How Technology Is Being Used in Surgical Operations
March 10, 2009
•Brian Brooks
•SBC-St-Peters
• 0 Comments
Technology has influenced the way we work, relax and the way we live. One of the areas that has made massive strides due to advances of technology is medical surgery. What were once life threatening and difficult procedures are now performed everyday with little difficulty and amazing recovery rates due to the use of technology. Many surgical procedures use video cameras to see inside patients' bodies for more accurate and less damaging procedures. Computers are used to monitor patients' vitals in every emergency room, and the instruments that surgeons use are constantly becoming more efficient.
The Need for Surgical Technologists
As technology becomes more prominent in the surgical operating room, the need for trained surgical technicians is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 24 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the volume of surgeries increases, the number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages. What is a surgical technician? A surgical technician is a critical part of hospitals and health clinics around the world. Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.
Surgical Technologist Tasks
Surgical Technologists perform a variety of tasks. Some common responsibilities include:
- Cleaning medical equipment
- Preparing laboratory samples
- Help transfer patients to the recovery room
- Clean and restock operating room
- Prepping patients for surgery
- And more
These tasks are very important during any procedure and require properly trained professionals. Surgical technology courses and surgical technology classes are commonly used to prepare students to pursue this growing career. Surgical technology courses and a surgical technology degree can help ensure employers that students are trained and able to perform entry level tasks. Many surgical technology courses include an internship or externship program. These programs allow students to spend time in a real working environment to gain hands on experience with practicing professionals. Having externship experience through a surgical technology program is very attractive to potential employers and provides emerging professionals with an opportunity to put their classroom knowledge to work.
Surgical technology courses and surgical technology classes are your first step towards pursuing this in-demand field. To learn more about surgical technology classes and how they can help you pursue a new career, click here.
Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is close to many locations:
Cottleville, MO - approximately 4.0 miles
O' Fallon, MO - approximately 4.9 miles
St. Charles, MO - approximately 10.0 miles
St. Paul, MO - approximately 7.7 miles
Sources:
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 31, 2009).