Posted on May 24, 2022

For those interested in working in an operating room without seeking an advanced medical degree, there are a few options. Surgical assistants and surgical technologists both assist the surgeon during an operation, but their similar titles and duties can make choosing a career path challenging. Knowing the differences between these two positions and the responsibilities expected of each can aid you in making an informed career decision. In this article, we define what surgical assistants and technologists are, list their job duties and point out their major differences to help you choose which path is the right one for you.

What is a surgical technologist?

A surgical technologist, sometimes referred to as a surgical technician or surgical tech, is a member of the surgical team who sets up and maintains the operating room and the equipment within it. They are primarily responsible for overseeing the condition and sterilization of the tools a surgeon needs to complete an operation. They also ensure a sterile, safe environment for the surgery to take place. Having someone responsible for the basic safety within the operating room allows the surgeon to focus on the patient for the duration of the surgery.

The main job duties of a surgical technologist include:

Setting up, testing and monitoring surgical equipment
Sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment
Preparing and laying out the instruments
Maintaining a sterile environment for surgery
Monitoring the patient's condition
Handing the surgeon correct instruments when needed
Transporting the patient to and from surgery

What is a surgical assistant?

A surgical assistant, sometimes referred to as a first or nonphysician assistant, is an operating room professional who provides hands-on aid to the surgeon during active surgery. They can perform all of the same tasks as a surgical technologist, but more often help perform basic medical procedures that require physical interaction with the patient. They also help prepare the patient for surgery.

The main surgical assistant duties and responsibilities include:

Selecting correct surgical tools when needed
Handling the suction machine to maintain a clean surgical target
Preparing the patient for surgery
Monitoring and maintaining normal blood flow and clotting (hemostasis)
Treating minor wounds
Closing up and dressing wounds
Holding incisions open while the surgeon operates
Inserting tubes
Applying pressure to wounds
Cutting tissue

Surgical technologist vs. surgical assistant: What's the difference?

Although their job titles are similar, and there is some overlap between the two positions, there are many differences between a surgical technologist and a surgical assistant. Here are the biggest differences that separate the two from one another to more clearly define each and help determine which might be a better fit for you:

Responsibilities

Perhaps the biggest differences between a surgical technologist and a surgical assistant are the specific responsibilities each job demands. While both aim to provide support to a surgeon in an active operating room by handling more minor responsibilities, they each focus on one specific area within the room.

A surgical technologist monitors the operating room and equipment around both the surgeon and the patient to ensure it is a safe and sterilized environment for surgery. They also anticipate the surgeon's needs by ensuring the room is well-equipped and prepared to handle surgery.

A surgical assistant, however, serves as an extra team member during surgery. They aid in performing the surgery itself, accomplishing minor tasks, performing smaller medical procedures and allowing the surgeon to focus on the primary task at hand.

Training and education

Here are details about how training and education differ for surgical technologists and surgical assistants:

Surgical technologist

Becoming a surgical technologist requires a one- to two-year training program. Most often, completing the training program results in certification. While the position doesn't always require a degree, some programs do result in receiving an associate degree in the field. After they complete training, aspiring surgical technologists take a national certification exam. This certification isn't a legal requirement for working within an operating room, but most employers prefer their surgical technologists to be nationally certified.

Surgical technologists must also have education in basic anatomy and physiology, sterilization and the handling and operating of surgical equipment and tools.

Surgical assistant

Due to their hands-on role in the operating room, surgical assistants require more training and education than surgical technologists. There are two main ways surgical assistants can accomplish this. The first is to get a degree, which can be either a bachelor's degree in a related scientific field, like anatomy and physiology, or an associate degree in a health field. Most employers also prefer at least three years of experience in medicine or specifically within an operating room.

The second path to becoming a surgical assistant is to begin as a separate medical professional, such as a nurse or a surgical technologist, and acquire on-the-job training to earn a promotion. Some hospitals offer training programs for those seeking career advancement or tuition reimbursement for further medical education.

Surgical assistants are required to have education in more advanced anatomy, anesthesia, biology and other medically focused disciplines.

Salaries for surgical technologists and assistants

Surgical technologists and assistants may support a surgeon during an operation, but both are trained medical professionals who can earn a strong starting salary. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on each salary link below.

A surgical technologist earns an average base salary of $71,564 per year. Their most common benefits include referral programs, paid housing, license reimbursement, 401(k) matching and insurance packages.

Since surgical assistants require more education and training and have more responsibility within the operating room, they earn slightly more with an average base salary of $79,903 per year. Their most common benefits include a 403(b), health insurance packages, spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.

Original Article : https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/surgical-assistant-vs-surgical-tech