A Operation theatre technician, whom we can also call surgical room assistants or surgical scrubs are assistants to doctors in operation theatres. In simple terms, they are technicians who support surgeons and aestheticians in the operation theatre. Additionally, they prep the surgery room before the operation begins. Hence, their contribution is considered a vital part of any surgery.
If you wish to pursue a Medical Career path by becoming an Operation Theatre Technician you deserve to know all about it. To share some knowledge on this aspect, we have come up with this blog. Go through it, to know who is an operation theatre technician in detail while also understanding how to begin the career as one.
Who is an operation theatre technician?
Becoming an operation theatre technician is one of the promising career choices in the healthcare sector. Essentially, this profession involves making the OT and surgical equipment ready before the surgery. Also, they take care of the equipment post-surgery. Additionally, they serve as a strong support system for surgeons as well as aestheticians. Precisely, the following are the job duties of a surgical assistant:
- Sterilizing the surgical tools and organizing them appropriately for the surgery
- Checking if there are any ambiguities in the patient’s medical records before the surgery
- Taking care of the surgical equipment and handing over the right equipment as and when asked by the doctor during the surgery.
- Sterilizing the surgical table and instruments post-operation
- Disposing of medical waste carefully.
How to start a career as an operation theatre technician:
The surgical assistant profession is becoming quite popular in the healthcare sector. If you see yourself as one then follow the below steps:
- As a first step, you must qualify 10 + 2 with physics, chemistry, and biology as focus subjects.
- Secondly, you must either choose a diploma or a UG program in operation theatre technology to become one.
- Later in order to gain proficiency in more skills you can also pursue a postgraduate program in OT lab technician.
- Once, you complete the above steps you can start applying for jobs at various hospitals.
What is an Operation Theatre Technician Course:
Besides UG and PG programs, there are certification as well as diploma courses in this sector, which you can take. By good fortune, this course is available on various ed-tech platforms. However, not all are legit. While taking any course, most importantly, while choosing a healthcare course, it is crucial to enroll in a credible institute. For instance, Henry Harvin, one of the global leaders in the ed-tech space is a perfect platform to take such courses.
Holding expertise of more than 10 years in the ed-tech space, Henry Harvin has tremendously transformed their teaching methodologies and course curriculum. With over 1200 courses in 37 categories, in their portfolio, they prove to be prominent in the ed-tech space. Their operation theatre technician course, which is one among the 1200 various courses is trusted by most companies in India as well as abroad.
Their Paramedical Courses focus on enhancing knowledge of the key roles and responsibilities of surgical assistants. Additionally, they teach you the process of reporting and documentation. Besides training in operation theatre prepping, they educate you on the significance of nursing and patient care. Most importantly, they help you understand the importance and working of bodies like NABH. Furthermore, projects and internship facilities are an add-on to the training program. Henry Harvin’s placement assistance that offers personalized job support needs a special mention.
Skills an operation theatre technician must own:
It is one of the most rewarding professions in the healthcare sector. Nevertheless, a unique skill set is a requirement to do justice to the role.
- An operation theatre assistant must be able to maintain a harmonious relationship with fellow teammates.
- Additionally, they must prepare the operation theatre before the surgery commences.
- Following accurate operation theatre protocols and handling patients with care are among key responsibilities.
- Also, they must be taking care of sterilizing the equipment before and after surgeries.
- They must be prepared to view unpleasant scenarios in the surgery room
- Most importantly, an operation theatre technician must assist doctors promptly and pay attention to detail.
- Following rules and protocol is crucial; however, while doing so they must also be spontaneous in their job.
- They must have the ability to work under pressure and also have the patience to assist doctors because at times surgeries might last for a few hours.
Also Read- Best 10 Paramedical Institutes in Yamuna Vihar
How to hone the skills of being an operation theatre technician:
By taking a course you can gain theoretical knowledge; however, to gain proficiency practically, you must enroll in an internship program. Involving in such programs helps you in practical learning. Also, while being in the profession you must constantly go through the protocols that need to be followed
In order to do so, you can go read books on operation theatre management. More particularly, you must read handbooks that mention the protocols and procedures along with moral ethics that are mandatory in hospitality. Hence, an operation theatre technician must always carry operation theatre books. For example, you can always keep the Medical Laboratory Technician Handbook for reference.
Scope of an operation theatre technician:
Operation theatre technicians have a bright future and this field is emerging rapidly. Here are a few reasons to help you understand why you must choose this as your career.
- Primarily, an operation theatre technician can find jobs in multiple areas. In addition to private and government hospitals, they are hired by pharmaceutical companies, schools, and colleges as well.
- Being in this profession allows working with highly qualified doctors and professionals. As a result, you can learn better and also establish professional networking.
- Next, this job requires you to communicate with doctors as well as patients; therefore, you can enhance your interpersonal skills.
- Most of all, this profession has its demand now and it is expected to skyrocket in the near future.
- Above all, renowned hospitals like AIIMS, Fortis, Apollo, and many others are looking to hire qualified operation theatre technicians.
Operation Theatre Technician Salary:
A beginner salary salary usually ranges between 2-4LPA. You can earn attractive packages over the years based on expertise and merit.
Job Profiles for an OT Assistant:
- Teacher/ Lecturer
- Surgical Lab Technician
- OT Assistant
- Assistant to aesthetician
Conclusion:
For those looking to take up healthcare as a career, an OT assistant is a promising option for you. Also, there is a wide range of job opportunities to choose from as an OT technician. I hope this blog provides all the guidance necessary to understand this profile.
Recommended Reads:
- Top 10 Operation Theatre Technician Books.
- Best 10 Operation Theatre Courses in Yamuna Vihar
- 10 Best Operation Theatre Technician Courses in India
- Top 10 Operation Theatre Courses in Delhi
FAQ’s:
1. Is becoming an operation theatre technician a notable career choice?
Ans. Yes, indeed, it offers promising careers in the healthcare sector.
2. What is the difference between an operation theatre technician and a nurse?
Ans. While both perform the duty of tending to patients, there is a slight difference between both. An operation theatre technician must and should follow the doctor’s instructions. Nurses, on the other hand, are capable enough to come up with an exhaustive patient plan.
3. Is a diploma sufficient to become an operation theatre technician
Ans. Yes; however, holding a bachelor’s degree and a post-graduation degree will equip with you better professional skills. Eventually, you get better salary packages.
4. How much does an OT assistant earn as a fresher?
Ans. A beginner’s salary typically ranges between 2-4 LPA.
5. What is the primary responsibility of an OT assistant?
Ans. Besides keeping OT and surgical types of equipment ready, a surgery room technician must assist doctors during surgeries.