Last updated: March 10, 2004
Copyright©2001
Farrell Hobbs, Program Director
fhobbs@cvtc.edu

Your primary responsibility as an ST is to prepare for surgical procedures by opening sterile supplies; performing the surgical scrub; preparing the necessary instruments, supplies, and drapes; handling the instruments, equipment and supplies during the case, and cleaning up. Your other duties may include setting up and connecting equipment, positioning the patient, and getting extra supplies during the surgery.

In order to perform these duties you need to be knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, basic microbiology, and medical terminology.

A Surgical Technologist must posses a considerable amount of knowledge and technical skill. They must also be able to deal with many different personalities and work as part of a team. During the course of any surgical procedure there are 7 steps that the Surgical Technologist will participate in.

1. Opening Sterile Supplies