[Core] [93% incumbents] Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
  DWAs: Maintain sterile operative fields.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
  DWAs: Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  DWAs: Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment. | Position patients for treatment or examination.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
  DWAs: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
  DWAs: Sterilize medical equipment or instruments. | Clean medical equipment or facilities.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
  DWAs: Monitor facilities or operational systems. | Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
  DWAs: Apply bandages, dressings, or splints. | Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
  DWAs: Clean medical equipment or facilities. | Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Order surgical supplies.
  DWAs: Order medical supplies or equipment.

[Core] [92% incumbents] Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  DWAs: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery. | Maintain sterile operative fields.

[Core] [92% incumbents] Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  DWAs: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.

[Core] [92% incumbents] Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
  DWAs: Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.

[Core] [92% incumbents] Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
  DWAs: Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment. | Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.

[Supplemental] [92% incumbents] Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.
  DWAs: Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
  DWAs: Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.

[Supplemental] [90% incumbents] Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.
  DWAs: Record patient medical histories.

[EMERGING:New] Schedule surgical procedures for patients.

[EMERGING:New] Transport patients to and from the operating room.

--- SKILLS ---
  Monitoring (imp:3.75 lvl:3.50) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Listening (imp:3.38 lvl:3.88) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:3.75) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Writing (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Mathematics (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.73 lvl:4.89) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:3.71 lvl:4.59) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  English Language (imp:3.45 lvl:3.51) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Education and Training (imp:3.10 lvl:3.60) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Psychology (imp:2.87 lvl:3.44) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.87 lvl:2.48) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Biology (imp:2.80 lvl:2.81) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Mathematics (imp:2.70 lvl:2.20) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.66 lvl:3.10) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Administration and Management (imp:2.55 lvl:2.11) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Chemistry (imp:2.43 lvl:2.93) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Production and Processing (imp:2.41 lvl:2.13) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Mechanical (imp:2.37 lvl:2.06) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:2.25 lvl:2.33) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Law and Government (imp:2.25 lvl:1.68) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.23 lvl:1.72) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.15 lvl:1.85) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Administrative (imp:2.13 lvl:2.03) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.00 lvl:1.51) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Communications and Media (imp:1.98 lvl:1.59) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Telecommunications (imp:1.75 lvl:0.84) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Physics (imp:1.73 lvl:1.31) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.70 lvl:0.90) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Transportation (imp:1.58 lvl:0.72) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.51 lvl:0.89) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.46 lvl:1.12) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Design (imp:1.43 lvl:0.69) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.31 lvl:0.73) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Building and Construction (imp:1.30 lvl:0.53) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Geography (imp:1.26) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  History and Archeology (imp:1.23) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Food Production (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Fine Arts (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.50) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.50 lvl:3.88) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Selective Attention (imp:3.38 lvl:3.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Oral Expression (imp:3.25 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.38) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Number Facility (imp:3.12 lvl:2.25) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Control Precision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Far Vision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Time Sharing (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Memorization (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Static Strength (imp:2.75 lvl:3.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Depth Perception (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Originality (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Stamina (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Response Orientation (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:2.00 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.25) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.50 lvl:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Sound Localization (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.52 lvl:4.40) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.49 lvl:5.38) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.42 lvl:4.72) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:4.42 lvl:5.43) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.40 lvl:4.73) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.36 lvl:4.95) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.34 lvl:5.00) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.10 lvl:5.01) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.06 lvl:5.02) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.93 lvl:4.39) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.93 lvl:4.85) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.76 lvl:4.67) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.73 lvl:4.03) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.71 lvl:3.88) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.54 lvl:4.23) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.45 lvl:3.72) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.45 lvl:3.18) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.41 lvl:3.71) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.37 lvl:3.10) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Processing Information (imp:3.35 lvl:3.58) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.35 lvl:3.15) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.21 lvl:3.49) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.05 lvl:3.44) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.02 lvl:3.21) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.01 lvl:3.39) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.00 lvl:2.97) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.00 lvl:2.91) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.89 lvl:3.13) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.85 lvl:3.12) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Working with Computers (imp:2.85 lvl:2.61) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.80 lvl:2.46) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.76 lvl:3.04) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.75 lvl:2.91) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.73 lvl:2.90) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.64 lvl:2.60) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.43 lvl:2.32) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.40 lvl:2.48) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.17 lvl:1.68) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.05 lvl:1.69) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.98 lvl:1.43) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.70 lvl:1.24) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.65) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.62) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:2.60) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.50) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.43) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Integrity (imp:2.21) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Perseverance (imp:1.77) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.45) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Adaptability (imp:1.35) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Sincerity (imp:1.33) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Humility (imp:1.15) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.10) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Empathy (imp:0.95) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Social Orientation (imp:0.88) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.82) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Initiative (imp:0.67) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:0.62) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.45) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.47) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.50) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Time Management (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Operation and Control (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Management of Material Resources (imp:3.00 lvl:2.38) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.88 lvl:2.50) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Persuasion (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Repairing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Programming (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 117,460
  annual_median    : $64,650
  annual_pct10     : $45,940
  annual_pct25     : $54,690
  annual_pct75     : $79,750
  annual_pct90     : $96,940
  annual_mean      : $68,710
  hourly_median    : $31.08

