Career Development Grid

Surgical technologists are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons and other medical professionals in the operating room. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that all necessary supplies and instruments are available for the surgical procedure. They also assist with patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Education and Training:
To become a surgical technologist in Nigeria, you will need to complete a diploma or degree program in surgical technology from a recognized institution. The program typically takes 1-2 years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training in a hospital or surgical center. After completing the program, you will need to pass a certification exam to become a certified surgical technologist.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing the operating room for surgery, including setting up equipment, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring that all necessary supplies are available. During surgery, they assist the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies, maintaining a sterile field, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. After surgery, they help to clean and restock the operating room and ensure that all equipment is properly maintained.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for surgical technologists in Nigeria varies depending on experience and location. In the short term, entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month. With experience and additional training, surgical technologists can earn up to ₦200,000 per month in the long term.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Surgical technologists can advance their careers by pursuing additional education and training, such as a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management or nursing. They can also specialize in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery or orthopedics. With experience and additional training, surgical technologists can also become surgical first assistants or surgical supervisors.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing surgical technologists is the physical demands of the job, including long hours standing and lifting heavy equipment. To overcome this, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and practice good ergonomics. Another challenge is the potential for exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials. To overcome this, surgical technologists must follow strict safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in the field of surgical technology, it is important to complete a clinical training program and seek

Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree in surgical technology. These programs can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities.
The coursework in these programs includes anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and surgical procedures. Students also learn about sterilization techniques, patient care, and how to handle surgical instruments and equipment.
In addition to formal education, surgical technologists must also complete a clinical practicum, which provides hands-on experience in a hospital or surgical center. Some states also require surgical technologists to be certified, which involves passing an exam administered by a recognized certification board.

Surgical Technologists are healthcare professionals who work in operating rooms alongside surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. Their main responsibility is to prepare the operating room for surgery and ensure that all necessary equipment and instruments are sterile and ready for use. Some of the typical job duties and responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist include:
1. Preparing the operating room: This involves cleaning and sanitizing the room, arranging surgical instruments and supplies, and ensuring that all equipment is working properly.
2. Assisting the surgical team: Surgical Technologists help surgeons and nurses during surgery by passing instruments and supplies, holding retractors, and maintaining a sterile field.
3. Anticipating the needs of the surgical team: Surgical Technologists must be able to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly to requests for instruments and supplies.
4. Monitoring patients: During surgery, Surgical Technologists may be responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs and ensuring that they are stable.
5. Sterilizing instruments: After surgery, Surgical Technologists are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing all instruments and equipment used during the procedure.
6. Maintaining records: Surgical Technologists may be responsible for maintaining patient records and documenting the surgical procedure.
Overall, Surgical Technologists play a critical role in ensuring that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently. They must have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Surgical technologists are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $48,300 as of May 2020.
In the short term, surgical technologists can expect to make a decent wage that is commensurate with their level of education and experience. However, the earning potential may vary depending on the geographic location, size of the employer, and specific industry.
In the long term, surgical technologists have the potential to earn higher wages as they gain more experience and advance in their careers. They may also have opportunities to specialize in certain areas of surgery, which can lead to higher pay. Additionally, some surgical technologists may choose to pursue additional education and training to become surgical assistants or other healthcare professionals, which can further increase their earning potential.

Surgical technologists have several opportunities for career advancement, including:
1. Specialization: Surgical technologists can specialize in a specific area of surgery, such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, or cardiovascular surgery. This can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
2. Management: Experienced surgical technologists can advance to supervisory or management positions, where they oversee other surgical technologists and manage the day-to-day operations of a surgical department.
3. Education: Some surgical technologists choose to become educators, teaching new surgical technologists or providing continuing education to experienced professionals.
4. Sales: Surgical technologists with strong communication and sales skills may be able to transition into medical device sales, selling surgical equipment and supplies to hospitals and surgical centers.
5. Advanced Practice: With additional education and training, surgical technologists can become surgical assistants, physician assistants, or even surgeons. This requires additional education and training, but can lead to higher salaries and greater job satisfaction.

