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• Surgical technicians are essential members of the operating room team, ensuring a sterile environment, handling instruments during procedures, and assisting with patient care before and after surgery.

• Training is efficient and career-focused, with most accredited programs taking just 12 to 24 months to complete.

• It’s a rewarding healthcare career that offers hands-on experience, solid pay, and strong job growth across the country.

• You’ll have flexibility in your career path, with opportunities to specialize or work in a variety of settings—including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices.

Every successful surgery is the result of teamwork, precision, and trust — and surgical technologists play a key role in an efficient operating room. These skilled professionals work behind the scenes to ensure each procedure runs smoothly, supporting surgeons and keeping the operating room safe and organized. 

As a surgical tech, you’re more than just an assistant — you’re a key team player in life-saving moments during critical procedures and patient care. Becoming a surgical technician is a great way to kickstart your career in healthcare and make an impact in your community.

What Does a Surgical Technician Do?

Surgical technologists (also known as scrub techs or surgical techs) are vital members of the healthcare team who play a crucial role in ensuring surgeries run smoothly and safely.

Their responsibilities span all stages of a surgical procedure, from preparation to operation to cleanup, and require a mix of technical skill and attention to detail. Surgical technologists are not only technical experts but also calm, reliable team members who foster collaboration and trust in high-pressure operating room environments.

Preoperative (before surgery)

Before surgery begins, surgical technologists prepare the operating room to ensure a sterile, safe environment. This thorough preparation helps prevent infections and supports patient safety throughout the procedure.

Their tasks include:

• Sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment
• Disinfecting and setting up the operating room
• Gathering, counting, and organizing all necessary tools and supplies
Assisting with patient preparation for surgery

Intraoperative (during surgery)

Once the operation starts, surgical technologists work closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses.

Key duties during surgery include:

• Maintaining a sterile field throughout the procedure
• Passing surgical instruments and supplies to the surgeon and assistants quickly and accurately
• Anticipating the surgical team’s needs to keep the operation flowing smoothly
• Assisting with tasks such as retracting tissues to improve the surgeon’s view

Postoperative (after surgery)

After the surgery, surgical technologists help finalize the procedure by:

• Counting all instruments, sponges, and needles to ensure nothing is left inside the patient
• Applying dressings to surgical sites
• Properly disposing of needles, gauze, and other materials
• Maintaining the sterile environment until the patient is safely moved to the recovery room

How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Technician?

Becoming a surgical technologist is a focused and achievable goal. Most accredited surgical technology programs take 12 to 24 months to complete. For example, at Lackawanna College, the surgical technology program is a two-year course that combines classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience.

During the program, you’ll study important topics such as anatomy, surgical procedures, infection control, and operating room protocols. Classroom learning is paired with hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a surgeon, giving you real-world experience in an operating room setting. 

Many students also choose to pursue certification after completing their program. Certification validates your skills at a national level and can improve your job prospects and earning potential. A certification is a valuable investment for those wanting to stand out in the competitive healthcare field.

What Are The Benefits of Becoming a Surgical Technician?

Becoming a surgical technician is a smart choice for anyone looking for a rewarding healthcare career with good pay, steady growth, and plenty of hands-on experience. Some of the main benefits of this role include:

Competitive Salary and Job Security

Surgical techs in Pennsylvania typically earn between $43,000 and $90,700 per year, with a median salary of around $62,830. The field is expected to grow by 6% nationwide through 2033, offering strong job prospects.

Build experience for advanced careers

If you plan to continue your education in medical or nursing school, working as a surgical tech gives you valuable exposure to surgical procedures, medical tools, and healthcare teamwork that will benefit your future studies.

Fast-paced, hands-on work

Surgical techs stay busy throughout the day — whether assisting during surgery, preparing instruments, or keeping the operating room sterile. It’s an active, engaging job that keeps you involved in life-saving care.

What Kind of Work Settings Do Surgical Technicians Work In?

Surgical technicians have a variety of workplaces to choose from, each offering different experiences and types of procedures. Whether you’re assisting in a busy hospital or a smaller outpatient clinic, you’ll be part of important medical care that can range from routine surgeries to complex operations. Because every patient and procedure is unique, the work is always dynamic, even if you specialize in a specific area.

Hospitals

Most surgical techs work in hospitals. Here, you’ll assist in a wide range of surgeries and might specialize in certain types. Hospital surgical techs often work regular hours during the week but must be ready for on-call shifts on nights, weekends, and holidays. While demanding, hospitals tend to offer the highest pay, and some even hire travel surgical techs for short-term assignments with higher wages.

Some areas of surgical technician specializations include:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Obstetrics
• General Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery

Outpatient Surgical Centers

Outpatient centers handle less invasive surgeries such as orthopedic and laparoscopic procedures. These settings often provide a faster-paced environment with a focus on patient turnover and efficiency.

Physician Offices

Though less common, some surgical techs work in physician’s offices. These roles typically involve assisting with minor, less invasive procedures like colonoscopies, fracture reductions, or bedside treatments using local anesthesia.

Start Your Degree in Surgical Technology at Lackawanna College

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career as a surgical technician? At Lackawanna College, our hands-on Surgical Technology program combines classroom learning with real-world experience to prepare you for success in the operating room. Whether you want to specialize or explore different surgical settings, we’ll give you the skills and confidence to thrive.

Don’t wait to start making a difference — explore our admissions and enrollment page and begin your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career!