Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to make sure that the operating room environment is safe, that the equipment functions properly, and that procedures are conducted safely. "Attention to detail is crucial," says Nathan Williams, a certified surgical technologist. "You have to be methodical, orderly, and cool. There is a lot of stress in the operating room. You have to remain calm and do your job well, so the surgeons can do theirs."

"My primary job is to maintain the sterility of the operating room environment," Williams continues. "If this sterile environment is compromised, it can have devastating effects." It may even result in life-threatening infections. Beyond this, a CST's next biggest responsibility is anticipating the surgeon's next move. "I'm the surgeon's eyes and ears, and I have to be alert and stay a step ahead at all times. This is where my training in anatomy becomes crucial, because I have to be aware of which body tissues surgeons will encounter next." The surgical instruments that the surgeon needs vary depending on what is actually being done. The CST must give the surgeon the right tool for the job.

If you are organized, detail-oriented, and like working under pressure, consider the exciting career of a certified surgical technologist.

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Job Description

What doest a CST do?

Salary Information and Employment Outlook

What can a CST earn?

Training Requirements/Examinations

What is required to be a CST?

American Medical Technologists

Professional Associations

Association of Surgical Technologists

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Other Related Job Titles

Surgical technician Operating room technician

Scrubs OR tech

Surgical Technologist Employers

hospitals surgical centers medical clinics specialty private surgeons

physician's office outpatient surgical centers US armed forces dentist's office

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