This post provides detailed information on the surgical technologist job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It also highlights the major requirements that candidates for the surgical technologist role may be asked to fulfill to be hired.
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Surgical technologists are responsible for providing assistance during surgical procedures.
Their job description usually includes sterilizing and preparing equipment, administering medications, passing instruments, and ensuring sterility in the operating room.
Surgical technologists may also be required to clean up the equipment and operating room after surgery has been completed.
They must wear protective clothing, such as gloves, gowns, and masks before entering the operating room.
This is to avoid coming in contact with bodily fluids or materials that could potentially contaminate the sterile environment of the operating room or the surgical technologist themselves.
The surgical technologist job description also involves identifying all medication used during surgery.
It also includes understanding how each one affects the body under certain conditions or when certain medications should be avoided.
In a busy operating room, it is the duty of the surgical technologist to work quickly without compromising the quality of care given or safety issues at hand.
Further more, surgical technologists communicate with patients as well as with other staff members involved in surgery.
They train others during their surgical careers, including training students and surgeons on even simple tasks, such as cleaning items in the operating room.
Part of the surgical technologist duty is to be up-to-date on all the latest procedures and equipment used during surgery.
They are also responsible for handling and storing medications during surgery.
As a surgical technologist, you are to inform the surgeon of any equipment malfunctions or other issues that may arise during surgery.
They follow and enforce all policies and procedures in place for the operating room and correctly document any changes made due to patient needs, doctor requests, or for any other reason.
It is also the surgical technologist’s job to document all surgical procedures in a conventional, readable, and comprehensive manner.
Surgical Technologist Job Description Sample/Example/Template
The surgical technologist job description may involve the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities, depending on where they work:
- Provide in-depth explanation of critical steps and any aspects of the procedure to the patient or their family members
- Maintain cleanliness during and after surgery. This includes scrubbing feet or hands, as well as changing patient linens and keeping all equipment sterilized
- Administer medication that includes but not limited to numbing agents, anti-bacterial medications ,or pain medications
- Make sure that all necessary equipment is on hand and ready for use in case a medical emergency arises during surgery; surgical technologists also need to ensure that they have proper security measures in place (i.e. identification badges) in case of a burglary
- Don and doff surgical attire, including sterile gloves, gowns, and masks
- Make sure equipment is accounted for after surgery, and that they are sterilized or disposed of correctly, etc.
- Document all medical conditions that can arise during a patient’s recovery process or treatment in an organized fashion using proper terminology and documentation procedures required by the department or hospital, to meet regulatory standards – i.e., HIPAA regulations
- Document procedures in a clear and complete manner using proper terminology and notify appropriate personnel when required to do so
- Inform the surgeon of any equipment malfunctions or other issues that may arise during surgery
- Provide patients’ family with all medical information related to the procedure and their recovery.
Surgical Technologist Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking the surgical technologist job, then here are major requirements employers/recruiters may want you to meet to be hired:
- Legally able to work in the United States (age of majority) or able to provide a copy of legal permission from a physician
- Postsecondary certificate or diploma from an accredited surgical technology program
- Associate degree in Surgical Technology, with training in anatomy, medical terminology, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT); Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification; certification in infection control
- Clinical rotations during training programs
- Sufficient experience working in a surgical setting, preferably at least 1 year
- Experience working in operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or hospitals is an advantage
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity, as well as good verbal skills – i.e., good communication skills needed to explain procedures to patients and their family members
- Physically able to stand, remain focused and alert for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift 25–50 lbs of equipment and supplies
- Good understanding of medical terminology and anatomy, and ability to speak Spanish or other languages useful for handling foreign language patients
- Ability to communicate effectively, particularly in explaining procedures and medical terminology during the course of performing duties as a surgical technologist
- Attention to detail in handling instruments and maintaining sterile fields
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for quick decision-making during procedures
- Time management skills for preparing ORs efficiently before surgeries
- Stress tolerance: Strong ability to stay calm during high-pressure procedures
- Strong understanding of surgical procedures across various specialties
- Ability to adapt quickly to fast-paced surgical environments
- Proficiency in sterile processing, instrumentation, and equipment setup
- Deep knowledge of infection prevention and aseptic techniques
- Ability to handle specimens, retractors, suction devices, and surgical supplies
- Basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology
- Strong ethical judgment and respect for patient privacy
- Ability to follow precise instructions
- Teamwork and collaboration with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia staff
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism and reliability.
Surgical Technologist Job Description for Resume
If you are writing a resume or CV for a new job as someone who has worked previously as a surgical technologist, or are presently working in that role, you can apply the surgical technologist job description example provided above in making an effective Professional Experience section for your resume.
You can highlight the duties and responsibilities of a surgical technologist from the sample job description into your resume’s Professional Experience to show that you have been effective performing the surgical technologist role.
This piece of information can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview from the recruiter/employer or hired, especially if the new job that you are applying for requires someone with some surgical technologist work experience to be hired.
(Learn how to make an effective resume applying the Employer-focused Resume Writing Technique)
Conclusion
Most surgical technologists are trained at an accredited vocational programs and follow an accredited curriculum.
After obtaining certification, they typically work in a hospital or surgery center.
The job itself is very enjoyable as most surgical technologists have said that working in a hospital is fun and exciting.
Many also have said it’s stressful at times, especially when you aren’t familiar with the operating room or are handling patients or equipment from other surgeons you are not comfortable with, but overall, there is no reason why someone shouldn’t go for this career.
This post is helpful to individuals interested in the surgical technologist career who want to learn about the duties and responsibilities of the job.
It is also useful to recruiters/employers who want to make a detailed job description for the role for use in their hiring process.
They can apply the surgical technologist job description example provided on this page in making a good one for their organizations.
