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Surgical technologists are less well-known than doctors and nurses. However, if you’ve ever had surgery or watched a single episode of Grey’s Anatomy (or any other T.V. medical drama), you’ve seen surgical techs at work. So you know how important they are in the operating room. What exactly is a surgical tech, and how does someone break into this field? Here to tell you in his own words is Thomas Silvera. He’s a 2017 graduate of the Surgical Technology program at Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York City.

Finding Out About Surgical Technology

“A career in Surgical Technology wasn’t something I always planned on doing,” explains Thomas. “I managed health clubs for more than 15 years. But it became apparent that the fitness industry was becoming very saturated. So, I decided to make a career change. I began to look for something steady that would allow me to provide for my family and also something I was interested in.”

In 2002, Thomas found out that his mother needed open heart surgery to replace her Mitral Valve. He began researching her condition and the surgery. He wanted to better understand what the operation would entail and what they could expect post-surgery. This experience opened his eyes to the medical field of surgical technology.

“In my research, what I enjoyed the most were the videos of actual surgery procedures,” explains Thomas. “I was impressed by how every little detail was scrutinized and followed to ensure the surgery succeeded. Eventually, I learned about Surgical Technology and the many avenues that specialty opened. I decided to pursue it; I wanted a scrub life.”

Thomas researched the best surgical technology programs. He quickly realized that the perfect fit for him was Swedish Institute. “Becoming a Surgical Technologist would help me break into the field while earning a college degree simultaneously.” So, in 2015, he enrolled in the Swedish Institute’s Surgical Technology program.

Starting School

“I’ll admit I was a bit overwhelmed at first,” Thomas says. “The field of surgical technology encompasses so much more than pushing instruments. I had to learn many different medical procedures and topics such as pharmacology, anatomy, microbiology, etc. It’s safe to say that I was intimidated.”

Thomas explains that although the material and concepts of surgical technology can be complex, the professors at the Swedish Institute are incredibly proficient at breaking it all down so the students understand.

“My professors were amazing at keeping me grounded and focused,” says Thomas. “They allowed me to work one-on-one with them so I could gain the needed knowledge, and they steered me in the right path.” According to Thomas, the program is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics. The faculty and staff of Swedish Institute—from the professors right down to the advisers in Career Services—are by their students’ side every step of the way to help them succeed. “Swedish Institute gives its students the blueprint to set the foundation for their future.”

Externship

Thomas credits Swedish Institute’s externship program as the highlight of his academic time. It allowed him to experience being inside an actual hospital operating room even before graduating. He completed his clinical externship at St. Barnabas, Woodhall, and Bellevue Hospitals in Manhattan, where he applied what he had learned in the classroom to the real world.

“I remember my first day at the hospital site, I was so nervous I earned the nickname Shaky,” Thomas recalls laughing. “I know it’s quite hilarious but, I can honestly tell you [by the end I was] no longer nervous because I had the supreme guidance of the clinical instructors. The guidance that they provide you will leave you with a lasting impression and knowledge like no other.”

Finding a Surgical Technology Job

Thomas graduated in the spring of 2017. Within a few months, he accepted a position at the esteemed New York City Surgical Associates, which allowed him to work in general and vascular surgeries, broadening his scope even further. He credits the Career Services department at Swedish Institute with being instrumental in informing him of job openings and opportunities, helping him get in the door at NYC Surgical Associates, and launching his career.

“I was thrilled over the opportunity and thankful to the Career Services department at Swedish for helping me find the job,” he said humbly. “I’m proud to call myself a surgical technologist. I have Swedish Institute to thank for helping me get there,” Thomas said humbly. “It’s important to remember that it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you start—it’s where you finish that matters.”

Thomas says in conclusion:

“For anyone thinking about becoming a Surgical Technologist, Swedish Institute is the right choice. They will not give up on you. They’ll let you know that it will be a tough road, but it is so worth it in the end. They’ll provide you with the tools for you to absorb as much as you can on your journey. I know for me, I was able to leave Swedish Institute as a graduate not only with confidence as a Certified Surgical Technologist, but with confidence within myself. They believed in me. I am where I am today because of their guidance, care, and support, which propelled me to continue my academic growth.”

Job Security and Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that surgical technologists’ employment will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth rate is significantly higher than that of many other occupations.

Surgical technologists (also called scrub techs, surgical techs, or operating room technicians) work in an exciting medical environment as part of a surgical team. They work in hospital operating rooms or surgical centers, working alongside surgeons and registered nurses to assist in surgical operations. Surgical technologists are key performers who prepare operating rooms for surgery. They ensure a sterile surgical environment, arrange equipment, prepare surgical instruments, and hand them to surgeons during an operation.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced career in the ever-expanding medical industry, becoming a certified surgical technologist may be the perfect career choice. Learn more about how you can enroll in our next class start.