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Hawaii ($82,640)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($30,600)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.701x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (52 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  111,370  median: $  64,660
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    4,600  median: $  62,400
  Educational Services                     emp:      720  median: $  80,980
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      410  median: $  41,860
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:      130  median: $  80,720
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      130  median: $  48,090

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (6 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  111,370  median: $  64,660
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    4,600  median: $  62,400
  Educational Services                     emp:      720  median: $  80,980
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      410  median: $  41,860
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:      130  median: $  80,720
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      130  median: $  48,090

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Surgical technologist
match_score        : 0.9767
wikidata_qid       : Q448553
word_count         : 1,901
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_technologist
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:47:10.748101Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A surgical technologist (also called a surg tech, scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, operating department practitioner or operating room technician) is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care. Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team, which include the surgeon, surgeon's assistant, scrub nurse, circulating nurse and anesthesia provider (anesthesiologist, anesthesiologist assistant or nurse anesthetist). They possess knowledge and skills in sterile and aseptic techniques. There are few mandatory 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, obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, ENT, plastics, 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.


== Roles and Responsibilities ==


=== United States ===
In the U.S., surgical technologists are certified and work under the supervision of a surgeon, surgeon's assistant or other surgical personnel (such as a more senior technologist), to help ensure that the operating room environment is safe, equipment functions properly, and the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical techs are in the operating room before the patient is brought in, setting up the sterile back table(s) and mayo stand(s). They gown and glove the surgeons and assistants, sterile drape the patient, and stand right up next to/across from the surgeon and assist with the surgery. Scrubs are in charge of and handle the instruments, scrubs, sutures, implants, equipment and various surgical sponges, from extremely small, under 0.25 in (6.4 mm) square for neurosurgical procedures, to much larger lap sponges which are used during surgical procedures in or on larger areas of the body; irrigation fluids and medication. Surgical technologists play a critical role in maintaining the sterile field and supporting the surgical team throughout procedures. In addition to preparing instruments and supplies, they are responsible for anticipating the needs of the surgeon by selecting and passing instruments efficiently. This requires knowledge of surgical procedures, physicians, instrumentation, and sterile technique.
During operations, surgical technologists continuously monitor the sterile field to ensure aseptic conditions are maintained, reducing the risk of surgical site infections. They may also assist with tasks such as holding retractors, managing specimens, cutting suture, and performing surgical counts in collaboration with circulating nurses to ensure patient safety. The circulating nurse and surgical techs count all of the instruments and sterile supplies at least twice throughout the procedure, to make sure everything is accounted for. Surgical technologists also train other operating room personnel as a vital part of the surgical team.


=== Mozambique ===
In Mozambique, they provide advanced surgical services, often working autonomously in the absence of a physician.


