Surgical technicians lay out sterilized tools for surgeons.
The outlook for a future career as a surgical technician is pretty rosy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which calls the profession "among the fastest-growing occupations over the 2008-18 decade." The boom in demand is likely related to the large baby boomer generation moving toward old age.
What Working in Surgical Technology Entails
Surgical techs prepare both the surgical bay and patients for their operations. A surgical technician is responsible for laying out all the sterile tools the surgeon needs before the start of the procedure as well as most aspects of preoperative patient preparation like removing hair and sterilizing the area before incision. Surgical techs may also move the patient from the waiting bed to the surgical bed and help them acquire a suitable bodily position.
Educational Background Required for Surgical Technicians
There are a large number of methods to obtain the required formal training. The most common is by attending a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-approved training program, of which there are 450 across America. There are also a number of sub-specializations with slightly differing certification programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the training programs to enter the field take between nine and 24 months to complete, with more in-depth education providing a higher chance for receiving promotions.
Entry-Level and Best in Field Earnings as a Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians in the 10th percentile of earners -- newcomers are most likely to be found in this group -- reported an average yearly wage of $27,510. Those in the 90th percentile reported an average yearly wage of $54,300.
Average Salaries for Surgical Technicians
According to the May 2008 report on surgical technician earnings by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly earnings for surgical technicians was $38,740. Depending on the location that a surgical technician plies his skills, the median wage fluctuates by up to $4,000 per year. The lowest-paid surgical technicians reported working in dental offices with a median pay of $36,380, a full $2,000 less annually than the industry average. The best-paying work venue for surgical technicians was reported as "specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals" with a median yearly wage of $40,880.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, surgical technician, yearly wage, average yearly, average yearly wage
