Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called surgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.
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- Surgical Assistants
Health Science
What do they typically do
- Prepare operating rooms for surgery
- Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery
- Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites
- Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies
- Count supplies, such as surgical instruments, to ensure that no foreign objects are retained in patients
- Maintain a sterile environment to prevent patient infection
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth +1.3%
Job Openings 7
Education & Training
- Education Most occupations require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
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Change 11