== Employment ==
Most surgical technologists, about 60 percent in the U.S., work in hospitals, primarily in operating rooms. Surgical technologists also deal with equipment, such as handling a C-arm fluoroscope in angioplasty and orthopedics. A surgical technologist with experience in multiple specialties is often preferred. Other scrub technologists may work in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery and in outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgery centers. In the U.S., depending on the role and employment setting, surgical technologists may go by different titles including scrub surgical technologist or circulating surgical technologist. A few technologists in private practices (also called "private scrubs") are employed directly by surgeons who have special surgical teams, such as those for liver transplants.


== History ==


=== United States ===
The role of the surgical technologist began on the battlefields in World War I and World War II when the U.S. Army used "medics" to work under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Concurrently, medical "corpsman" were used in the United States Navy aboard combat ships. Nurses were not allowed aboard combat ships at the time. This led to a new profession within the military called operating room technicians (ORTs).
With many medical personnel overseas or performing duties in military hospitals, an accelerated nursing program with emphasis only on operating room technology was set up as an on-the-job training of nursing assistants who worked in the surgery department. These individuals studied sterilization of instruments and how to care for the patient in the operating room. Techniques, sutures, draping and instrumentation were emphasized; they also had to do clinical time in labor and delivery and the emergency room.
After the Korean War there were shortages of operating room nurses. Operating room supervisors began to recruit ex-medics and ex-corpsmen to work in civilian hospitals. These ex-military men functioned as circulators in the operating room while the scrub role or "instrument nurse" role was performed by the registered nurse. It was not until 1965 that these roles were reversed.
In 1967, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) published a book titled Teaching the Operating Room Technician. In 1968, the AORN Board of Directors created the Association of Operating Room Technicians (AORT). The AORT formed two committees in 1969, the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist or LCC-ST (now known as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or NBSTSA) and the Joint Committee on Education. The first certification examination was given in 1970, and those who passed the certification examination were given a new title: Certified Operating Room Technician (CORT).
In 1973, AORT became independent of AORN and changed the title of the position to what it is today, surgical technologist. The AORT also changed their name to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). In 1974, an accreditation body was established to ensure quality education. The programs accredited by ARC/STSA (Accreditation Review Committee for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; formerly ARC-ST) are monitored for compliance with the standards. The ARC/STSA and AST board of directors recommends the associate degree as entry level surgical technology education.
Today, surgical technologists taking and passing the national certification examination designed by the NBSTSA earn the title of "Certified Surgical Technologist". Certification can be renewed by contact hours or re-examination. Laws for surgical technologists vary by state and many states are in various stages of legislation. Some require certification, some require state registration, and some have no laws at all.


=== Mozambique ===
Surgical technologists were introduced around 1984 in the aftermath of the Mozambican Civil War that had crippled the health sector. They are trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical 

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Surgery (similarity: 0.3448)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgery
  QID: Q40821
  Extract: Surgery is a medical specialty that uses manual and instrumental techniques to diagnose or treat pathological conditions, to alter bodily functions, to reconstruct or alter aesthetics and appearance, or to remove unwanted tissues, neoplasms and foreign bodies.

  Title: Intuitive Surgical (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuitive_Surgical
  QID: Q2743863
  Extract: Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is an American biotechnology company that develops, manufactures, and markets robotic products designed to improve clinical outcomes of patients through minimally invasive surgery, most notably with the da Vinci Surgical System. The company is part of the Nasdaq-100, S&P 100

  Title: Surgical instrument (similarity: 0.5854)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_instrument
  QID: Q1074814
  Extract: A surgical instrument is a medical device used during surgery to perform specific actions, such as cutting, modifying tissue, or providing access for viewing. Over time, a broad spectrum of tools has been developed—some for general surgical use, others tailored to specialized procedures.

  Title: Ophthalmic technician (similarity: 0.4186)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophthalmic_technician
  QID: Q69948680
  Extract: An ophthalmic technician is a health professional that performs ophthalmic screening and testing in order to provide the ophthalmologist with information needed to diagnose diseases and administer treatments in caring for patients' eyes and eyesight. They are considered to be an intermediate level o

  Title: Paraveterinary worker (similarity: 0.2791)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraveterinary_worker
  QID: Q61341
  Extract: A paraveterinarian is a professional of veterinary medicine who performs procedures autonomously or semi-autonomously, as part of a veterinary assistance system. The job role varies throughout the world, and common titles include veterinary nurse, veterinary technician, and veterinary assistant, and

