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Surgical Technologists - 29-2055.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Surgical Technologist (CST)
  • Surgical Technician
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
  • Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St)
  • Surgical Scrub Technologist
  • Surgical Scrub Technician
  • Endoscopic Technologist
  • Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
  • Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
  • Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
  • Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  • Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.
  • Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.
  • Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
  • Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
  • Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Order surgical supplies.
  • Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
  • Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  • Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  • Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  • Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Detailed Work Activities

  • apply appropriate physical restraint
  • communicate technical information
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow patient observation procedures
  • hand instruments or materials to doctor
  • identify body response variations
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • lift or transport ill or injured patients
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments
  • prepare supplies or equipment for surgery
  • take vital signs
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use emergency medical procedures
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Dental Surgical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Operating Room Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Opthalmic Surgical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Sugical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Apprentice, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Apprentice, Otorhinolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Apprentice, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Craftsman, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Craftsman, Otorhinolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Craftsman, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Helper, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Helper, Otorhinolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Helper, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Journeyman, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Journeyman, Otorhinolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Journeyman, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Service Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Surgical Technologist

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Surgical Technician