A surgical technologist assists surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other members of an operating room team. Surgical technologists, who may also be called surgical or operating room technicians or scrub techs, prepare the operating room before the surgery takes place. They also prepare patients for their surgery, arrange medical equipment, and assist doctors during surgical procedures.
The surgical technologist position is sometimes confused with the surgical assistant role. A surgical assistant is another member of the operating room team. While a surgical technologist's tasks are usually limited to preparing operating rooms and equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons, the surgical assistant provides hands-on assistance to a surgeon during an operation.
A surgical assistant might help control a patient's bleeding, apply sutures and use suctioning equipment. Some surgical technologists become surgical assistants after receiving supplemental on-the-job training. To become a surgical assistant, you can also complete a formal training program.
As part of a day's regular duties and tasks, surgical technicians may perform some or all the following:
- Prepare the operating room for upcoming surgeries
- Sterilize equipment and stock up any necessary supplies
- Prepare patients for their procedures
- Sterilize equipment and hands surgeons’ instruments upon their request.
- Order and take inventory of supplies, and maintain files and records of procedures