- What should your surgical tech resume include?
- How to craft a professional summary
- How should you describe your work experience as a surgical tech?
- Include an education and certifications section
- Which key skills are relevant for a surgical tech resume?
- How to select the most impactful surgical tech resume template
- Copyable surgical tech resume example
- Key takeaways
Got your eyes on a surgical tech position? Secure your spot in the operating room with our comprehensive surgical tech resume example and guide.
The medical field is continuously expanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
While the opportunities are growing, so is the competition. So, if you’re looking for a new job as a surgical tech, creating an impressive resume will be a key component of your job search success.
That said, it’s vital for your resume to showcase your skills, credentials, and accomplishments so employers understand your capacity to assist physicians effectively in the operating room.
This article will show you how; continue reading as we discuss:
What a surgical tech resume should include
How to structure the summary, work history, and education sections
Adding relevant skills to your surgical tech resume
Choosing the right resume template for a surgical tech
What should your surgical tech resume include?
Because surgeons rely heavily on surgical techs while operating, the surgical tech resume must clearly communicate not only your technical and medical expertise but also your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Employers are seeking candidates who can demonstrate their ability to support surgical teams while prioritizing patient care and safety. As a surgical tech, your resume should showcase your expertise in assisting with surgical procedures, preparing operating rooms, and ensuring adherence to sterile techniques.
Be sure to include the following sections in your surgical tech resume:
Contact information
Professional summary
Key areas of expertise
Employment history
Education and certifications
How to craft a professional summary
The professional summary presents a prime opportunity to make a lasting impact and capture the attention of the hiring team. Utilize this section to introduce the most compelling aspects of your qualifications. This sets the tone for the entire resume, immediately showcases your fit for the role, and intrigues the reader to dive further into the resume.
Start strong with an opening that calls out your experience and proficiency in the healthcare sector. In no more than five lines, outline any major achievements and the variety of surgical procedures that you have assisted.
Allocate a few lines to highlight your specific areas of expertise to underscore your capabilities. Consider including technical proficiencies, such as sterilization or operation of surgical equipment, as well as interpersonal skills, like teamwork and communication.
Highly organized, detail-oriented Surgical Technologist with extensive background in providing surgery support to physicians, anaesthesiologists, and healthcare teams. Compassionate medical professional dedicated to patient-centric care. Equipped with excellent communication skills, able to liaise effectively with surgeons, nurses, medical teams, and patients in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Methodical and attentive, well-versed in all aspects of preparing operating rooms, equipment, and patients for diverse surgical procedures. Strong leadership skills, excel at mentoring students and professionals new to the field of surgical technology. Thrive on learning new processes, procedures, and technologies
How should you describe your work experience as a surgical tech?
When writing about your work history, arrange previous positions in reverse chronological order, as recruiters prioritize recent roles. Include details like your job title, employer name, duration of employment, and location.
Provide specific details highlighting pertinent aspects of your role, such as the types of surgeries you supported, daily procedure volumes, and utilization of specialized equipment.
Following the scope paragraph for each role, add a bulleted list of achievements to emphasize your accomplishments and contributions to patient care and surgical outcomes. This is key to communicating the value you offer as a surgical tech and sets you apart from your competition.
Use metrics to showcase your contributions, such as the number of surgeries completed without complications, or the percentage of procedures completed within specified timeframes.
Here’s an example of a strong accomplishment bullet for a surgical tech:
Implemented new sterilization procedures resulting in a 20% reduction in surgical site infections, enhancing patient safety and satisfaction.
Surgical Assistant at ABC Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York, NY 2021 - present
Assist surgeons specializing in reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty, facial, scar, skin cancer reconstruction, eyelid surgery, facelift, breast reconstruction, ear and foot surgeries, and more.
Prepare patients for surgery by washing surgical areas, and shaving and disinfecting incision sites.
Sterilize instruments and disinfect operating rooms (OR). Position patients on operating tables; place surgical drapes around incision sites.
Assist surgeons by handing correct instruments.
Operate equipment such as lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment.
Ensure compliance with all established treatment protocols, scope of practice, and organizational policies and procedures.
Communicated effectively with other departments and teams on complex surgical procedures to ensure positive surgical outcomes and outstanding patient care.
Maintained skills and improved knowledge by attending continuous education and training.
Surgical Technologist at Top Surgical Care of Manhattan, New York, NY 2015 -2021
Prepared ORs for surgical procedures, including assembling, sterilizing, and readying equipment.
Checked that all surgical equipment functioned properly.
Set up sterile solutions in areas easily accessed by physicians.
Cleaned, shaved, and disinfected patient incision sites prior to surgery and assisted with positioning patients on the operating tables.
Handed sterile instruments to surgeons during procedures, cut sutures, and disposed of lab specimens.
Tracked patient status and vital signs during procedures.
Assisted with successful rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic surgery, ACL reconstruction, and ankle replacement procedures.
Gained extensive experience with the following procedures: endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, foot and ankle surgery, fracture care, geriatric fracture care, hand and wrist surgery.
Surgical Technologist at Private Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Practices, New York, NY 2007 - 2015
Assisted surgeons during a wide range of surgical procedures, including facial plastic and reconstructive, cosmetic, and general procedures as well as breast augmentation, liposuction, Brazilian butt lifts, and tummy tucks.
Closely collaborated with nurses before and during procedures, and as follow up.
