ITHP Lesson 3.2.1

• list the roles of surgical technologists before, during, and after surgery

• identify training and certifications required to become a surgical technologist

• describe the skills and personal qualities necessary in surgical technologists

• identify the career advancement opportunities for surgical technologists

manual dexterity - refers to the ability to make coordinated hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes.

sterile - refers to something completely clean and germ-free.

sterilization – process that removes and kills all germs.

surgical technologists - also called operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who specialize in preparing a sterile operating room organized with sterilized equipment and assisting the surgical team with surgeries.

aka- Operating Room Technicians

Healthcare professionals who specialize in preparing a sterile operating room with sterilized equipment and assist the surgical team with surgeries.

Sterile- refers to something being completely clean and germ-free
Sterilization- the process that removes and kills all germs

​Pre-Surgery

Organize the operating room according to the details received for the upcoming procedure, including the surgeon's preferences and whether they are right- or left-handed

• Gather, count, inspect, and arrange the equipment and surgical tools needed for surgery

• Prepare sterile solutions and medications

• Get the patients ready with the help of other team members

• Help the surgical team put on surgical gowns

​During Surgery

Act as an extra set of hands and eyes for the surgeon.

• Handing out sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon

• Holding organs in place or using retractors

• Setting up robotic surgical equipment if needed

​Post- Surgery

After surgery, the technologist wraps up the procedure

• Counting all of the tools and instruments used during the surgery to ensure nothing was left inside of the patient

• Maintain a sterile environment until the patient is moved to the recovery room

• Dispose of needles and surgical sponges

• Clean the used instruments or send them for cleaning

​Step 2: Complete a post-secondary surgical technology program offering a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree. Can be obtained at a local community college, technical or technical school. Be sure it is accredited. You will receive classroom and hands-on clinical experience.

Step 3: Take the certification exam

• Communications Skills-ability to understand and answer the questions of team members concisely

• Attention to Detail and Vigilance-paying close attention to the surgeon's actions and instructions during surgery, immediately point out breaks in sterile technique, pay fine attention to detail and be ever vigilant

• Leadership Skills

• Manual Dexterity-must have steady hands and manual dexterity (the ability to make coordinated hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes

• Composure-must remain focused, calm, and steady throughout the procedure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of surgical assistants and technologists will grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average for all occupations.

The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $62,830 in May 2024, which is about $30.18/hour approximately.

• The bottom 10 % in the field earned less than $43,290, while the top 10 % earned more than $90,700.

• Pennsylvania is among the states with relatively high employment levels for surgical technologists.

• As of September 2025, the average salary for a Certified Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania is about $55,829/year (which is roughly $26-$28/hr depending on shift, overtime, etc.)
  

• To maximize your prospects, here are paths and strategies:

  • Obtain & maintain certification (CST or equivalent) — many employers favor or require it, and certified techs often have better job security and pay.

  • Gain experience in specialized surgical areas (e.g. cardiovascular, neurosurgery, robotic surgery) — specialization can yield premium roles.

  • Leadership / supervisory roles — over time you might move into OR management, surgical services coordination, training / educator roles.

  • Cross-train or expand skill sets — e.g. combining with perioperative nursing, sterile processing, or first assisting roles.

  • Continue education — some surgical technologists eventually go into nursing, physician assistant, or other advanced medical roles.

Next Class: Wednesday, 3/18/26

Lesson 3.1.3- Emergency Medical Service Providers