Surgical Technologist
Field of Study — Medicine
Surgical technologists (also called operating room technicians) assist surgical teams before, during and after surgery. Many have training and experience as nurses’ aides or licensed practical nurses. Specific duties include:
- helping surgical teams scrub and put on gloves and masks.
- washing/shaving and preparing patients for surgery.
- sterilizing equipment and operating rooms.
- passing instruments to the surgical team.
- helping hold retractors and cutting sutures.
- operating equipment, such as lights and suction machine.
- taking inventory of tools used during surgery (e.g. sponges, needles).
Educational Requirements
Students interested in this career should take challenging high school courses in science, math and English. This profession may require certification, which includes completing educational requirements and passing an exam specific to the career.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Roanoke College
Virginia Community Colleges
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College, Fauquier Campus
Northern Virginia Community College, Medical Education Center
Paul D. Camp Community College, Suffolk Campus
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Virginia Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
Riverside School of Health Careers
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, School of Health Professions
Shore Memorial Hospital, LPN School of Nursing
Winchester Medical Center
Virginia Vocational Schools
Riverside School of Health Careers, Affiliated with Newport News Public School System
Professional Associations
- Association of Surgical Technologists
(303) 694-9130
http://www.ast.org