The biggest challenges facing Surgical Technologists include:
1. High-stress environment: Surgical Technologists work in a high-stress environment where they must remain calm and focused while assisting with surgical procedures. They must be able to handle the pressure of working in a fast-paced environment where mistakes can have serious consequences.
2. Physical demands: Surgical Technologists are required to stand for long periods of time and may need to lift and move patients. This can be physically demanding and can lead to fatigue and injury.
3. Exposure to infectious diseases: Surgical Technologists are exposed to infectious diseases and must take precautions to protect themselves and others from infection.
4. Continuing education: Surgical Technologists must stay up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques and technologies, which requires ongoing education and training.
To overcome these challenges, Surgical Technologists can take the following steps:
1. Develop coping mechanisms: Surgical Technologists can develop coping mechanisms to help them deal with the stress and pressure of their job. This may include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
2. Stay physically fit: Surgical Technologists can stay physically fit by engaging in regular exercise and stretching. They should also take breaks when needed to rest and avoid overexertion.
3. Follow safety protocols: Surgical Technologists should follow safety protocols to protect themselves and others from infection. This includes wearing protective gear and following proper sterilization procedures.
4. Attend continuing education courses: Surgical Technologists should attend continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques and technologies. This will help them provide the best care possible to their patients.

1. Education and Training: The first step to becoming a surgical technologist is to complete a certified surgical technology program. Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Completing an accredited program will give you the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.
2. Internships and Clinical Experience: Many surgical technology programs offer internships or clinical experience as part of their curriculum. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. This will give you the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and learn from their expertise.
3. Continuing Education: Once you have completed your surgical technology program, it is important to continue your education and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending conferences and workshops to expand your knowledge and skills.
4. Networking: Building a professional network is essential in any field, and surgical technology is no exception. Join professional organizations such as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), attend industry events and conferences, and connect with other professionals in the field through social media and online forums.
5. Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering at a hospital or surgical center to gain additional experience and build your network. Many hospitals and surgical centers offer volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare careers. This can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and make connections in the industry.

Surgical technologists are in demand in the healthcare industry and are expected to continue to be in demand in the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of surgical technologists will grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population and the increasing number of surgeries being performed.
In addition, advancements in technology and surgical techniques are also expected to increase demand for surgical technologists who are trained in these new technologies. However, there may be some competition for jobs as the number of graduates from surgical technology programs is increasing.
Overall, the job prospects for surgical technologists are positive, and those who have completed accredited programs and have certification will have the best job opportunities.

Some of the most important skills and qualities that someone needs to succeed as a surgical technologist include:
1. Attention to detail: Surgical technologists must be able to pay close attention to the details of surgical procedures, including the instruments and equipment used, the positioning of the patient, and the actions of the surgical team.
2. Technical skills: Surgical technologists must have strong technical skills, including knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures.
3. Communication skills: Surgical technologists must be able to communicate effectively with other members of the surgical team, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists.
4. Physical stamina: Surgical technologists must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to lift and move patients and equipment as needed.
5. Problem-solving skills: Surgical technologists must be able to think quickly and make decisions in high-pressure situations, such as emergencies or unexpected complications during surgery.
6. Teamwork: Surgical technologists must be able to work effectively as part of a team, following instructions from surgeons and other members of the surgical team, and communicating clearly with others.

Surgical technologists are in demand in the healthcare industry. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities. Some of the different sectors or industries where surgical technologists are needed include:
1. Hospitals: Surgical technologists are employed in various departments of hospitals, including the operating room, emergency room, and labor and delivery.
2. Ambulatory surgical centers: These centers perform same-day surgeries and procedures, and surgical technologists are an essential part of the team.
3. Outpatient clinics: Some clinics may have surgical facilities for minor procedures, and surgical technologists may be employed to assist in these procedures.
4. Dental offices: Some dental offices may have surgical procedures that require the assistance of a surgical technologist.
5. Military medical facilities: Surgical technologists may be employed by the military to work in medical facilities for service members and their families.
6. Educational institutions: Some surgical technologists may work in educational institutions, training future surgical technologists.
7. Medical device companies: Surgical technologists may be employed by medical device companies to provide training and support for their products.
8. Research facilities: Surgical technologists may work in research facilities to assist with surgical procedures on animals or human subjects.

Misconception: Surgical Technologists are just assistants to the surgeon.
Reality: While Surgical Technologists do assist the surgeon in the operating room, they have a much broader range of responsibilities. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, and ensuring that all equipment is in working order. They also assist with patient positioning, draping, and maintaining a sterile field during surgery. Additionally, they may be responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs during the procedure.
Misconception: Surgical Technologists only work in hospitals.
Reality: While many Surgical Technologists do work in hospitals, they may also work in outpatient surgery centers, dental offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may also work for medical device companies, assisting with the development and testing of new surgical equipment.
Misconception: Becoming a Surgical Technologist is a quick and easy way to get into the healthcare field.
Reality: While becoming a Surgical Technologist does require less training than some other healthcare professions, it still requires a significant amount of education and training. Most programs take 1-2 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Additionally, Surgical Technologists must be certified in most states, which requires passing a national certification exam.