Surgical Technologist: Job, Career Path, Salary, and More

As a surgical technologist, you'll likely be right where the action is—in the operating room. In this role, you'll be part of the surgical team and ensure everyone has what they need to do their jobs. 

This exciting job frequently tops lists of desirable entry-level positions in the medical profession. In this article, learn about a surgical technologist’s duties, education, qualifications, and skills that can help you decide if this career is right for you.

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What do surgical technologists do?

Also known as operating room technicians or surgery technicians, surgical technologists help prepare operating rooms and patients for surgery. They typically show up first to set up the operating room so the surgical team can work in a safe, sterile environment. They also assist with surgical procedures and provide postoperative patient care.

What are the main duties and responsibilities of a surgical technologist?

A surgical technologist’s primary duties and responsibilities are setting up and maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. However, like most medical jobs, surgical technologists' specific tasks can vary daily. To fully understand the day-to-day role of a surgical technologist, it helps to explore the range of tasks they may be asked to complete before, during, and after surgery, as well as in between operations. Some typical duties include:

• Setting up surgical tools and equipment before the surgical team arrives

• Preparing patients for surgery

• Helping patients get onto the operating table

• Maintaining a sterile environment during surgery

• Assisting the surgeon

• Providing post-operative care

• Transporting patients to recovery care

These tasks may not be part of the daily routine, but they can be included in the expected work scope.

How to become a surgical technologist

To become a surgical technologist, you must graduate from an accredited surgical technology training program. In the program, you'll likely take courses in anatomy, microbiology, sterilization, infection control, and patient care. You'll also have opportunities to practice what you've learned in clinical settings.

Various institutions offer these programs, including community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and universities. You'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent to qualify for these programs. Some people also complete their training through the military. 

All provinces and territories require you to register with a regulatory agency to be a surgical technologist. You must also complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam if working anywhere other than Quebec.

How long does it take to train as a surgical technologist?

You can complete surgical technology training in as little as 12 to 18 months if you choose to attend a community college or vocational school. However, if you want to earn an associate degree, you should plan to spend at least two years in a surgical technology associate degree program at a college or university. 

Ultimately, the time you spend studying and training to be a surgical technologist depends on your educational program. 

Necessary skills for surgical technologist

To be successful as a surgical technologist, you'll need a combination of technical and human skills, such as sterilization techniques and the ability to work in a high-pressure situation. You often work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment but also spend time interacting with team members and patients. Your skills help you navigate these situations to do your job safely and effectively.  

Technical skills

Surgical technologists need a thorough knowledge of surgical procedures and equipment. For instance, you must identify hundreds of medical instruments and supplies. When the surgeon asks you for a specific tool during surgery, you need to select the correct tool quickly. 

More technical skills needed in this line of work include:

• Knowledge of operating room safety and sterilization techniques

• Ability to care for patients and make them comfortable

• Ability to perform CPR and other basic life support procedures

Workplace skills

Successful surgical technologists also have certain human skills that help them deal with the stress of the job and communicate with others. Listening to and communicating with others is important when issues arise during surgery and when transporting patients to and from the operating room. Paying attention to detail also is essential in this line of work. Other skills you may find beneficial include:

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Ability to work well alone and with a team

• Critical thinking

• Dexterity

• Organization

• Stamina

• Time management

Where can I work once I’m qualified as a surgical technologist?

In addition to public and private hospitals, surgical technologists may work in doctor's offices, outpatient facilities, and dental practices. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical personnel are a sought-after commodity, making it easier to find a job in the field after you graduate.

How much do surgical technologists earn?

The average salary for surgical technologists in Canada is $47,838 as of January 2023, according to Talent.com [1]. Where you work will play a role in how much you earn. The median hourly wage for surgical technologists is highest in the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan and lowest in Quebec and New Brunswick, according to the Job Bank [2].

Career progression for a surgical technologist

You may start your career as a surgical technologist but decide to advance by specializing in a specific type of surgery or pursuing a supervisory position. Not only can you increase your salary by choosing a specialization, but the training you receive also can open additional work opportunities. Typical specialties for surgical technologists include the following:

• Cardiovascular

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Orthopedic

• Neurology

• Reconstructive

You can also get additional training and experience to become a first surgical assistant. People who work as first surgical assistants have more expertise and skill than surgical technologists. As such, they take on a leadership role in the operating room and tend to work more closely with the surgeon. Their tasks in surgery are also more complex.

If you’d like to work outside the operating room, consider a job as a central supply supervisor. In this role, you monitor supply rooms to ensure they’re clean and organized. Central supply supervisors also coordinate supply orders and verify deliveries. Surgical technology training is a common requirement for this position, and you’ll be more familiar with operating supplies needing to be ordered.

Get started today.

To decide if you're suited for a job as a surgical technologist, it might help to take one or two of the prerequisite courses you'll need to get into a surgical tech program. Consider enrolling in Rice University’s Medical Terminology Specialization or the University of Michigan’s Anatomy Specialization. These courses on Coursera are designed for beginners and are ideal if you're preparing for future studies in the field of medicine.