Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions

Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists are typically employed in hospital operating rooms, but may also be stationed in delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and in central supply departments. Increasingly, technologists may be hired by clinics, outpatient surgical centers, physician or dental offices where minor surgery is performed, and in other facilities that require a sterile environment specialist. Most surgical technologists will work a 40-hour week, but may need to be available on weekends, in the evenings, and on holidays. In 2001, there were 350 accredited surgical technology-training programs. Usually, a high school diploma is a prerequisite for admission to these programs, which may be offered by community and junior colleges, hospitals, and vocational-technical institutions. The length of training ranges from 9 to 24 months depending on whether a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree is awarded. The Liaison Council on Certification offers voluntary certification.

*Median annual earnings of surgical technologists were $29,020 in 2000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,490 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40,310 a year.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2000-01 Edition.

Copyrighted by: The National Health Council, October 1998; reproduced with permission by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further reproduction prohibited without permission of copyright holder, www.nationalhealthcouncil.org.