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data, exact Wikipedia match, detailed task descriptions, and robust wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025. All major data sources align consistently on role requirements, education, and career pathways.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T19:46:57.635114+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,787
tokens_output        : 4,458
cost_usd             : $0.049067
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Surgical technologist
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals working as part of surgical teams with knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques. The high similarity scores with surgical instruments (0.585) and ophthalmic technician (0.419) validate the technical and healthcare focus of this occupation.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. They maintain sterile fields, prepare operating rooms, position patients, and pass instruments to surgeons during procedures. According to BLS OEWS May 2025, they earn a median annual wage of $64,650 with 117,460 employed nationwide.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Surgical Technologists begin by setting up operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies, then assist with patient preparation including positioning and sterile draping. During surgery, they maintain sterile fields, hand instruments to surgeons, hold retractors, count sponges and needles, and monitor operating room conditions. After procedures, they apply dressings, clean and sterilize equipment using germicides and sterilizers, and restock the operating room. They also handle inventory management by ordering surgical supplies and maintaining equipment according to established protocols.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as Surgical Technologists possess exceptional attention to detail and dependability, as demonstrated by the high importance ratings (6.0 and 7.0 respectively) for these work styles. They have realistic and conventional personality orientations, preferring structured environments with clear procedures and protocols. Strong manual dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, and near vision are essential, along with excellent oral comprehension and communication skills for coordinating with surgical teams. Those who thrive demonstrate problem sensitivity to quickly identify issues during procedures and maintain selective attention in high-pressure environments.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry typically requires completion of a surgical technology program, with 40.6% holding associate's degrees and 31.2% completing post-secondary certificates according to education distribution data. These programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and sterile techniques, plus hands-on clinical experience. Many pursue certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CST). Some employers provide on-the-job training for candidates with relevant healthcare experience or military medical training.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Surgical Technologists can advance to specialized areas like cardiovascular or orthopedic surgery, becoming CVOR (Cardiovascular Operating Room) Technologists with higher earning potential. Career progression includes roles as surgical first assistants with additional training, department supervisors, or central sterile processing supervisors. Some transition to related healthcare roles like surgical assistants, medical equipment preparers, or pursue further education for nursing or other allied health professions. Travel OR Tech positions offer geographic flexibility and typically higher compensation.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The field employs 117,460 professionals with a median annual wage of $64,650 (BLS OEWS May 2025), ranging from $45,940 to $96,940 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with Hawaii offering the highest wages at $82,640 and Puerto Rico the lowest at $30,600, representing a 2.70x ratio. Employment is heavily concentrated in Health Care and Social Assistance (111,370 positions), with smaller numbers in Administrative and Support Services (4,600) and Educational Services (720). Job Zone 3 classification indicates medium preparation requirements, making it accessible while offering competitive compensation for the training investment required.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Surgical Technologists face low automation risk due to their critical role in maintaining sterile fields and providing real-time assistance during complex surgical procedures. The work activities of handling and moving objects, assisting and caring for others, and evaluating compliance with standards require human judgment, dexterity, and adaptability that current technology cannot replicate. While technology may enhance inventory tracking and equipment sterilization processes, the core functions of patient positioning, instrument passing, and sterile field maintenance will continue to require skilled human professionals.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Surgical Assistants (29-9093.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Surgical Assistants represent a natural career advancement from Surgical Technologists, requiring additional training and certification.
    data: Primary-Short relationship in O*NET
    data: Both assist healthcare practitioners during surgery
    data: Similar knowledge requirements in medicine and dentistry
  [task_similarity] Medical Equipment Preparers (31-9093.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve sterilizing medical equipment, maintaining inventory, and preparing equipment for medical procedures.
    data: Primary-Short relationship
    data: Shared tasks: sterilize equipment, maintain inventory
    data: Similar work activities in handling and moving objects
  [skill_overlap] Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (29-2031.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require monitoring skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of customer service in healthcare settings.
    data: Primary-Short relationship
    data: Both require monitoring and active listening skills
    data: Similar dependability work style requirements
  [riasec_cluster] Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (29-2057.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both occupations share realistic and conventional personality orientations with emphasis on following established procedures.
    data: Primary-Long relationship
    data: Similar RIASEC profile emphasis on realistic tasks
    data: Both require near vision abilities
  [knowledge_overlap] Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (29-2012.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles require knowledge of biology, medicine, and education/training with similar importance levels.
    data: Primary-Long relationship
    data: Shared knowledge areas: medicine, biology
    data: Similar job zone classification
  [transferable_skill] Endoscopy Technicians (31-9099.02) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Operations monitoring and coordination skills transfer directly between these specialized surgical support roles.
    data: Primary-Short relationship
    data: Both require operations monitoring skills
    data: Similar sterile technique requirements

