Surgical Technologists
Tasks Include:
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
- Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
- Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
- Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +8.6%
National: +5.9%
Education
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$55,960.00
State
$58,420.00
Regional
Surgical Technologists
Description
Career Cluster: | Health Science |
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Education
Required Level of Education
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 40.56%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 31.22%
- Some College Courses = 23.24%
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 4.98%
Related Work Experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 39.57%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 37.43%
- None = 17.76%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5.24%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 25.93%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 23.49%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15.78%
- None = 13.09%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.17%
- Up to and including 1 month = 9.05%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 3.49%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 27.86%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 22.85%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 22.50%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.35%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 7.21%
- None or short demonstration = 5.24%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
- Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
- Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
- Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
- Order surgical supplies.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.
- Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Instrument tables for surgical or obstetrical delivery use or accessories or related products (Adjustable height instrument tables)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Air driver drills)
- Gas anesthesia apparatus (Anesthesia machines)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Argon beam coagulators)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
- Blood recovery and delivery systems (Autologous blood recovery systems)
- Autotransfusion units (Autotransfusion systems)
- Intravenous or arterial infusion fluid warmers (Blood/fluid warmers)
- Surgical lasers or accessories (Carbon dioxide CO2 lasers)
- Operating room patient positioning devices or accessories (Cardiac leg wedges)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Cavitrons)
- Autotransfusion units (Cell savers)
- Central venous catheters
- Pleural cavity drainage unit or accessories (Chest drains)
- Surgical or endoscopic catheters or catheterization kits or drainage bags (Cholangiocath catheters)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Continuous suction machines)
- Heart and lung machines or accessories (Coronary bypass pumps)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Craniotome drills)
- Cryosurgery equipment or accessories (Cryo units)
- Cryosurgery equipment or accessories (Cryo-ophthalmic units)
- Automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles (Defibrillators)
- Surgical dermatomes or dermabraders or dermameshers or accessories (Dermatome blades)
- Surgical dermatomes or dermabraders or dermameshers or accessories (Dermatomes)
- Desktop computers
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Digital electrosurgical units)
- Medical imaging dry laser printers or imagers (Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM diagnostic medical printers)
- Cardiac ultrasound or doppler or echo units or cardioscopes (Doppler ultrasound equipment)
- Surgical drains or sets or accessories (Drains)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrocautery equipment)
- Electronic blood pressure units (Electronic blood pressure cuffs)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrosurgical grounding pads)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrosurgical monitors)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrosurgical units)
- Endoscopic video cameras or recorders or adapters or accessories (Endoscopic camera/video systems)
- Vein harvest systems (Endoscopic vein harvesting equipment)
- Endoscopic equipment or procedure carts or accessories (Endoscopy equipment)
- Chemical or gas sterilizers (Ethylene oxide sterilizers)
- Surgical lasers or accessories (Eye lasers)
- Eyemagnets for ophthalmic surgery (Eye magnets)
- Medical exam headlights or headlamps or accessories (Fiber optic luminators)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Flash autoclaves)
- Medical cine fluoroscopy equipment (Fluoroscopy equipment)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Foot-operated suction units)
- Operating room patient fracture tables or orthopedic tables or accessories or related products (Fracture tables)
- Endoscopic clamps or dissectors or graspers or forceps or ligators (Graspers)
- Staplers for internal use (Hemorrhoidal circular staplers)
- Therapeutic heating or cooling units or systems (Hyper/hypothermia units)
- Surgical instrument holders or positioners (Instrument positioning equipment)
- Instrument tables for surgical or obstetrical delivery use or accessories or related products (Instrument tables)
- Oxygen insufflator or its accessories (Insufflators)
- Cardiovascular or thoracic retractors (Internal mammary artery IMA retractors)
- Staplers for internal use (Intestinal stapling devices)
- Staplers for internal use (Intraluminal staplers)
- Surgical elevators or levers (Kleinert-Kutz elevators)
- Specimen collectors (Lab specimen containers)
- Laparoscopes or laparoscopic telescopes (Laparoscopes)
- Staplers for internal use (Linear staplers)
- Surgical lithotripters or accessories (Lithotripters)
- Surgical microscopes or loops or magnifiers or accessories (Loupes)
- Mercury blood pressure units (Manual blood pressure units)
- Surgical controller instruments (Master control units or manipulators)
- Lap mayo trays or mayo stands for surgical use or accessories (Mayo stands)
- Medical picture archiving computer systems PACS (Medical image database systems)
