To borrow an analogy: if surgeons were superheroes, who would be their sidekicks? Behind the steady hands of a surgeon, you’ll often find a surgical technologist there to help make the surgery a success and win the day for the patient on the operating table. Surgical Technologists - also known as Surg Techs - are allied health professionals who are integral to a smooth and successful operation. Surgical technologists are needed for every type of surgery, from invasive to non-invasive.
Even though the surgeon usually gets credit for a successful surgery, the patient’s life can rely in a very large measure on the competence and diligence of the surgical technologist at the table. The Surgical Technology program at Fortis is designed to prepare surgical technologists in the knowledge, skills, and behavior learning. The Surgical Technology program is offered at many Fortis campuses including Fortis Institute in Woodlawn in the Baltimore, MD area. “Safety measures are necessary precautions we can’t stress enough,” said Kevin Toole, National Dean of Surgical Technology Programs for Fortis. “We expect our graduates to take every measure to ensure the operating room environment is safe and that equipment functions properly.”
Upon program completion, graduates can effectively work as a Surgical Technologist, with and under the supervision of surgeons or registered nurses and become an integral part of the team providing care to patients during the crucial periods of surgery. Much of the training is focused on the clinical aspect of the program, where the students gain skills in helping to set up the operating room; prepare patients for surgery; scrub, gown and glove self and other team members; pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons; help care for and dispose of specimens; and assist nurses in cleaning and stocking the operating room for the next operation. As medical advancements make surgery safer, more people are going under the knife to treat illnesses or injuries. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase 19 percent nationally in 10 years through 2020.
While the field is versatile and the job outlook is growing, surgical technologist are expected to meet high standards because they handle the lives of others. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. The shifts can last longer than the average eight hour work day.
Surgical technologists put in a lot of work, but they also reap the benefit of helping save lives. Learn more about the Woodlawn program or local Surgical Technologist programs near you at www.fortis.edu.
