What is a Surgical Technician?

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons and other members of the surgical team during medical procedures. Their main responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, handling surgical instruments, and ensuring a safe and sterile environment for the patient.

How do I get a job as a Surgical Technician?

Once you have obtained your surgical technician certification, you are ready to start looking for a job in the field. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting hired as a surgical technician:

1. Update Your Resume: Start by updating your resume to reflect your surgical technician certification and any relevant experience or skills you have gained during your training. Highlight your clinical training hours, any specialized procedures you have experience with, and any certifications or memberships in professional organizations.

2. Network: Networking is an important part of finding a job in any field, and surgical technology is no exception. Join professional organizations such as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and attend conferences and events to connect with other professionals in the field. You can also reach out to your instructors and classmates from your surgical technician program for job leads or recommendations.

3. Apply for Jobs: Start searching for surgical technician job openings in your area. Check online job boards, hospital websites, and surgical centers for job postings. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, highlighting the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position.

4. Prepare for Interviews: Once you start getting interview requests, make sure to prepare for the interviews. Research the organization you are interviewing with, practice common interview questions, and be prepared to discuss your experience and skills in detail. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume, certifications, and any other relevant documents.

5. Consider Specializing: As a surgical technician, you have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of surgery, such as orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery. Specializing can make you a more valuable candidate and increase your job prospects. Consider taking additional training courses or obtaining certifications in your chosen specialty to enhance your skills and knowledge.

6. Be Flexible: As a new surgical technician, it may be necessary to be flexible in terms of the type of job you are willing to accept and the location. Consider applying for both full-time and part-time positions, as well as positions in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. Being open to different opportunities can increase your chances of finding a job in the field.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Surgical Technician

Becoming a surgical technician opens up various career paths and opportunities within the healthcare industry. Here are some potential career paths you can explore after obtaining your surgical technician certification:

1. Operating Room Technician: Many surgical technicians work directly in the operating room, assisting surgeons and other healthcare professionals during surgical procedures. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with surgical procedures.

2. Surgical Technologist Educator: If you enjoy teaching and have a passion for sharing your knowledge with others, you can pursue a career as a surgical technologist educator. In this role, you would be responsible for training and educating new surgical technicians, as well as providing continuing education to experienced professionals.

3. Surgical Sales Representative: Another career path you can consider is working as a surgical sales representative. In this role, you would work for a medical device or pharmaceutical company, promoting and selling surgical equipment and supplies to healthcare facilities.

4. Surgical Technologist Supervisor: With experience and additional training, you can also advance to a supervisory or management position within a surgical department. In this role, you would be responsible for overseeing the work of other surgical technicians, managing schedules, and ensuring that the department operates smoothly.

5. Travel Surgical Technician: If you enjoy traveling and experiencing new environments, you can work as a travel surgical technician. Travel surgical technicians are hired on a contract basis and work in different healthcare facilities across the country. This allows you to gain experience in different settings and expand your professional network.

6. Advanced Practice Roles: With additional education and training, surgical technicians can pursue advanced practice roles, such as surgical first assistants or surgical technologist first assistants. These roles involve more advanced responsibilities, such as assisting the surgeon with complex procedures, suturing, and wound closure.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surgical technician is an excellent career choice for individuals interested in the healthcare field and who enjoy working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. By completing a surgical technician program, obtaining your certification, and gaining hands-on experience, you can start a rewarding career as a surgical technician.

Remember to research the specific requirements for becoming a surgical technician in your state and choose an accredited program to ensure that you receive the necessary training. Once you have obtained your certification, update your resume, network, and start applying for jobs in the field.

There are various career paths and opportunities available to surgical technicians, from working in the operating room to pursuing advanced practice roles or working in sales. With the right training, experience, and dedication, you can build a successful career as a surgical technician.

If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:

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