What does a Surgical Technician do?
Surgical Technicians help patients get ready for the procedure by preparing equipment and rooms. Surgical Technicians make sure that all of the equipment needed for the surgery is properly assembled and disinfected. They also make sure that the equipment is functional and in good condition. Surgical Technicians usually work in a hospital setting, outpatient settings and sometimes in an emergency department.
Surgical Technician skills and qualifications
A successful Surgical Technician candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to perform their duties effectively. These include:
- Exceptional knowledge of surgical technology and surgical procedures
- In-depth understanding of medical terminology
- Knowledge of surgical instrumentation
- Knowledge of patient care
- Understanding of aseptic technique and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Excellent collaboration and organisational skills
- Active listening and time management skills
- Attention to detail
Surgical Technician experience requirements
A strong foundation in pharmacology, medical terminology, biology and anatomy is required for a Surgical Technician position. Most employers prefer candidates with proven work experience in operating room procedures. Some employers prefer candidates who have experience in pre-operation and post-operation procedures, such as positioning patients and sterilising incision sites. Other employers prefer candidates who have worked or volunteered in the NHS or charitable medical organisations. Surgical Technicians with formal training often get some level of hands-on experience as part of their studies, although employers may still need to provide in-house training.
Surgical Technician education and training requirements
A Surgical Technicians can gain employment with a university course such as a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. Some employers consider candidates with A-levels in biology and chemistry. They may also consider candidates who have completed a healthcare science intermediate apprenticeship or higher apprenticeship. Other employers consider candidates who only have GCSEs or equivalent, but they must have the relevant skills and experience. Employers usually provide on-the-job training for applicants with no work experience.
Surgical Technician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Surgical Technician in the UK is £33,306 per year. Actual salary varies depending on factors, including the employer, its geographical location, the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
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