A certified surgical technologist, also referred to as an operating room technician, usually works in hospital operating rooms. Within this role, they perform a variety of tasks such as prepping operating rooms for surgery, assisting during surgeries, moving surgical equipment and ensuring that the operating room is stocked with appropriate supplies. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will only grow by 19 percent through 2020 (this is on par with the average profession), earning a certification may give you the edge you need to compete successfully with other job candidates.
After receiving your certification, you will be eligible to vie for employment within hospitals and surgical centers around the U.S. In addition to preparing patients for procedures, you will work as an integral part of an OR team, making a difference in the lives of your patients.
A certified surgical technologist's abilities aren't limited to the operating room. These specialists also possess the skills and knowledge needed to work in hospitals' central sterile processing units as well as tissue banks and organ donation organizations. After you gain some experience, your certification may enable you to supervise teams of other surgical technologists. Some seasoned professionals choose to give back to their profession by entering the teaching world, helping to train new surgical technologists. As a certified surgical technologist, you wouldn't be limited to the medical field, however. The fields of dentistry and orthodontics also employ these specialists. You might even have the right skill set to transition into a job as a representative for a surgical equipment supply company. These supply companies often want people with hands-on experience who are knowledgeable in the field and understand the lingo.
A successful certified surgical technologist will be an individual who is extremely detail-oriented, able to work with a range of personalities and is comfortable working in a surgical setting. If you think that you might have what it takes to tackle this rewarding profession, but wish to learn more about it, you can visit the website for The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for further details. Just remember that the job isn't necessarily limited to working in an operating room all day, and that many possibilities exist for someone interested in this field.
