Can I Get a Scrub Tech Job With No Experience?
Scrub techs are also referred to as surgical scrub techs, scrub technicians and surgical technologists. Their primary responsibility is to be on hand before, during and after surgical procedures in doctors' offices, hospitals and medical clinics. Scrub techs are trained medical professionals. They obtain some experience through their training programs.
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Operating Room Duties
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According to AllAlliedHealthSchools.com, a scrub technician is required to prepare the operating room for surgical procedures. Tasks may include sterilizing and arranging tools and supplies the surgical doctors and nurses will use during surgery, as well as testing surgical room equipment to ensure proper functioning. The scrub tech also assists doctors and nurses don their scrubs for surgery. The scrub tech typically scrubs in during surgery and remains available to supply tools and items requested by the surgeon during the procedure.
Patient Responsibilities
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The scrub tech also works directly with patients and must have training to provide an appropriate level of care. A scrub tech may work to prep patients by cleaning, shaving and disinfecting the patient's body for surgery. Individuals in this position will also escort patients to the operating room, connect them to monitoring devices and record vital sign readings. The scrub tech also delivers patients to the recovery room after the operation.
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Education
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You must be certified to work as a scrub technician in a medical institution. FindJobsNet.com indicates a scrub tech must attend a surgical technician program, which can take up to two years depending on the institution. The Association of Surgical Technologists also notes you must become certified as a surgical tech through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Training
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Most medical institutions looking to hire a scrub tech require an individual with an appropriate level of experience. In addition to technical training and certification requirements, scrub techs must be properly trained in operating room procedure relevant to the hiring medical institution. In most surgical tech training programs, a student will receive education that allows them to gain necessary experience in the field. Newly certified techs may be required to take a position as an assistant scrub tech until they have gained adequate experience to work independently.
Continuing Education
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Once you have found a job as a scrub tech, you will continue to learn and gain experience on the job and through training. The Association of Surgical Technologists indicates certified surgical techs must renew their certification every four years. You must complete a minimum of 60 continuing education courses through a certified educational provider prior to the expiration of your four-year certification cycle.
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References
- Photo Credit surgery image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
