surgical technologist


surgical technologist

 (ST) a health care professional who performs as a member of the surgical team, acting as a scrub technician or as a circulator. Those certified by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) are designated Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Formerly called operating room technician. The address of the Association of Surgical Technologists is 7108-C South Alton Way, Englewood, CO 80120.

op·er·at·ing room tech·ni·cian

(op'ĕr-āt-ing rūm tek-nish'ŭn) The member of the surgical team who assists in preparing the operating room for surgery and performing other tasks (i.e., arranging equipment, assisting doctors in passing instruments). Training programs last 1 to 2 years. At the end of the training period, students must pass an examination by the Association of Surgical Technologists to become certified.
Synonym(s): surgical technician, surgical technologist.

surgical technologist

A technologist who assists in many operating room functions, including preparing the patient for surgery, ensuring the sterility of the operating room, operating equipment during surgery, and, in some instances, working as a surgical first assistant.