ITHP Lesson 3.2.1

​Lesson 3.2.1- Surgical Technologists

Intro to Healthcare Professionals
Unit 3: Allied Health Professions
Topic 1: Aides and Therapists

Lesson Objectives:

• list the roles of surgical technologists before, during, and after surgery

• identify training and certifications required to become a surgical technologist

• describe the skills and personal qualities necessary in surgical technologists

• identify the career advancement opportunities for surgical technologists

Lesson Vocabulary:

manual dexterity - refers to the ability to make coordinated hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes.

sterile - refers to something completely clean and germ-free.

sterilization – process that removes and kills all germs.

surgical technologists - also called operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who specialize in preparing a sterile operating room organized with sterilized equipment and assisting the surgical team with surgeries.

Open Ended

What do you think a surgical technologist does?

Surgical Technologists

aka- Operating Room Technicians

Healthcare professionals who specialize in preparing a sterile operating room with sterilized equipment and assist the surgical team with surgeries.

Sterile- refers to something being completely clean and germ-free
Sterilization- the process that removes and kills all germs

Roles of a Surgical Technologist

​Pre-Surgery

Organize the operating room according to the details received for the upcoming procedure, including the surgeon's preferences and whether they are right- or left-handed

• Gather, count, inspect, and arrange the equipment and surgical tools needed for surgery

• Prepare sterile solutions and medications

• Get the patients ready with the help of other team members

• Help the surgical team put on surgical gowns

Roles of a Surgical Technologist

​During Surgery

Act as an extra set of hands and eyes for the surgeon.

• Handing out sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon

• Holding organs in place or using retractors

• Setting up robotic surgical equipment if needed

Roles of a Surgical Technologist

​Post- Surgery

After surgery, the technologist wraps up the procedure

• Counting all of the tools and instruments used during the surgery to ensure nothing was left inside of the patient

• Maintain a sterile environment until the patient is moved to the recovery room

• Dispose of needles and surgical sponges

• Clean the used instruments or send them for cleaning

​Step 2: Complete a post-secondary surgical technology program offering a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree. Can be obtained at a local community college, technical or technical school. Be sure it is accredited. You will receive classroom and hands-on clinical experience.

Step 3: Take the certification exam

Open Ended

Take a minute, do a quick internet search: How much does an average Surgical Technologist certification program cost?

Skills and Qualities Necessary for a Surgical Technologist

• Communications Skills-ability to understand and answer the questions of team members concisely

• Attention to Detail and Vigilance-paying close attention to the surgeon's actions and instructions during surgery, immediately point out breaks in sterile technique, pay fine attention to detail and be ever vigilant

• Leadership Skills

• Manual Dexterity-must have steady hands and manual dexterity (the ability to make coordinated hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes

• Composure-must remain focused, calm, and steady throughout the procedure

Open Ended

Now do an internet search. Ask how much does a Surgical Technologist get paid in (fill in your own zip code)?

What hourly rate or salary did it give you?

Career Outlook for Surgical Technologists

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of surgical assistants and technologists will grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average for all occupations.

The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $62,830 in May 2024, which is about $30.18/hour approximately.

• The bottom 10 % in the field earned less than $43,290, while the top 10 % earned more than $90,700.

• Pennsylvania is among the states with relatively high employment levels for surgical technologists.

• As of September 2025, the average salary for a Certified Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania is about $55,829/year (which is roughly $26-$28/hr depending on shift, overtime, etc.)
  

Open Ended

What do you think the most challenging part of this job would be?

Career Advancements and Alternatives

• To maximize your prospects, here are paths and strategies:

  • Obtain & maintain certification (CST or equivalent) — many employers favor or require it, and certified techs often have better job security and pay.

  • Gain experience in specialized surgical areas (e.g. cardiovascular, neurosurgery, robotic surgery) — specialization can yield premium roles.

  • Leadership / supervisory roles — over time you might move into OR management, surgical services coordination, training / educator roles.

  • Cross-train or expand skill sets — e.g. combining with perioperative nursing, sterile processing, or first assisting roles.

  • Continue education — some surgical technologists eventually go into nursing, physician assistant, or other advanced medical roles.

Poll

Based on what you learned today, is a Surgical Technologist a career you would be interested in?

What's Next?

Next Class: Wednesday, 3/18/26

Lesson 3.1.3- Emergency Medical Service Providers

Poll

How well did you understand today's lesson?