Find resources, professional associations, and news to prepare for your future as a Surgical Technologist.
In this section of the Career Center, you’ll find information and resources relevant to the Surgical Technologist and Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician programs at MedCerts.
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
The role of a Surgical Technologist is to prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, prepare patients, and assist doctors during surgeries. They have the unique opportunity to interact with patients prior to (pre), during (intra), and after (post) surgical procedures. Before surgery, a techs assemble the necessary surgical equipment and ensures all devices are in working order. Techs prepare patients for surgery by positioning, draping, washing and disinfecting the incision site. During an operation, they will pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons. They maintain asepsis during surgery, anticipating the surgeon’s needs while remaining attentive to all aspects of the surgical procedure to ensure a safe environment for the patient. They might hold retractors or set up robotic surgical equipment. After surgery, techs often dress the incision site, transport patients to their recovery rooms, and restock the operating room with supplies and equipment.
Other job duties may include:
- Maintain sterile operative fields
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipments
- Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis
- Sterilize medical equipment or instruments
Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) Certification
The Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) credential is offered through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Obtaining TS-C certification demonstrates knowledge in several science and medical topics, surgical technician skill areas, and safety regulations. The TS-C exam covers such topics as medical terminology, asepsis and infection control, pharmacology, OSHA regulations, surgical knowledge, and other career skills. After passing the exam and becoming certified, the TS-C certification must be renewed each year through continuing education, some of which is offered by NCCT.
The MedCerts Surgical Technologist program is approved by the NCCT on a state-by-state basis. To be eligible for certification by NCCT, the student must reside in a state where MedCerts is licensed or otherwise authorized to operate as a school. In the case of employer partnership, the employer’s physical presence may be substituted.
Important: This program requires Employer/Clinical Sponsorship – Applicants to these programs MUST provide verification that an Employer or Clinical Site has agreed to accept the applicant in efforts to fulfill “surgical case” requirements required for Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification before enrollment. With this Sponsorship, the student must be guaranteed to perform a minimum of required surgical cases during the term of enrollment or immediately upon completion of their MedCerts program.