Effectively anticipated surgeon needs during procedures to ensure positive outcomes for patients.
Designed and delivered on-the job training and mentorship to new staff members regarding hospital protocols and workflows and responsibilities for Surgical Technicians.
Include an education and certifications section
The education section of your surgical tech resume is very important as surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree.
So, be sure to showcase your academic achievements, including degrees or certifications. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development by highlighting additional trainings or courses you've completed, such as CPR certification or advanced life support training. These credentials not only underscores your expertise but also illustrate your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Additionally, if you've held leadership roles in professional affiliations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), be sure to highlight your active involvement and influence within the surgical technology community.
Surgical Technology Certificate from New York University, New York, NY
NBSTSA Certified
CPR & PLS Certified (2015)
Which key skills are relevant for a surgical tech resume?
Employers are seeking candidates who excel not only in surgical assistance but also in effective communication with patients and healthcare teams. Thus, when outlining your key skills, ensure a blend of technical expertise, encompassing familiarity with surgical instruments and equipment, and soft skills like empathy and meticulous attention to detail.
Integrate relevant keywords throughout your resume to demonstrate practical application of these skills in real-world scenarios. This strategic approach not only enhances your performance in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also strengthens your candidacy, positioning you as a standout candidate for the role.
Here’s a list of key skills you could include in your surgical tech resume:
Surgical instrumentation
Sterilization techniques
Patient positioning
Electronic medical records
Operating room procedures
Infection control
Patient safety
Patient monitoring
While the core responsibilities of surgical techs remain consistent across roles, companies may use diverse terminology to explain job duties. Therefore, it's imperative to customize your resume to the specific job description to optimize your prospects.
How to select the most impactful surgical tech resume template
Select a clean, professional template when crafting your surgical tech resume. Opt for a layout that is easy to read and navigate, allowing recruiters to grasp your career history effortlessly and understand how you align with the role. A well-designed resume enhances your visibility amidst competition and leaves a positive impression on the decision-makers.
Explore our vast selection of resume options tailored to your specific needs through our resume builder. Gain inspiration from our extensive collection of 500+ resume examples.
Copyable surgical tech resume example
Summary example
Highly organized, detail-oriented Surgical Technologist with extensive background in providing surgery support to physicians, anaesthesiologists, and healthcare teams. Compassionate medical professional dedicated to patient-centric care. Equipped with excellent communication skills, able to liaise effectively with surgeons, nurses, medical teams, and patients in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Methodical and attentive, well-versed in all aspects of preparing operating rooms, equipment, and patients for diverse surgical procedures. Strong leadership skills, excel at mentoring students and professionals new to the field of surgical technology. Thrive on learning new processes, procedures, and technologies
Employment history example
Surgical Assistant at ABC Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York, NY 2021 - present
Assist surgeons specializing in reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty, facial, scar, skin cancer reconstruction, eyelid surgery, facelift, breast reconstruction, ear and foot surgeries, and more.
Prepare patients for surgery by washing surgical areas, and shaving and disinfecting incision sites.
Sterilize instruments and disinfect operating rooms (OR). Position patients on operating tables; place surgical drapes around incision sites.
Assist surgeons by handing correct instruments.
Operate equipment such as lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment.
Ensure compliance with all established treatment protocols, scope of practice, and organizational policies and procedures.
Communicated effectively with other departments and teams on complex surgical procedures to ensure positive surgical outcomes and outstanding patient care.
Maintained skills and improved knowledge by attending continuous education and training.
Surgical Technologist at Top Surgical Care of Manhattan, New York, NY 2015 -2021
Prepared ORs for surgical procedures, including assembling, sterilizing, and readying equipment.
Checked that all surgical equipment functioned properly.
Set up sterile solutions in areas easily accessed by physicians.
Cleaned, shaved, and disinfected patient incision sites prior to surgery and assisted with positioning patients on the operating tables.
Handed sterile instruments to surgeons during procedures, cut sutures, and disposed of lab specimens.
Tracked patient status and vital signs during procedures.
Assisted with successful rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic surgery, ACL reconstruction, and ankle replacement procedures.
Gained extensive experience with the following procedures: endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, foot and ankle surgery, fracture care, geriatric fracture care, hand and wrist surgery.
Surgical Technologist at Private Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Practices, New York, NY 2007 - 2015
Assisted surgeons during a wide range of surgical procedures, including facial plastic and reconstructive, cosmetic, and general procedures as well as breast augmentation, liposuction, Brazilian butt lifts, and tummy tucks.
Closely collaborated with nurses before and during procedures, and as follow up.
Effectively anticipated surgeon needs during procedures to ensure positive outcomes for patients.
Designed and delivered on-the job training and mentorship to new staff members regarding hospital protocols and workflows and responsibilities for Surgical Technicians.
Education example
Surgical Technology Certificate from New York University, New York, NY
NBSTSA Certified
CPR & PLS Certified (2015)
Skills example
Sterilization Techniques
Operating Room Procedures
Patient Positioning
Infection Control
Patient Safety
Pre and Postoperative Care
Medical Terminology
Key takeaways
Showcase your proficiency in supporting surgical procedures and prioritizing patient safety.
Add measurable achievements to substantiate your impact and effectiveness.
Emphasize relevant education and certifications to validate your expertise.
Integrate strategic keywords across your resume to optimize ATS screening and improve your chances.
Opt for a streamlined, easily navigable format to ensure your suitability for the position is immediately evident.
