Perhaps you have watched the hit TV shows "Scrubs" and "ER."  If you eagerly watched those shows and thought to yourself that you might like to work in a similar environment in a real hospital setting, not on a sound stage, then you might want to consider a career as a surgical technologist. Surgical technician schools can give you the training you need to get there.

Of course, before you can assist in the operating room or work with patients, you must first complete specific coursework as set forth by one of the many surgical technician schools across the country.  Surgical technologists are trained through formal programs offered at community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. Surgical technical schools, or surgical tech schools, provide the theoretical and the practical experiences needed for this in-demand occupation.

As most employers prefer to hire certified surgical technologists, it is important to obtain voluntary professional certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from such an accredited program and passing a national examination upon completion of the course work in one of the surgical technical schools.

Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as "scrubs," help with surgical procedures under the direct supervision of surgeons, nurses, and any other surgical personnel.  Surgical technologists act as members of the operating team.

Not a Job for Those With Weak Stomachs
During surgical procedures, the technologists pass the necessary instruments to the surgeon and to the assistants.  They may also hold retractors, assist in suture cutting, and account for sponges, needles, and any other supplies and instruments used during the procedure.  Surgical technologists can also expect to transfer patients from the operating room to the recovery room and then help with the clean-up of the operating room and restocking all supplies.  In other situations, surgical technologists may help prepare, care for, and dispose of certain specimens for analysis in a laboratory.

Certified surgical technologists who have successfully completed course training at surgical technician schools may want to gain further specialized education or training so that he or she may fill the role of the surgical first assistant or circulator.

When enrolled in one of the surgical technician schools, students can expect to learn about anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, ethics, microbiology and certain medical terminology.  Surgical tech schools also teach students to sterilize instruments, work under infectious conditions, and handle special drugs, supplies, and equipment.

Manual dexterity is a must for a surgical technologist.  They must be conscientious, organized, and most importantly, emotionally stable to handle the constant demands of the operating room environment.  They must be able to respond quickly and anticipate the needs of the surgeon as he performs the procedures.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 86,000 surgical technologists employed in 2006.  Roughly 70 percent of those jobs were within a hospital setting.  Other technologists held jobs in the offices of physicians or dentists who have the ability to perform out-patient surgery.

Expect this industry to grow 24 percent by the year 2016. This is considerably faster than average for all occupations due to the increased number of surgeries being performed.  For those technologists who are certified and have received credit from any of the approved surgical technician schools, the job opportunities will be great.

Salaries for surgical technologists can range from $25,490 annually, on the low end, to more than $51,140 on the high end.  If this exciting and in-demand occupation interests you, be sure to inquire with one of the accredited surgical tech schools in your area and get ready to don your scrubs!