Surgical Technician Work: A Typical Day in the Career of a Surgical Technologist

Before starting an education program in any career field, it is important to do a little research to find out exactly what you can expect if you work in this industry. Like with many medical fields, there is no one typical day for a surgical technician. Your tasks will depend on the needs of you patients for the day and the facility where you work. However, there are certain tasks that most surgical techs perform. If you were to job shadow a surgical tech, what would your day be like?

Surgical techs typically work normal hours, unlike surgeons who are often on call and end up working long hours. You may work night shift, but your hours will usually be consistent, unless you participate in a surgery that takes several hours and requires you to stay later than normal. When you arrive at work, you’ll review the operations for the day and begin preparing for the first.

Before each surgery, you’ll help to sterilize the room and equipment. You’ll need to anticipate the tools and supplies needed and prepare the operating room for the doctors and nurses to work. You may visit the patient bedside and help nurses prepare him or her for the surgery as well, especially if the area needs to be shaved or the skin needs to be otherwise prepped for the procedure. You’ll also go through the room and check all the equipment to ensure everything is working correctly.

Directly before the surgery begins, you’ll help to transport the patient to the operating room, disinfect the area where the incision will be, and help the anesthesia team as needed. It is important to be calm and reassuring, as this is a stressful time for many patients. Some may opt to back out of needed surgeries if they feel too scared, so it is important to be personable, confident, and understanding. Surgical techs should be able to answer any questions a patient might have.

When the surgery starts, surgical techs assume different roles. Typically, there is a first assistant who will be an extra pair of hands and eyes for the surgical team. You may help hold retractors, cut sutures, use suction equipment, and more. Other surgical techs on the team can help with tasks such as ensuring that the rooms stays sterile, collecting samples and sending them to the lab properly, resupplying the surgery team, handing tools to the surgeon, move lights, and otherwise help doctors in any way possible. Surgical techs are also responsible for counting supplies and equipment before a patient is closed, which ensures that no surgical sponges or other items are left behind.

After a surgery, you’ll help dress the patient’s wounds, transport him or her back to a recovering area, and clean the operating room to get ready for the next surgery. On the typical day at most facilities, you’ll participate in multiple surgeries. If you work somewhere with an emergency room, you may also need to work quickly and in a high-stress situation where you have to think fast on your feet. Not every surgery is planned, and even ones that are require the surgical team to be extremely flexible.

Top Online Surgical Technician Degree Programs

Like many other technician and assistant fields, few schools offer distance learning programs specifically for becoming a Surgical Technician. In many cases though, students start with an undergraduate degree in healthcare and receive on-the-job training later. Click through the following links to request more information on the programs from each school.

AAS in Medical Assisting AAS in Health IT AAS in Human Services	Kaplan University — Apply for this school's associate degree in Medical Assisting to achieve a strong foundation in surgical technology. This course is ideal for a fast and flexible solution to your online degree as you earn an entry-level education that concentrates on helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures. Kaplan also offers degrees in human services and health information technology.
AS in Medical Assisting AA in Health Services	Keiser University — For working adults who need a flexible class schedule, Keiser's associate's degree in medical assisting may be the ideal program for aspiring surgical techs. In most cases, this program can be completed within one year and should provide all the training needed to begin a career as a healthcare professional. Kesier also offers an AA degree in health services administration.
AS in Health IT BS in Health IT	DeVry University — For aspiring surgical technicians who want a bigger role in patient data management, DeVry University's associate's degree in health information technology prepares students to learn application systems and work with managing electronic health information databases. (A bachelor's degree in this subject is also available.) HIT professsionals work with nurse, doctors, and other health care providers.
BS in Health Care Mgmt	Harrison College — Harrison College has an online program for students interested in becoming surgical technicians for a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management; both of which are accredited. These programs are a perfect choice for students seeking to jump-start their careers and enter the workforce with the knowledge needed to succeed.
AS in Allied Health Science	South University — Try on South University's associate degree in Allied Health Science for size. This online program provides students with the information and training needed to begin a career in surgical technology, as it is designed to expose students to a broad education in general studies combined with an emphasis on life science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology.
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