This week, we are celebrating our surgical technologists and all the hard work they do in the operating room. But what do surgical techs do, what’s the difference between the certifications and where can they practice? This blog post will answer all your burning questions.
The Role of a Surgical TechnologistSurgical technologists work in the operating room. Oftentimes, they may be referred to as a scrub tech. They are the first to arrive to the OR to prepare for surgery. They are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing the room, organizing supplies needed for the surgery, and prepping the incision site on the patient.
During surgery, these healthcare professionals pass sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeons and first assistants. They also assist in surgeries by holding instruments in place, keeping organs in place during procedures, and sometimes setting up robotic equipment for surgeries.
Once a surgery is completed, surgical techs assist with wound care, sometimes sewing up patients. Then, they assist with transporting patients to the recovery room. Once the patient is settled, it is the surgical tech’s responsibility to restock the operating room.
You may hear several different names thrown out there for surgical technologists. There are three primary categories of surgical technologists. There are operating room techs (ORT), certified surgical techs (CST), and certified surgical first assistants (CSFA).
The widely accepted governing body for CSTs is the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). In the 1970s, this organization established the certification to set a standard accreditation for this profession nationwide. If a surgical technologist is not certified, they are considered an ORT. Not all facilities require surgical techs to be certified. However, most facilities are looking for techs with this certification.
If a CST is looking to advance their career and take on a new challenge, they might become a CSFA. In addition to their job duties as a CST, these healthcare professionals are also the first assistant to the surgeon and nurses during surgeries.
Just like OR nurses, surgical techs gain experience by working different types of surgeries. Some surgical techs may specialize in certain surgeries like orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurology surgeries.
Just like nurses, if a CST is interested in a travel assignment, most facilities will be looking for surgical techs with specific experience. For this reason, if you have experience working in a particular specialty, it’s important to list this on your resume.
Unlike nurses, there is no compact for surgical techs. In general, once they become certified, they can practice anywhere in the United States. There are some states that require additional licensure, like Colorado and Virginia, but most states do not require additional licensure.
If you’re a surgical tech looking for your next assignment, email us at hello@travelnursesinc.com to connect with a recruiter today!