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['surgical technologist', 'surgical technician', 'OR tech', 'operating room tech', 'scrub tech', 'surgical scrub', 'CST certified', 'cardiovascular technologist']
  exclude_keywords : ['surgeon', 'nurse', 'physician', 'assistant surgeon', 'anesthesiologist']
  title_patterns   : ['*surgical tech*', '*OR tech*', '*operating room tech*', '*scrub tech*', '*CVOR tech*']
  common_variations: ['surgical tech', 'OR technician', 'operating room technologist', 'scrub technician', 'surgery tech', 'surgical scrub tech', 'certified surgical technologist', 'travel OR tech']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['surgical', 'equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'technologists', 'operating', 'procedures', 'technology', 'medical', 'room', 'sterile', 'programs', 'surgery', 'principles', 'techniques', 'technologist', 'instruments', 'health', 'surgeons', 'patient']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
surgical                  120  0.03256  wikipedia            wikipedia:78%  inference:15%  onet_tasks:8%
equipment                  44  0.01194  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:52%  dwas:23%  inference:11%
tendency                   42  0.01139  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     40  0.01085  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:95%  wikipedia:2%  inference:2%
technologists              39  0.01058  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  inference:21%
operating                  27  0.00732  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  inference:19%  onet_tasks:15%
procedures                 25  0.00678  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:32%  wikipedia:28%  inference:20%
technology                 24  0.00651  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:17%  inference:17%
medical                    22  0.00597  dwas                 dwas:45%  wikipedia:36%  inference:14%
room                       21  0.00570  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  onet_tasks:14%  inference:14%
sterile                    19  0.00515  inference            inference:42%  wikipedia:37%  onet_tasks:11%
programs                   19  0.00515  wikipedia            wikipedia:74%  onet_dimensions:21%  inference:5%
surgery                    16  0.00434  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  dwas:25%  onet_tasks:12%
principles                 16  0.00434  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
techniques                 15  0.00407  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  wikipedia:20%  inference:13%
technologist               15  0.00407  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
instruments                14  0.00380  wikipedia            wikipedia:43%  onet_tasks:21%  inference:21%
health                     14  0.00380  wikipedia            wikipedia:64%  inference:29%  onet_dimensions:7%
surgeons                   13  0.00353  wikipedia            wikipedia:54%  onet_tasks:23%  inference:23%
patient                    13  0.00353  wikipedia            wikipedia:54%  dwas:23%  inference:15%
includes                   13  0.00353  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
objects                    13  0.00353  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
body                       13  0.00353  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:77%  wikipedia:23%
care                       12  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:17%  onet_tasks:8%
control                    12  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                 12  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  dwas:17%  inference:8%
patients                   11  0.00298  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:45%  dwas:18%  wikipedia:18%
supplies                   11  0.00298  dwas                 dwas:36%  onet_tasks:27%  wikipedia:18%
surgeon                    11  0.00298  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  onet_tasks:9%
needs                      11  0.00298  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  wikipedia:18%  onet_tasks:9%
ideas                      11  0.00298  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
association                11  0.00298  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
accreditation              11  0.00298  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
hand                       10  0.00271  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:20%  onet_tasks:10%
scrub                      10  0.00271  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  onet_tasks:20%
standards                  10  0.00271  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:10%  inference:10%
materials                  10  0.00271  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
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performing                 10  0.00271  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:20%
certified                  10  0.00271  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  inference:10%