O*NET Career Intelligence

Surgical Technologists

SOC 29-2055.00

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.

Zone 3 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Monitoring

3.8

Active Listening

3.4

Operation Monitoring

3.2

Speaking

3.1

Critical Thinking

3.1

Coordination

3.1

Time Management

3.1

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Knowledge Areas 8

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

Medicine and Dentistry

3.7

English Language

3.5

Education and Training

3.1

Psychology

2.9

Public Safety and Security

2.9

Biology

2.8

Mathematics

2.7

Key Tasks

1Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

2Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.

3Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

4Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.

5Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

Also Known As

Anesthesia Technician Certified Surgical Tech/First Assistant Certified Surgical Technician Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St) Operating Room Surgical Technologist Operating Room Technician (OR Tech) Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech) Scrub Technician Surgeon's Assistant