- Medical imaging dry laser printers or imagers (Medical imagining laser printers)
- Surgical microscopes or loops or magnifiers or accessories (Microscopes)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Minidriver drills)
- Instrument tables for surgical or obstetrical delivery use or accessories or related products (Motorized lift tables)
- Surgical needle holders for general use (Needle holders)
- Surgical lasers or accessories (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Nd:YAG lasers)
- Surgical nerve stimulators or accessories (Nerve stimulators)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Neurotome drills)
- Notebook computers
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Ohio suction units)
- Operating room patient fracture tables or orthopedic tables or accessories or related products (Orthopedic arm boards with drains)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Orthopedic drills)
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
- Surgical pneumatic or electric tourniquets or accessories (Pneumatic tourniquets)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Portable suction units)
- Operating room patient positioning devices or accessories (Positioning equipment)
- Resuscitation kits (Pulmonary resuscitators)
- Surgical controller instruments (Remote manipulation robots)
- Surgical retractors for general use (Retractors)
- Surgical equipment stands or accessories (Ring stands)
- Surgical power equipment sets or accessories (Robotic arms)
- Surgical controller instruments (Robotic manipulators)
- Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines or accessories (Scalpels)
- Staplers for skin closure (Skin staplers)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Slow suction units)
- Surgical smoke evacuators or accessories (Smoke evacuators)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Spark-gap electrosurgical units)
- Surgical tracheal stents (Stents)
- Chemical or gas sterilizers (Sterad machines)
- Sterilization cabinets (Steri-vac aeration cabinets)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Sternal saws)
- Patient stretchers or stretcher accessories (Stretchers)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Suction machines)
- Surgical suction machines or vacuum extractors or ultrasonic surgical aspirators or regulators or accessories (Surgical aspirators)
- Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Surgical clamps)
- Surgical dilators or accessories (Surgical dilators)
- Surgical dissectors
- Surgical drapes
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Surgical drills)
- Surgical elevators or levers (Surgical elevators)
- Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Surgical forceps)
- Surgical lasers or accessories (Surgical lasers)
- Surgical controller instruments (Surgical navigation systems)
- Surgical pneumatic or battery or electric saws or drills or pin drivers or accessories (Surgical pneumatic drills)
- Surgical probes or directors (Surgical probes)
- Surgical retractors for general use (Surgical retractors)
- Surgical power equipment sets or accessories (Surgical robotics equipment)
- Surgical power equipment sets or accessories (Surgical robots)
- Staplers for internal use (Surgical stapling equipment)
- Surgical suction or irrigation tubings or accessories (Surgical tubing or irrigation tubing)
- Suture needles
- Suturing kits or trays or packs or sets (Suturing kits)
- Suturing kits or trays or packs or sets (Suturing needle forceps)
- Medical syringes without needles (Syringes)
- Tablet computers
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Thermal cautery units)
- Tourniquets
- Tracheostomy tubes
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic cleaners)
- Surgical vacuum extraction devices or curettes or related products (Vacuum extractors)
- Vascular sequential compression devices or tubing (Venodynes)
- Video cassette players or recorders (Video cassette recorders VCR)
- Surgical power equipment sets or accessories (Voice activated surgical systems)
- Surgical blanket or solution warming cabinets or accessories (Warm air blankets)
- Instrument disinfectant washing equipment (Washer sanitizers)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Washer sterilizers)
- Wheelchairs
- Medical incision drains (Wound drains)
- Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use (X ray machines)
Technologies Include:
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Graphics software
- Internet browser software
- Internet browser software
- Medical software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Nursing documentation software
- Patient scheduling software
- Patient tracking software
- Supply documentation software
- Surgery workflow communication software
- Word processing software
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Special Requirements
Certification is generally required or strongly preferred for Surgical Technologistpositions in state government. According to the Department of Labor:
For More Information, Contact:
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle
Suite 100
Littleton, Colorado 80120
Phone: (80.0) .0057
Fax: (30.3) .2536
http://nbstsa.org
[email protected]
Commission On Accreditation Of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
35 East Wacker Drive
Suite 1970
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312.553.9355
http://www.caahep.org/
Association of Surgical Technologists
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200
Littleton, CO 80120-8031
Phone: (30.3) .130
Phone: 800.-63.7433
Fax: (30.3) .169
http://www.ast.org
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
7007 College Blvd., Suite 705 Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: 800..87.404
Fax: 913..49.243
http://www.ncctinc.com
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Additional Resources
For additional information on a career as a surgical technologist and a list of CAAHEP-accredited programs, contact:
Association of Surgical Technologists
7108-C South Alton Way
Englewood, CO 80112
http://www.ast.org
For information on becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist, contact:
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 100
Littleton, Colorado 80120
Toll-free: (800) 707-0057
Fax: (303) 325-2536
[email protected]
For information on becoming a National Certified Technician O.R., contact:
