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Dawn Allen loves going to work. On any given day, she assists with a variety of operations that can range from routine tonsillectomies to intricate neurological procedures. "This whole job is so interesting. There's no such thing as a typical day," says Allen, a surgical technician on the St. Paul campus of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

More Than Passing Instruments

Surgical technicians, also called scrubs or operating room technicians, are members of the operating room team. Before an operation, they help set up the instruments. They also assemble and test equipment. In addition, they may help prepare patients and transport them to the operating room.

Technologists are the first to scrub and put on the surgical gown and gloves. After scrubbing, they prepare the sterile setup for the procedure and help other members of the team put on gloves and gowns.

During the operation, technologists are responsible for maintaining the sterile field. They pass instruments and sterile supplies to the surgeon. They hold retractors, cut sutures and help count supplies and instruments. They may also help apply dressings and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis. In addition, they may operate sterilizers, lights or suction machines and help operate diagnostic equipment.

After the operation, they prepare the instruments and the operating room for the next procedure. "It's an important job. We do a lot more than pass the instruments to the surgeon," Allen says.

Making Kids Feel Better

Every day, Allen assists surgeons with six or seven procedures of all kinds. She also assists with emergency operations.

She enjoys working as part of a close-knit team that usually includes the surgeon, the operating room nurse, a nurse anesthetist and the anesthesiologist.

"I like everyone I work with," Allen says. "I love being part of something big and knowing that what I do makes kids feel better."

Outlook And Training

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. In May 2004, the median annual earnings of surgical technicians were $34,010.

Surgical technicians are trained in programs offered by community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals and the military. Programs vary in length from nine to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. A graduate of an accredited program may choose to sit for a national certification exam.

In addition to formal training, surgical technicians need physical strength and stamina, manual dexterity, good communication skills, self-confidence and the ability to work as part of a team.

Career Paths

Experienced technicians may focus on a specialty, such as cardiac or orthopedic surgery. Some go on to become managers of hospital surgical supply departments. Others become surgical nurses.

"This job is a wonderful way to get into healthcare," says Allen, who is a part-time student in the nursing program at North Hennepin Community College. "I plan to become an OR nurse, and what I've learned as a surgical tech has really given me a head start."