Activities | Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Outlook | Faster-than-average-job growth |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Median Income | $36,080 in May 2006 |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Work Context & Conditions | Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lit, cool indoor environments, usually wearing a special uniform. They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations, and they must be thorough and accurate in their work. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Minimum Education Requirements | Technical Program
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Skills | Learning Strategies, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Instructing, Active Listening, Equipment Selection, Troubleshooting, Active Learning, Coordination, Speaking |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Abilities | Oral Expression, Speech Recognition, Manual Dexterity, Arm-Hand Steadiness, Problem Sensitivity, Near Vision, Speech Clarity, Oral Comprehension |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118045900im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Interviews | Lisa Brown |
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