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Circulating Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewCirculating technicians belong to the “unsterile” part of the surgical team, who prepare patients and help with anesthesia before surgery. They assist circulating technologists to obtain and open packets of items required for the surgery. They may also interview the patient before surgery to verify their medical records and answer any questions about the surgical process and after care.
Most circulating technicians keep a written account of the surgical procedures and help the circulating technologist to understand the surgeon’s questions about the patient during the surgical procedure.
Although their responsibilities are primarily to assist in pre- and post-operative patient care, circulating technicians and technologists have similar professional backgrounds to surgical technicians, who, also known as scrub or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and surgical technologists.
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Career RequirementsThe educational and training requirements for circulating technicians are usually met by completion of an accredited training program in circulating or surgical technology. Most course last between nine and twenty-four months and provide classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience for students.
The courses usually require some exposure to anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. They are also required to review care and safety procedures for patients before and after surgery.
They often are required to review procedures for caring for patients during surgical procedures as well. They may learn to sterilize instruments, and what additional steps are necessary to prevent and control infection in the operating room.
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Job OutlookThe aging population of the United States is having a positive effect upon the job outlook for circulating technicians. The volume of surgery is increasing and expected to continue increasing through the year 2014, according to most estimates.
Employment for circulating technicians is expected to grow much faster than average in the foreseeable future. Hospitals will remain the primary employer of circulating technicians, although there may be a growing number of opportunities in outpatient facilities where surgeries may be performed with increased frequency.
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Career TrackCirculating technicians enjoy the opportunity of working in clean, well-lighted, and cool environments. Their jobs generally demand considerable physical activity and mental alertness. Most circulating technicians work full-time; on average, a forty hour week. They are sometimes required to remain on call for additional hours.
Advancement is possible with promotion to clinical technologists, supervisory, and management positions.
Other circulatory technicians may decide to apply their knowledge and undertake additional training to become surgical technicians, treating patients during surgical procedures and assisting the surgical team to perform surgical procedures.
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CompensationAlthough compensation varies, most circulating technicians receive standard benefits and salaries ranging between $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Circulating technologists, who are generally responsible for supervising technicians, receive between $26,000 and $36,000 per year and standard benefits in most positions.
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