Training programs abound for surgical technologists, who assist in operating rooms

August 27, 2009

Training programs abound for surgical technologists, who assist in operating rooms

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Outlook: Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 24 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of surgical procedures requiring a technologist is expected to rise as the population grows and ages.

Pay: The 640 surgical technologists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $45,960 in 2007.

The job: Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel.

Training/licensing: Formal programs are offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals and the military. Training lasts nine to 24 months and leads to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Professional certification can help in getting jobs and promotions.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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This article was originally published in June 2009.