Travel Surgical Tech Jobs

For jobs available on Vivian as of Monday, May 29th 2023, the average weekly salary for a Travel Certified Surgical Technologist is $2,058, but can pay up to $3,670 per week.

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Travel Surgical Tech jobs are Trustaff Cardiopulmonary (339), Trustaff Laboratory (339), and Trustaff Radiology (339).

Surgical techs are allied health professionals that work in the operating room. The operating room is a demanding environment, requiring careful planning and attention to both the surgeon and the patient, which is why surgical techs are such a vital part of the team. They are primarily focused on maintaining a sterile, organized environment as well as ensuring patient safety, however, they also perform a variety of tasks before, during, and after medical procedures. These often include cleaning and preparing the OR for surgery, transporting patients, administering medications, and suturing and dressing wounds.

Most surgical technologists work in hospitals, about 72% of them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The OR provides a fast-paced environment that requires quick thinking and constant vigilance to be prepared for anything. In this setting, surgical techs must learn to anticipate both the doctor’s and patient’s needs. This requires a strong understanding of the medical procedure being administered but also the ability to navigate the operating room, quickly locate supplies, and efficiently move between tasks.

Unlike many health care professionals, surgical techs have the unique capability to work in an operating room without a medical degree. Typically, surgical technologists need a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program​s (CAAHEP). Many community colleges and vocational schools, and some universities and hospitals, offer accredited programs ranging from several months to two years.

Surgical techs have a wide range of duties that are split into the three phases of a surgical operation: before (preoperative), during (intraoperative), and after (postoperative). They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers to ensure a surgical operation goes smoothly, handling much of the preparation, sterilization, and organization of the instruments and equipment involved. They may also play a hands-on role during the surgery itself, suctioning an incision site, positioning the patient, or applying bandages and dressings.

Vital technical skills include expert knowledge of surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, patient care, CPR, and basic life support. Surgical techs should have good physical stamina to endure standing for extended periods as well as an eye for precision; for example, the ability to hold instruments in place, adjust a patient’s positioning, and delicately suture a wound. Remaining attentive and being able to coordinate well with other staff is critical to ensure positive outcomes for the patient and a smooth process overall. 

Surgical Techs are often referred to by various names, including surgical technologists, surgical technicians, surgery techs, operating room technicians, or scrub techs

Surgical techs may hold Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), among others.