A surgical technologist or operating room technician works hand in hand with surgeons, nurses, physicians, and other health-related workers. It is a stressful but highly rewarding career and entails working closely with patients under the supervision of surgeons.
The job requires a person to have extensive knowledge about surgical procedures, instruments, and patient management, as well as adequate stamina and dexterity of hands.
Their role includes the preparation of the operating theater and the patient before surgery. Sterilizing and arranging the instruments needed and acting as the first scrub during the procedure along with bandaging and monitoring of the patient after surgery are some other tasks of a surgical technologist.
1. Job opportunity
As predicted by the BLS, surgical technology is among the most rapidly growing fields in healthcare, with an estimated 9% increase in employment rates from 2018 to 2028.
This is due to the increasing number of older individuals, which is bound to continue rising due to the advancements in medical technology. A higher elderly population leads to more surgeries, which leads to an increased demand for surgical technologists.
2. Affordability
Becoming a surgical technician is a much quicker and cost-effective way to enter the healthcare field.
For example, the City College Surgical Technology program in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can be completed in as little as two years. Becoming a surgeon requires eight years of school plus many years of residency and fellowship training.
3. A generous salary
In addition to the less study duration and tuition to become a surgical technician, a steady and generous salary is an added plus for those who choose this career.
According to BLS, the average salary of a surgical technologist in 2020 amounts to $54,078 per year in the US, which is much higher than most other jobs.
4. Work alongside the latest technology
Healthcare today is integrating with technology with the increasing use of robotic surgeries, fiber optics, and laser technology in treating patients more efficiently.
This may be due to both the rapid advancement of technology as well as the rising demand for more surgeries. Therefore, this field is excellent for tech enthusiasts who are looking for a career in healthcare, focusing on medical technology.
5. Be a hero on the frontlines
Surgical technologists are responsible for managing the patient’s condition and preventing infections after surgery. It is a highly rewarding job as surgical technologists work alongside other healthcare professionals and help save lives every day.
This career is exceptionally fulfilling since surgical technologists are directly involved in improving the well-being of their patients.
6. Travel friendly
The availability of hospitals in all states and the increasing demand for surgical technologists provide many options for new surgical techs.
This job is also great for those who love to stay on the move or travel around as, unlike other healthcare professions, surgical technologists can quickly transfer to most different states and cities without the need for additional certification.
7. Quick entry into professional life
The professional life of a surgical technologist begins almost immediately after the two years of a degree program. This is unlike other healthcare jobs that usually require several years to enter the working field even after graduating.
8. Employment opportunities in numerous fields
After obtaining a surgical technologist degree, there are numerous career paths that one can take. It is a diverse field and the most common career choices include working in tertiary hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient centers, and dental clinics.
However, jobs in diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory services, educational institutes, and employment services are among the highest-paying jobs for surgical technologists.
9. Future of a surgical technologist
The future of a surgical technologist can always be expanded, and one can be promoted to “surgical first assistant” with hard work and dedication to their job. This upward mobility is accompanied by an increased salary as well as a brushed -up resume.
Other than a surgical first assistant, surgical technologists can also opt for a career as a registered nurse, which requires some additional training.
10. Additional benefits
Along with a good salary, most surgical technologists get fringe benefits like sick leave, paid vacation, and time off, and medical, dental, disability, and vision insurance. This ensures a healthy work environment for the employees, and some places are known to offer childcare and even life insurance additionally.
A career in surgical technology is perfect for those who are empathetic and love working closely with people. It is a gratifying and humbling career that helps make a positive difference in the world.
