Editing Surgical technologist (section)

{{Short description|Profession}}
[[File:Iranian surgical tecnologist with hijab.jpg|thumbnail|Surgical technologist demonstrating proper precautionary raised idle hand position]]

A '''surgical technologist''', also called a '''surg tech''', '''scrub''', '''scrub tech''', '''surgical technician''', or '''operating department practitioner''' or '''operating room technician''', is an [[Allied health professions|allied health professional]] working as a part of the team delivering [[Surgery|surgical care]]. Surgical technologists are members of the [[surgical team]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm|title=Surgical Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics|website=www.bls.gov}}</ref> The members of the team include the [[surgeon]], [[surgeon's assistant]], circulator nurse and [[anesthesia]] provider ([[anesthesiologist]], [[anesthesiologist assistant]] or [[nurse anesthetist]]). They possess knowledge and skills in [[sterile technique|sterile]] and [[aseptic technique]]s. There are few mandatory [[healthcare provider requisites|professional requirements]] for surgical technologists, and the [[scope of practice]] varies widely across countries and jurisdictions. Surgical technologists attend junior colleges and technical schools, and many are trained in military schools. In the military they perform the duties of both the circulator and the scrub. The goal is for surgical technologists to be able to anticipate the next move the surgeon is going to make in order to make the procedure as smooth and efficient as possible.
They do this by having knowledge of hundreds of surgical procedures and the steps the surgeon needs to take in order to complete the procedure, including the very wide range of surgical instruments they may need. Specialties can include, but are not limited to, the following: [[Genitourinary system|genitourinary]], [[Obstetrics and gynecology|obstetrics and gynaecology]], [[urology]], [[Otorhinolaryngology|ENT]], [[Plastic surgery|plastics]], [[General surgery|general]], [[orthopedics]], [[neurology]], and [[cardiovascular]]. They only work in surgical or perioperative areas and are highly specialized. Surgical technologist is the proper term for a two-year program which earns a degree in applied sciences. The profession is up and coming and highly in demand.