Surgical Technologist AAS Degree

Great Careers In Surgical Technology
Do you ever watch medical shows on TV and think...wow, what an exciting and rewarding career? Do you wish you could assist in the operating room working side-by-side with the surgeon? Well, you are only a few short months away from earning the educational credential that signifies you possess the necessary skills and medical knowledge to put on those scrubs for real!

Rasmussen College proudly announces its new associate's degree arrival, Surgical Technology. Rasmussen College developed an innovative program to address the overwhelming demand for Surgical Technologists (ST).

Our program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry as a surgical technologist or "private scrub." If you think a career as a member of the operating room team interacting and working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses pre and post-op professionals, then you are only one step away from realizing your dream. Get started in this in-demand career area today!

Note: This program is only offered at the St. Cloud campus.

Major Employers of Surgical Technologists:

• Hospitals
• Physicians Offices
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

What Surgical Technologists Do:

• Assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
• Pre-op preparation of the operating room by setting up surgical instruments (both sterile and non-sterile) and necessary equipment
• Pre-op prep of patients for surgery
• Transport patients to the operating room, positioning them on the operating table, and covering them with sterile surgical "drapes."
• Observe and report patients vital signs and reviewing charts
• During surgery, passing instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
• Post-op responsibility for transportation of specimens for laboratory analysis
• Post-op transfer of patients to the recovery room
• Post-op cleaning and restocking of the operating room.

A little more about ST's:
A surgical technologist (ST) is an allied health professional who works as part of the surgical team to ensure all operative procedures are conducted under optimal conditions. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and Circulating Nurses.

How in demand is Surgical Technology (Job Outlook)?
In 2002, there were approximately 72,000 Surgical Technologists nationwide. The employment rate of surgical technologist is expected to grow faster than average (an increase of 21-35%) through the year 2012.

Where will you work as a Surgical Technologist?
Most STs are employed in hospital surgery departments, obstetric department, and ambulatory care centers. However, because of the broad education background coined with the specialized focus, the following options are also available to the experienced ST:

• Specialization in the area of interest such as Pediatric Surgery
• Employment as a traveling Surgical Technologist
• Advancement to the role of the Surgical Assistant
• Employment by a Veterinary Surgeon or animal care facility
• Employment by a medical corporation to represent their products
• Employment in the materiel management or central supply areas
• Assumption of supervisory responsibilities