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If you’re wondering what an OR Tech does, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the role of an OR Tech and what they do to support surgeons during surgery.
An OR Tech is a vital member of the surgical team. They prepare the operating room for surgery, sterilize instruments, and help surgeons during surgery.
If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, becoming an OR Tech is a great option. It’s a challenging and rewarding role
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Job Description
An OR Tech is a medical professional who works in the operating room with the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. They are responsible for setting up the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and preparing the patient for surgery.
Duties
An OR Tech, also called a surgical technologist, is a trained medical professional who works closely with surgeons to ensure that operating rooms are ready for surgery and that surgical procedures are carried out safely. OR Techs disinfect and prepare operating rooms for surgery, set up sterile fields, assist surgeons during surgery, and count supplies. They also may handle tissue and blood samples and help care for patients after surgery.
Skills
An operating room technician, also called an OR tech, is a medical professional who works closely with surgeons and nurses during surgeries. OR techs are responsible for making sure the operating room is clean and sterile, as well as setting up surgical equipment and instruments. They may also help to transport patients to and from the operating room and assist in dressing them before and after surgery.
Some of the skills that an OR tech should possess include:
-The ability to follow instructions
-Attention to detail
-Physical strength and stamina
-Manual dexterity
-The ability to work well under pressure
Salary
OR Techs are in demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the job outlook for this career is bright, with a projected 12% growth in job openings from 2018 to 2028.
Factors that Affect Salary
There are a variety of factors that can affect an OR tech’s salary. The most common factor is experience. An OR tech with more experience is typically going to earn a higher salary than one who is just starting out. Another factor that can affect salary is education. An OR tech with a higher level of education (such as a bachelor’s degree) is usually going to earn more than one with a less advanced degree (such as an associate’s degree). Finally, the location of the job can also affect salary. OR techs who work in larger cities or in certain states (such as California) tend to earn more than those who work in smaller towns or in other states.
Education and Certification
An operating room technologist, also known as an OR tech, is a medical professional who works with surgeons and nurses to ensure that the operating room is sterile and that surgical procedures are carried out safely. OR techs are responsible for sterilizing equipment, setting up operating rooms, and helping to position patients for surgery.
ORT Program
An accredited ORT program is the best way to become an OR tech. These programs are typically found at community colleges and technical schools, and they last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. During your ORT program, you’ll take courses in medical terminology, biology, anatomy, and physiology. You’ll also get hands-on experience in the OR, working with patients under the supervision of a licensed OR nurse.
Certification
There are no federally mandated credentials for operating room technicians, but most surgical tech programs in the united states lead to certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). In order to become certified, surgical techs must graduate from an accredited program and pass a national exam. Once certified, they must renew their credential every 4 years by completing continuing education credits and paying a fee. Some states have additional certification requirements.
Job Outlook
OR tech job outlook is good. The median pay in 2019 was $33.95 per hour, or $70,650 per year. Employment of operating room technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and advances in medical technology will lead to increased demand for surgical procedures.
Job Growth
Employment of operating room and surgical technicians is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have resulted in more-complex surgical procedures that require specially trained personnel.
Job Opportunities
The number of job openings for OR techs is expected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and advances in medical technology will spur demand for OR techs.
As surgical procedures become more complex and require more sophisticated equipment, OR techs will be needed to operate the equipment and support the surgical team. In addition, as more baby boomers age and require surgery, the demand for OR techs will increase.
