacemaker insertion. They may tend to patients before and after their procedures. The vast majority of cardiovascular surgical techs work in hospitals, while some may work in physicians’ offices or outpatient clinics.
2. Obstetrics
In obstetrics, surgical techs assist with labor and delivery of babies, helping physicians, nurses, and midwives. They may also prep the delivery room to ensure a clean and sterile birth environment. Obstetrics may be a great specialization for individuals who are interested in working in maternity wards and prenatal and postnatal care with mothers and newborns.
3. Orthopedics
Orthopedics covers the musculoskeletal system, including bones, ligaments, and tendons. Surgical techs in orthopedics assist with surgeries to repair musculoskeletal injuries; this can range from surgery on the spine and the extremities to joint replacement surgery. They also help patients with injury recovery. Their duties may include assisting in the operating room, applying and removing casts, and talking to patients about their recovery plans.
4. Trauma/Emergency
In trauma and emergency surgery, surgical techs help emergency room physicians and nurses treat traumatic injuries. Surgical techs need additional training in trauma care so they can assist with tasks such as assessing patients, controlling bleeding, splinting, and cleaning wounds. They also prepare rooms for emergency procedures, prepare patients for treatment, and transport patients to recovery rooms. By handling these critical tasks, trauma techs allow other specialized medical professionals to focus on addressing complex issues, enhancing overall patient care during emergencies. These professionals typically work in emergency rooms but may also be employed in outpatient surgical centers.
Expand Your Opportunities in Surgical Technology
A good surgical tech under pressure, maintains focus in emergency situations, pays attention to detail, and responds effectively to changing needs. Those who apply these skills in surgical tech specialties can make a positive impact in unique care delivery situations, which makes a rewarding career even more satisfying.
The Surgical Tech training programs at Fortis can prepare you to approach this crucial role with confidence. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning under the guidance of registered nurses and surgeons, you can gain the expertise necessary to thrive as a key member of the operating room team, no matter your chosen specialty.
Learn how Fortis can help you pursue success in this important field.
Recommended Readings
A Day in the Life of a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Assistant vs. Surgical Tech
Why I Love Being a Surg Tech