They may also work as circulating technologists. With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging, suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds. Surgical technologists may manage central supply departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and operating equipment firms. Job Outlook Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, as the volume of surgery increases and operating room staffing patterns change. The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages.
Older people require more surgical procedures.
Technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will also permit new surgical procedures. Some employers may seek to substitute surgical technologists for operating room nurses to reduce costs. However, because some facilities and States limit the work that surgical technologists can do, widespread displacement of operating room nurses is not likely to occur. Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists. Nonetheless, the shift to outpatient or ambulatory surgery will create faster growth for technologists in offices and clinics of physicians, including surgicenters.