Private Surgical Technologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the role of private surgical technologists has become increasingly critical.

As medical advancements surge ahead, the demand for skilled professionals who can adeptly assist in surgical procedures, uphold stringent hygiene standards, and ensure smooth operation of the surgical environment grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a private surgical technologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager working to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of surgical technology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable private surgical technologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Private Surgical Technologist Duties and Responsibilities

Private Surgical Technologists assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

They are crucial members of operating room teams and their main goal is to ensure patient safety and the smooth running of surgical procedures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare the operating room for surgery, including setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
• Ensure all equipment is working properly and safely.
• Prepare patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites.
• Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
• Count sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure nothing is left inside a patient.
• Assist in applying dressings to surgical site post-operation.
• Help transport the patient to recovery rooms and clean and restock the operating room after the surgery.
• Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
• Ensure sterility in the operating room at all times.
• Maintain a proper inventory of surgical tools and supplies.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Private Surgical Technologist for a high-profile client.

As a Private Surgical Technologist, you will be responsible for preparing the operation room, assisting surgeons during surgeries, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in assisting medical professionals, a strong understanding of surgical procedures, and excellent attention to detail.

A commitment to patient safety and adherence to strict medical protocols is paramount in this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare operation rooms for surgeries
• Set up, check, and maintain surgical equipment and instruments
• Assist surgeons during surgeries
• Ensure sterility in the operating environment at all times
• Prepare patients for surgeries by cleaning and disinfecting incision sites
• Handle specimens according to facility policy
• Provide post-operation care and instruction
• Monitor and replenish supplies as needed
• Comply with all health and safety regulations
• Maintain patient confidentiality and respect rights of patient

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Surgical Technologist
• Certification from an accredited Surgical Technologist program
• Thorough understanding of surgical procedures and medical terminology
• High level of physical endurance and dexterity
• Ability to handle stress and stay focused in emergency situations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of patient safety and sterilization procedures
• Current BLS/CPR certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Private Surgical Technologist
• Work Environment: Private surgical facility. May require travel to different locations, based on the client’s needs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Surgeon or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Private Surgical Technologist Do?

Private Surgical Technologists, often employed by private healthcare facilities or hired directly by surgeons, play a critical role in the operating room.

They are responsible for preparing the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment.

They also have the responsibility of sterilizing these tools and ensuring they are in working order.

This includes organizing instruments for specific surgical procedures and checking that equipment is working properly.

During surgery, Private Surgical Technologists assist surgeons by passing them instruments and supplies, holding retractors, and performing other tasks as directed.

This requires them to be familiar with all surgical procedures and terminology.

Additionally, they may be responsible for preparing patients for surgery.

This can include washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites, transporting patients to the operating room, and positioning them on the operating table.

After surgery, Private Surgical Technologists help transfer patients to recovery, clean and restock the operating room, and prepare the room for the next surgery.

In their role, they need to strictly adhere to healthcare laws and regulations, while also respecting patient privacy and dignity.

They need to be detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of working under high-stress conditions.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Qualifications and Skills

A Private Surgical Technologist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role, including:

• Strong technical knowledge and skills in surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and equipment handling to assist surgeons during operations.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure safety and quality in all tasks, from preparing operating rooms to sterilizing instruments and equipment.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with surgical teams, understand surgical plans, and provide clear information to patients and their families.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle delicate instruments and perform precise tasks during surgical procedures.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to quickly respond to complications or unexpected situations that may arise during surgery.
• Understanding of medical terminologies, human anatomy, and surgical procedures to efficiently assist in operations and patient care.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods during surgeries and to perform under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of the profession.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Private Surgical Technologist usually have 1 to 2 years of experience in the healthcare field, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a hospital or surgical center.

This can also include experience gained during the course of a Surgical Technology program at a vocational school or community college.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience often gain this through roles such as Surgical Assistant, Medical Assistant, or other healthcare-related roles.

This experience allows them to develop critical skills, including sterilization techniques, equipment setup, patient preparation, and a solid understanding of surgical procedures.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often highly skilled at surgical procedures and the use of surgical equipment.

They may have experience in specialized surgeries, such as orthopedic or cardiovascular procedures.

These individuals will also have developed strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure, making them ideal candidates for more complex or specialized private surgical technologist roles.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and are often ready to take on supervisory roles in the surgical technology field.

This could involve overseeing a team of Surgical Technologists, managing equipment and supplies, or training new team members.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Education and Training Requirements

Private Surgical Technologists typically have a postsecondary non-degree award or associate’s degree from an accredited surgical technology program.

These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.

Courses generally include anatomy, biology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and sterilization techniques.

The programs also include practical training in supervised clinical settings.

Surgical Technologists are required to pass a certification exam to earn either the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential.

This is not mandatory in all states, but employers generally prefer to hire certified technologists.

Continuing education or re-certification is often required to keep the certification current.

Besides the educational requirements, a private surgical technologist should have strong knowledge in safety and infection control protocols, equipment handling, and patient care.

They also should have good physical stamina, manual dexterity, and ability to work under pressure.

Those seeking higher-level roles in the field might consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as health administration or nursing.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Salary Expectations

A Private Surgical Technologist can expect to earn an average salary of $48,760 (USD) per year.

However, the total income may vary based on factors such as experience, specific skills, the geographic location of the workplace, and the particular surgical facility they are employed by.

 

Private Surgical Technologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Private Surgical Technologist need?

Private Surgical Technologists need to have excellent manual dexterity and physical stamina, as they are often on their feet for long periods and need to handle delicate medical tools.

They should also possess strong technical skills to operate surgical equipment.

Good attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong sense of responsibility are also crucial.

 

Do Private Surgical Technologists need a degree?

Yes, Private Surgical Technologists typically require a post-secondary non-degree award or an associate’s degree from a surgical technology program.

They are also required to obtain a certification from a nationally accredited certifying agency for surgical technologists.

 

What should you look for in a Private Surgical Technologist’s resume?

A Private Surgical Technologist’s resume should first and foremost show their certification and education in surgical technology.

They should also show experience in a surgical setting, as well as any specialized areas of surgery.

Knowledge and familiarity with sterile and aseptic techniques, as well as any specific surgical instruments or equipment, is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Private Surgical Technologist?

A good Private Surgical Technologist is highly organized, as they are responsible for preparing operating rooms for surgeries.

They need to have excellent attention to detail to ensure all equipment is properly sterilized and in place.

They should also be calm under pressure and able to react quickly and efficiently in emergency situations.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also essential as they need to work closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

 

How challenging is it to hire Private Surgical Technologists?

Hiring Private Surgical Technologists can be challenging due to the high level of specialization and certification required for the role.

It’s also a job that requires a unique combination of technical skills, manual dexterity, and interpersonal abilities.

As such, it can be challenging to find candidates who possess all these qualities.

It is advisable to offer competitive compensation and maintain a supportive and engaging work environment to attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we unveiled the real essence of being a private surgical technologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about sterilizing equipment.

It’s about playing a vital role in life-saving surgical procedures, one instrument at a time.

Our comprehensive private surgical technologist job description template and authentic examples have equipped you to make the next move.

But why just stop here?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously curated job listings or honing your resume to impeccable standards.

Remember:

Every sterilized instrument contributes to a successful operation.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.