To become a surgical technologist, as surgical technicians are commonly called, you may be able to get training for a job in as little as 9 months. The longest training takes 24 months. You may receive a certificate, diploma, or Associates degree.

Job growth for the surgical technician is expected to be “faster than normal” through the year 2018 according to the US Labor statistics under the Job Occupational Outlook. This makes the surgical technician training very sought after in a dwindling economy.

Surgical technicians are needed because people continue to need surgery irregardless of what is happening with the economy.

Nature of the Work
Under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel, the surgical tech is a valuable member of the operating room team. Before an operation, the tech will prepare by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Technologists get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They will assist getting patients into the operating room, help position them on the table, and cover them with surgical drapes. They will also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts. During surgery they pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may cut sutures and count surgical supplies.
Surgical technologists may need to stand for extended periods of time during surgery.

The median annual salary for a surgical technologist in May of 2008 was $38,740. The highest ten percent made more than $54,300. This is quite comparable to Ultrasound Technician Salary also known as a Sonography Technician.

The type of coursework you will need to complete involves classroom as well as supervised clinical experience. You will take classes of pharmacology, microbiology, physiology, anatomy, professional ethics, and medical terminology.