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Surgical Technologist

Become a vital part of the operating room team

Did you know that today there are more people than ever who require health care services? This means that there are more career opportunities in the health care industry than ever before.

Surgical Technologists (also called surgical techs, operating room technicians and OR techs) assist in surgical operations, preparing operating rooms and assisting surgeons, nurses and physicians before and during surgical procedures.

Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. In addition, the number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform, which should in turn lead to increased demand for surgical services. As a result, there is an increasing need for trained Surgical Technologists.

The aging of the large Baby Boomer generation also is expected to increase the need for Surgical Technologists, because older people usually require more operations. Moreover, as these individuals age, they may be more willing than those in previous generations to seek medical treatment to improve their quality of life. For example, an individual may decide to have a knee replacement operation in order to maintain an active lifestyle.

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Surgical Technology Careers

Work Environment

The Surgical Technologist program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working in a variety of different medical and health care facilities.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

  • Hospitals
  • Surgical centers
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Physicians’ offices who perform outpatient surgery

Quick Facts about Surgical Technologists*

  • Employment of Surgical Technologists is projected to grow 15 percent nationally from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • About 70 percent of Surgical Technologists worked in hospitals in 2014. Some work in outpatient care centers or in offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgery.
  • Most Surgical Technologists work full time. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Surgical Technologists may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htmMore information, including median wages and the job outlook for Surgical Technologists in California can be found in the California Occupational Guide published by the State of California Employment Development Department. For the latest national information, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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