Healthcare: Recession-Proof JobsSurgical Technician Careers

Fascinated with Computers, Lasers & Robotics? Love Helping People?

Consider a Career as a Surgical Technologist!

Surgical Technician careers are in high demand!

California’s population will increase by about 12 million people in the next 20 years - - many of whom will age and retire.

The volume of surgical procedures is expected to continue to increase because older people tend to require more surgeries.

What do surgical techs do?

Commonly known as scrubs or operating room techs, they perform more highly skilled tasks under the supervision of operating room nurses, including minor surgery.

Typical Tasks

Before surgery, they may prepare the patients, facilities, and instruments.

During surgery they may assist by passing instruments, checking vital signs, and handling specimens.

After surgery they may help clean the operating room and move patients to recovery rooms.

What are the salaries?

Jobs in L.A. County are expected to grow by 15%. The 2009 median salary is $20.75.

What are the educational requirements?

Certification is voluntary in California

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

(NBSTSA)

Technologist in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Where are the schools?

Mira Costa Collegehttp://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/

Certificate of Achievement – Surgical Technology

Tip #1

Skills Employers Seek:

Willingness to learnAnatomy and physiologyEnglish compositionSciences with labs Accredited course workPrevious hospital experience Team spiritTechnical inclinationMultiple specialties

Tip #2Moving Up the Career Ladder:

Surgical Technologists usually advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or open heart surgery.

They also may work as Circulating Technologists.

With additional training, some Technologists advance to First Assistant.

Some Surgical Technologists manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and operating equipment firms.

Surgical Technologists can also become nurses with the appropriate education.

Need More Information?

Check out the ONET site for Surgical Technicianshttp://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2055.00