National Center for Competency Testing
7007 College Blvd.
Suite 250
Overland Park, KS 6621
http://www.ncctinc.com
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
68.25 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
67.75 | Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
61.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
52.50 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
68.75 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
59.50 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
56.25 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
53.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
53.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
53.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
53.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
50.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
50.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
50.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
50.00 | Equipment Maintenance | Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
50.00 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
50.00 | Operation and Control | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
50.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
50.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
50.00 | Management of Material Resources | Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
68.75 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
68.75 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
65.50 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
62.50 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
59.50 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
59.50 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
56.25 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
56.25 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
56.25 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
53.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
53.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
53.00 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
53.00 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
50.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
50.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
50.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
50.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
50.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
50.00 | Control Precision | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
50.00 | Multilimb Coordination | The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
50.00 | Trunk Strength | The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing. |
50.00 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
50.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
50.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
88.00 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
87.25 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
85.50 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
85.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
85.00 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
84.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
83.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
77.50 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
76.50 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
73.25 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
73.25 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
69.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
68.25 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
67.75 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
63.50 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
61.25 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
61.25 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
60.25 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
59.25 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
58.75 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
58.75 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
55.25 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
51.25 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
50.50 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
50.25 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
50.00 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
50.00 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
92.50 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
91.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
89.50 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
89.25 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
87.25 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
84.00 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
81.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
81.50 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
81.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
80.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
75.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
73.25 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
70.50 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
68.75 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
68.25 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
64.00 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
83.33 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
83.33 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
61.17 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
55.50 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
50.00 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
99.00 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
97.40 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
96.40 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
93.40 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
93.20 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
93.20 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
92.20 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
91.40 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
90.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
90.00 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
87.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
85.80 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
85.40 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
85.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
84.40 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
82.00 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
81.00 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
80.20 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
79.60 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
79.40 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
79.40 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
76.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
75.60 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
73.60 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
72.40 | Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection? |
67.00 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
63.80 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
63.20 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
62.60 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
62.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
61.80 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
61.00 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
59.80 | Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings? |
59.80 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
57.20 | Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? |
54.40 | Exposed to Radiation | How often does this job require exposure to radiation? |
52.40 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
51.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $38,860.00 | $55,960.00 | $64,360.00 |
Virginia | $43,920.00 | $58,420.00 | $66,130.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $52,683.99 | $82,148.56 | $86,808.02 |
Bay Consortium | $53,379.74 | $65,120.30 | $75,715.46 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $45,833.43 | $55,373.54 | $63,439.07 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $42,169.83 | $51,015.23 | $58,623.84 |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | $47,222.86 | $53,351.71 | $60,085.96 |
Hampton Roads | $44,264.36 | $53,154.40 | $60,983.17 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $42,787.70 | $52,395.31 | $59,166.95 |
Northern Virginia | $61,278.08 | $80,498.49 | $84,273.20 |
Piedmont Workforce | $49,565.57 | $52,798.22 | $62,701.78 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | $44,598.73 | $51,874.01 | $63,998.79 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 110,700 | 117,200 | +5.9% |
Virginia | 2,099 | 2,280 | +8.6% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Surgical Assistants
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Medical Assistants
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Radiation Therapists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists
- Anesthesiologists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:
- Acupuncturists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Anesthesiologists
- Art Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologists
- Cardiologists
- Chiropractors
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Dental Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Dentists, All Other Specialists
- Dentists, General
- Dermatologists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Genetic Counselors
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
- Hearing Aid Specialists
- Home Health Aides
- Hospitalists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Medical Assistants
- Midwives
- Music Therapists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Assistants
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Optometrists
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Orthoptists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatricians, General
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians, All Other
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Podiatrists
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Prosthodontists
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Psychiatrists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologists
- Recreational Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Surgeons, All Other
- Surgical Technologists
- Therapists, All Other
- Urologists
- Veterinarians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
View Videos
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Not Occupationally Qualified, General
- Operating Room Services
- Ophthalmology/Optometry
- Orthopedic Services
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Titles
- Anesthesia Technician
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Endoscopic Technologist
- Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St)
- Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)
- Scrub Technician
- Surgeon's Assistant
- Surgery Technician (Surgery Tech)
- Surgical Assistant
- Surgical Orderly
- Surgical Scrub Technician
- Surgical Scrub Technologist
- Surgical Technician
- Surgical Technologist (CST)
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Surgical Technologists
Related Schools
- Chester Career College
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
- ECPI University
- Fortis College-Richmond
- J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Laurel Ridge Community College
- Piedmont Virginia Community College
- Radford University
- Riverside College of Health Careers
- Sentara College of Health Sciences
- Virginia Western Community College
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)