Surgical Technician

Surgical technicians, also referred to as surgical technologists, assist in a wide variety of operating procedures, and are absolutely crucial to surgical success. They are in charge of prepping patients for surgery, setting up instruments and equipment prior to medical procedures, standing by during the operation in order to observe a patient’s vital signs, and helping to transition the patient to the recovery area. Individuals in this field work under the supervision of surgeons and registered nurses. Surgical technicians usually receive a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree from an accredited program, and must pass a national certification exam. The median annual salary for surgical technicians in 2006 was $36,080, and a 24 percent increase in jobs in this field is expected by 2016.