Surgical technologists prepare patients, get the operating rooms set up with sterilized equipment and assist the surgeon during procedures. When thinking about this exciting career, it’s good to know that surgical technology is rewarding and stable as well as demanding and carries a lot of responsibility. When doing your research to find out if this is the right choice for you, consider all aspects of the job, even those that might not be so glamorous.
Top Job Qualities
- Every surgery is different. Procedures, most likely, will never be the same, which makes the job exciting yet keeps you challenged every day.
- You’re doing something that makes a difference in people’s lives.
- There’s a sense of pride to be on a medical team with doctors and nurses.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary and median wage for surgical technologists in the U.S. is $49,710 per year. Depending on experience and role, wages have been reported as high as $73,110.
- It takes approximately 18 months to complete the Surgical Technology program at Pima Medical Institute. We also help with job placement once you graduate.
- There’s a demand for surgical technology jobs. Allied healthcare workers are needed now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “About 9,000 openings for surgical technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”
- You will learn in a real-world operating room setting in our surgical technology labs.
Additional Things to Consider
- The job is physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet setting up and preparing operating rooms and throughout the surgeries for the majority of your shifts.
- Hours can be long. Depending where you work, you may be expected to be on call and work weekends and holidays.
- It can be stressful at times depending on the surgery taking place.
If you’re up for a challenging, yet rewarding career that will keep you on your toes, the surgical technology program could be the right choice for you.
