6 Enticing Reasons Why Becoming a Surgical Technologist Is Worth It
You’ve decided you’re done dodging questions from family and friends about your career path. You’re ready for something better; something to launch your career and allow you to make a difference. You’re interested in making a name for yourself in the healthcare industry—and becoming a surgical technologist sounds like it might be the perfect fit.
Surgical technologists go by many titles: Surgical tech, operating room technician, scrub tech or surgical assistant. But regardless of what you call them, they all play an integral role on the operating room team.
But what do surgical technologists do exactly? And more importantly, is becoming a surgical tech worth your time and energy? Keep reading to learn some facts that may help you answer your questions.
What does a surgical tech do?
You might have a vague understanding of what a surgical technologist position involves, but let’s take a closer look at the details. Just as the job titles vary, a surgical tech’s responsibilities cover a wide range of duties. Their duties include tasks to prep for surgery, tasks during the surgery and post-surgery tasks.
It is typically the responsibility of the surgical tech to prepare both the patient and the operating room (OR) for surgeries. This includes sterilizing the equipment and ensuring there are adequate supplies in the OR before the surgeon begins. They also help prep the patients by cleansing and disinfecting any incision areas.
During the surgery, the surgical tech assists the surgeon by handing them instruments at their request. They may help by holding organs in place or using retractors during the procedure. Once the surgery is complete, the surgical tech will help dress the wound and transfer the patient into a recovery room.
About 73 percent of surgical techs worked in hospitals in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 Other possible work environments include outpatient centers or the offices of physicians who perform outpatient surgery.
Now that you have a better understanding of the typical roles and responsibilities of surgical techs, you’re ready to get to the good stuff: What’s in it for you?
6 Benefits of becoming a surgical tech
How long does it take to become a surgical tech? What does the future look like for the field? And how much do surgical techs make? These are all logical considerations when contemplating this career path.
You’ll find all those answers and more below. We’ve laid out six compelling reasons to consider a career as a surgical technologist.
1. You can enter the field quickly
Many healthcare careers require several years of schooling before being qualified to start working. Fortunately, this isn’t the case for surgical techs. Most employers require a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree to work in this position, according to the BLS.1
Surgical tech programs vary in length, but most allow students to graduate within two years. The Rasmussen University Surgical Technology program, for example, can be completed in as few as 21 months.2 This means you could be scrubbing in for your first surgery in less than two years.
2. Job opportunities are on the rise
Stagnant or declining employment opportunities aren’t something you’ll have to worry about while pursuing a career as a surgical tech. The BLS projects employment in this field to grow at the rate of 9 percent from 2020 through 2030.1
But what’s the reason behind the growth? Advancements in surgical technology have improved the safety of procedures, which means they are being performed more frequently. The BLS also attributes this growth to the aging baby boomer generation. This population is expected to require more attention from healthcare professionals in coming years, resulting in an uptick in surgical procedures.
3. You'll have above-average earning potential
Less time in school generally equates to less money spent on courses. This is an obvious advantage for aspiring surgical techs, but the financial benefits don’t end there.
The typical surgical tech salary is another bright spot. The BLS reports that the 2021 median annual salary for surgical technologists was $48,350.1 This number sits just above the average for all occupations, which was $45,760.
4. Employment opportunities exist in all geographic areas
You’ve already learned that a majority of surgical techs are employed in hospitals. Hospitals are located in virtually every area across the country, and every hospital has surgeons who perform procedures with the help of surgical techs. This means there are employment opportunities country-wide.
This means you won’t have to relocate to a specific region just to find a job. Whether you want to work in a big city or a rural area, on the east coast, the west coast or anywhere in between, you’ll have employment opportunities available as a surgical tech.
5. You won’t get bored
If you’re the type of person who gets jaded sitting at a desk and performing the same tasks day after day, you’ll be relieved to hear that is a far cry from reality for a surgical tech. This position will keep you on the move all day long.
No two days are the same for a surgical tech, either. Even for those who specialize in assisting for a specific type of surgery, each patient and procedure will vary from the next. Surgeries do not always go by the book, either, which means you’ll need to stay on your toes and be prepared for whatever happens. These high-pressure scenarios make for an exciting career.
6. You’ll make a difference every day
Earning a decent paycheck is important, but you also want to make a difference when you clock into work each day. Lucky for you, a surgical tech career comes with a high level of satisfaction and greater meaning. How fulfilling is it to know you’re helping improve patients’ lives during each and every shift?
Ready to reap the rewards of becoming a surgical tech?
So, is becoming a surgical tech worth it? The choice is ultimately yours. But if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding way to fill a gap in the healthcare field, this could be the career you’ve been seeking.
If becoming a surgical tech interests you, it’s time to learn more about the path ahead. Check out our article, “Surgical Tech Training: What to Expect on the Road to the OR.”
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed June 2022]. Salary ranges represent national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and include workers at all levels of education and experience. Ranges do not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary.
2Time to completion is dependent on the number of transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in September 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2022.
