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Surgical assistants typically have experience as a surgical technologist or have completed a formal education program in surgical assisting. Surgical technologists need a certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology.

They sometimes work overnight shifts, or are on call for emergencies. Their work environment requires a comfort level with blood, body fluids, and critically ill patients. Surgical technologists and assistants work in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. In addition to technologist tasks, surgical assistants may operate suction equipment or suture a wound. They are also responsible for counting sponges, needles and other instruments before and after the operation. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and apply or assist with applying bandages, then transfer patients to recovery. During the operation, they make sure surgeons have the instruments they request at a moment’s notice. They prepare the equipment and supplies, and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and sterile gowns. Surgical technologists and assistants know the terminology and tools needed for many different types of surgeries. Have you ever seen footage of surgeries and wondered who all those people in the operating room were? Surgical technologists and surgical assistants ensure the operating room is ready for each procedure, and work under the direction of surgeons to assist with surgical procedures.
