Perioperative Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of healthcare, the need for perioperative technicians has never been greater.

As medical advancements continue to progress, the demand for proficient individuals who can support, enhance, and ensure our surgical processes grows steadily.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a perioperative technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of perioperative services,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable perioperative technician job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Perioperative Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Perioperative Technicians, also known as Surgical Technologists, play a key role in the operating room, assisting surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures.

They are primarily responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile operating conditions and assisting medical staff during surgery.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare the operating room for surgery by sterilizing equipment and setting up surgical instruments and equipment
• Assist in the preparation of patients for surgery, such as washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites
• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists
• Pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon’s assistants during surgery
• Help in moving patients to and from the operation room
• Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs
• Maintain a sterile environment to prevent infection, including cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments and equipment after surgery
• Stock, organize and inventory surgical supplies and ensure there’s adequate supplies for surgery
• Document and report any irregularities during the procedure

 

Perioperative Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Perioperative Technician to join our surgical team.

In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and maintaining the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures.

The Perioperative Technician should have a thorough understanding of maintaining sterility, safe handling of surgical instruments, and effective communication with the surgical team.

The ideal candidate should be compassionate, detail-oriented, and able to respond quickly in high-stress situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare surgical rooms for procedures, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are in place.
• Assist in positioning, moving, and transporting patients.
• Maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.
• Assist surgical team in putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Handle and clean surgical instruments and equipment.
• Collaborate with surgical team and other medical staff.
• Dispose of used materials and waste properly.
• Assist in emergency situations as directed.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Perioperative Technician.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and medical terminology.
• Ability to handle and sterilize surgical instruments.
• Strong communication and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.
• Physical stamina and ability to stand for long periods.
• High school diploma; certification in surgical technology or relevant field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Perioperative Technician
• Work Environment: Hospital or surgical center. Must be able to stand for long periods and handle high-stress situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Operating Room Manager or Director of Surgical Services.
• Salary: Based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Perioperative Technician Do?

Perioperative Technicians, also known as Surgical Technologists or Operating Room Technicians, primarily work in hospital surgical departments, outpatient surgery centers, and some private medical offices.

Their main responsibility is to assist surgeons and nurses in operating rooms during surgical procedures.

They are in charge of preparing the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterilizing the tools, and ensuring all necessary supplies are readily available.

Perioperative Technicians may also be responsible for preparing patients for surgery.

This could include tasks like cleaning and disinfecting incision sites, transporting patients to the operating room, positioning patients on the operating table, and applying sterile drapes.

During the operation, they assist surgeons by passing them instruments, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and helping manage the surgical field.

Post-surgery, Perioperative Technicians may assist in transferring patients to recovery, cleaning and restocking the operating room, and documenting procedural information.

In some cases, they may be involved in the ordering, sorting and stocking of surgical supplies.

Their role is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment and helping surgical procedures go smoothly and successfully.

 

Perioperative Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Perioperative Technician should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the role’s responsibilities, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of surgical procedures and operating room protocols to assist surgeons and nurses efficiently.
• Technical skills for the operation, care, and maintenance of surgical equipment and instruments.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that surgical instruments are sterile, properly arranged, and ready for use during surgery.
• Interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating effectively with the surgical team and for clearly communicating with patients and their families.
• Physical endurance and manual dexterity to stand for long periods, move heavy equipment, and handle delicate surgical instruments.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected situations in the operating room.
• Understanding of medical terminology and anatomy to effectively communicate with the surgical team and understand surgical plans.
• Compliance with infection control and safety policies to maintain a safe and clean surgical environment.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively during high-pressure surgical procedures.

 

Perioperative Technician Experience Requirements

To become a Perioperative Technician, one must typically start with a high school diploma or equivalent.

The next step is usually to complete a surgical technologist program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), where they can acquire both theoretical and practical experience in a clinical setting.

Entry-level Perioperative Technicians often have at least one to two years of experience, either through an internship, externship or on-the-job training in a surgical environment.

These individuals are typically skilled in tasks such as setting up operating rooms, sterilizing and handling surgical instruments, and assisting in surgical procedures.

Perioperative Technicians with three to five years of experience often have more advanced technical skills and a deeper knowledge of surgical procedures and protocols.

They may also have experience in specialized surgical settings, such as orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, or neurosurgery.

Those with over five years of experience may have held leadership roles, such as team leader or supervisor, within a surgical team.

They may have also obtained certifications like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C), showcasing their advanced skills and dedication to the profession.

Some hospitals or surgical centers may require their Perioperative Technicians to have additional experience or certification in areas such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

 

Perioperative Technician Education and Training Requirements

Perioperative Technicians, also known as Surgical Technologists, are typically required to complete a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree program from an accredited institution.

The coursework generally includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, sterilization techniques, medical ethics, and surgical procedures.

Hands-on clinical experience in a hospital or surgical environment is a crucial part of their education.

This experience helps them understand and familiarize themselves with the operating room, surgical instruments, and the overall flow of a surgical procedure.

Upon completion of the education program, they are eligible to take the certification examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Center for Competency Testing.

Though certification is not always mandatory, it is highly preferred by employers and can increase job prospects.

To maintain their certification, Perioperative Technicians are required to undertake continuing education or re-certify every few years to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Some positions, especially those with specialized duties or those in certain fields, may require Perioperative Technicians with a bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or a related medical field.

Advanced training and specialization in areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or orthopedic surgery may provide additional opportunities for advancement in this profession.

 

Perioperative Technician Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Perioperative Technician is $38,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, certifications, geographic location, and the specific healthcare facility in which they work.

 

Perioperative Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Perioperative Technician need?

Perioperative Technicians need strong technical and practical skills to handle surgical equipment properly.

They should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, nurses, and doctors effectively.

Attention to detail is key to ensure they follow all surgical protocols and procedures accurately.

They should also be physically fit to stand for long hours and perform tasks requiring dexterity.

 

Do Perioperative Technicians need a degree?

Most Perioperative Technicians need a diploma or associate’s degree in surgical technology or a related field.

Some states in the U.S also require Perioperative Technicians to be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or other recognized bodies.

 

What should you look for in a Perioperative Technician resume?

Look for formal education in surgical technology or a related field and any certifications that may be required in your state.

Prior experience in a surgical setting is a plus.

Also, pay attention to the candidate’s familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization procedures, and their ability to work as part of a team.

 

What qualities make a good Perioperative Technician?

A good Perioperative Technician is diligent, with a keen eye for detail.

They are excellent at following instructions and protocols to ensure patient safety.

They should be calm under pressure and capable of acting quickly in emergencies.

Good Perioperative Technicians are also team players who work well with others to ensure surgeries go smoothly.

 

Is it difficult to hire Perioperative Technicians?

The difficulty of hiring Perioperative Technicians can vary depending on the specific requirements of your healthcare facility and the local job market.

While there are many trained professionals in the field, finding a candidate with the right blend of skills, experience, and temperament for your team can be challenging.

Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and a supportive work environment can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the real-life intricacies of a perioperative technician role.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting in surgical procedures.

It’s about being a pivotal part of a healthcare team, ensuring patient safety, one surgery at a time.

With our tailored perioperative technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is part of a bigger mission – patient care.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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