Career Description 

As an important member of the surgical team, you will work with surgeons, nurses and other surgical personnel before, during and after an operation. During surgery, you need to be able to anticipate surgeons’ needs by passing instruments, retracting tissue and operating equipment. Before an operation, you have the significant role of helping to set up the operating room by preparing sterile medical instruments and checking equipment to make sure it is working properly. You may also prepare patients for surgery. After an operation, your responsibilities may include transferring the patient to the recovery room and cleaning the operating room.

Surgical Technologists must handle the demands of working in an operating room environment. You must work well with your hands and have extensive knowledge and experience with aseptic techniques and surgical instruments. Most Surgical Technologists are employed by hospitals, but some are also employed in clinics and surgical centers.

With additional training, you can expand your role and advance to Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant. First Assistants function under the direction of the surgeon, will help with sponging, suturing, retracting and closing wounds during surgery.

Employment Outlook 

In Arizona, Surgical Technologist and Surgical Technologists First Assistant positions are expected to increase by 30% or more in the next 10 years. Surgical
Technologists and Surgical Technologist First Assistants earn an hourly range of $12.25 to $24.59 for an annual salary range of $25,480 to $51,147.