The Importance of Surgical Technology Professionals
March 19, 2009
•SBC-Houston
• 0 Comments
Millions of people have surgery performed on them yearly. Surgeries can range from vital heart transplants to low-risk and common procedures. The success of these procedures relies on more than just surgeons. For a procedure to be a success it often requires a full team of trained medical staff members. A major position in nearly all surgical teams is the surgical technologist. What is a surgical technologist?
Surgical technologists work in hospitals and clinics around the world. While tasks may vary due to the needs of the operating staff, surgical technologists provide a variety of tasks to assist surgeons performing an operation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists work before, during and after a surgery.
What Surgical Technologists Do
Prior to an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room. Some common tasks include prepping surgical instruments and equipment, preparing sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Technologists may also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm.
During a surgery, surgical technologists can pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm.
Surgical Technology Courses
As you can see, surgical technologists play a major role in the operating room. Not only do surgical technologists have to be knowledgeable in medical equipment, terminology and procedures but they must also have strong communication skills. To learn these topics and skills, surgical technologists are usually educated in surgical technology classes and surgical technology courses. Surgical technology courses can help prepare students to pursue a rewarding career in many different ways. Surgical technology courses may couple classroom knowledge with externships. Externships bring students directly into the clinical environment and allow them to experience what it is like to be a surgical technologist. Having real hands-on experience prior to graduation can be extremely helpful in showing employers that you are a dedicated professional.
To learn more about surgical technology classes in the Houston and how a certificate in surgical technology can help you pursue a new and exciting career, click here.
Sanford-Brown College - Houston is close to many locations:
Bellaire, TX - approximately 11.7 miles
Crabb, TX - approximately 13.8 miles
Peters, TX - approximately 52.9 miles
Heights, TX - approximately 48.4 miles
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, 2008-09 Edition, Surgical Technologists, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm (visited
January 25, 2009).