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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 29-2055 Surgical Technologists
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.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures. Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation. Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing. Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists. Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure. Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation. Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis. Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers. Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs. Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation. Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery. Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card. Order surgical supplies. Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $13.34   Entry $27,748.00
Mean $17.84   Mean $37,107.00
Experience $20.09 Experience $41,786.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
2,0102,160175.72
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Physical Therapist Assistants
Radiologic Technologists
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Brown Mackie College-Birmingham
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Virginia College-Birmingham
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Occupational Videos
29-2055.00 Surgical Technologists