How to Become a Surgical Technologist?
Start a rewarding career in the medical field as a Surgical Technologist—learn the steps, skills, and educational pathways you need to succeed
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Surgical Technologist
"A surgical technologist's precision and dedication are the foundation of every successful surgery, ensuring every step is prepared for excellence."
Surgical Technologists assist surgeons by anticipating their needs and ensuring the procedure runs smoothly. They sterilize equipment, set up the operating room, and maintain a sterile environment. Often called scrub techs or OR technicians, they are part of the surgical team under a licensed practitioner or operating manager, mostly working in hospitals. Their tasks include passing instruments, providing supplies, collecting tissue samples, and ensuring sterile conditions. Most surgical technologists complete an accredited program from a community college, technical school, or the military, and need to be detail-oriented and skilled.
Steps to Become a Surgical Technologist:
Step-1
Understand the responsibilities and work environment.
Step-2
Obtain the necessary degree.
Step-3
Participate in internships or clinical training.
Step-4
Pass the national certification exam.
Step-5
Prepare a resume and apply to hospitals or surgical centers.
Step-6
Stay updated with continuing education opportunities.
Step-7
Reach out to industry professionals for guidance and potential job opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Degree in MBBS or a Diploma in General Surgery is required to pursue a career as a Surgical Technologist. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.S. in General Surgery may enhance opportunities for further education and career advancement. |
| Entrance Exams | Valid score in entrance exams such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, PGIMER, DNB CET, etc. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
- Should procure a valid score in entrance exams after 12th such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, PGIMER, DNB CET, etc.
- One must earn a degree in MBBS or a Diploma in General Surgery to become a Surgical Technologist.
- An M.S. in General Surgery can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and better learning.
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Tasks to perform as a Surgical Technologist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Surgical Technologists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Required for Surgical Technologist | Understanding of human body structures and functions. |
| Familiarity with various surgical techniques and protocols. | Knowledge of surgical instruments, their uses, and care. |
| Practices to prevent infections in surgical settings. | Methods for sterilizing surgical tools and environments. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving abilities | Strong communication skills |
| Time management | Team collaboration |
| Physical stamina | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Surgical Technologist.
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Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Surgical Technologist:
Once you obtain the qualifications to become a Surgical Technologist, numerous career paths open up to you.
Also known as a scrub tech, this role involves providing sterile tools to the surgical team and maintaining a contamination-free environment. After surgery, they ensure that all instruments are accounted for and disposed of properly.
These professionals assist anesthesia teams by preparing and maintaining anesthetic equipment. They often work in various medical departments and may have longer shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Responsible for ensuring that all technical aspects of the operating room function smoothly, these technicians maintain equipment, ensure cleanliness, and assist with waste management and infection control.
They support surgeries by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and monitoring patients' health. Surgical assistants also carry out minor medical tasks while ensuring a safe and well-organized environment.
While not always required to be certified, these technicians prepare the operating room, manage instruments, and assist surgical teams. They typically work in hospitals and may be on call for emergencies.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Surgical Technologist:
Surgical Technologists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Apollo Hospitals | Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. | Midland Healthcare & Research Center |
| Virtua Health | Covenant Health | Medical College, Hospital & Research Center |
| Smiths Medical | Aspirus | K.D Medical College Hospital and Research Center |
| OM Solution |
Colleges offering courses for Surgical Technologist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi | Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh |
| Christian Medical College, Vellore | Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow |
| Parul University, Vadodara | Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry |
| Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi | King George's Medical University, Lucknow |
End Note
Becoming a Surgical Technologist is a fulfilling journey that requires dedication, education, and skill. With the right guidance, you can navigate this path effectively. Connect with our experts at SetMyCareer to guide you through Career counselling after graduation along with your career goals!
In this Career Outline
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