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How a surgical technologist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 29-2055.00: Surgical TechnologistsMedian pay $64,650/year (BLS, May 2025)18 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Central Supply Technician (Central Supply Tech), Certified Scrub Technician (Certified Scrub Tech), CST (Certified Surgical Technologist), OR Surgical Tech (Operating Room Surgical Technician), OR Tech (Operating Room Technician), OR Technologist (Operating Room Technologist), Scrub Technician (Scrub Tech), Scrub Technologist (Scrub Tech), Surgical Scrub Technician (Surgical Scrub Tech), Surgical Scrub Technologist (Surgical Scrub Tech).

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 12%Stays human 88%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 2 AI-assist and 16 human-led tasks out of 18. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.Handle the admin · Several times a day
Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.Handle the admin · Several times a day

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.Hands-on care · Hourly or more
Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.Hands-on care · Hourly or more
Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.Hands-on care · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 2

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.

Several times a day

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.

Context: We use MEDITECH software and Electronic medical record EMR software.
Supplies: [OR supplies, PPE]
Par levels: [describe]

Make a check and reorder sheet. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Medical supply inventory

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you count sponges, needles and instruments.

Step 2Fill in [Supplies] and [Par levels] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment..

Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.

Several times a day

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.

Context: We use MEDITECH software and Electronic medical record EMR software.
Supplies: [OR supplies, PPE]
Par levels: [describe]

Make a check and reorder sheet. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Medical supply inventory

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain supply of fluids.

Step 2Fill in [Supplies] and [Par levels] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment..

These stay human 16

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Standing: continually or almost continually · Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Using hands on tools and objects: continually or almost continually

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure type: [describe]
Rules: [aseptic technique]

Summarize rules and common breaches. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Sterile field refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain a proper sterile field (today).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure type] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain sterile operative fields..

Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure: [type]
Role: [first assist, consult]

Summarize steps and key moments as study notes. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical assist prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you hand instruments and supplies (today).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery..

Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Treatment: [radiation, surgery, exam]
Requirements: [prescription]

List positioning and verification steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Positioning for treatment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare patients. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Treatment] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Position patients for treatment or examination.. Also involves: Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment..

Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure: [type]
Role: [first assist, consult]

Summarize steps and key moments as study notes. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical assist prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team (today).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.. Also involves: Maintain sterile operative fields..

Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Situations: [cuts, sprains, splints]
Setting: [describe]

Summarize steps and when to escalate. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: First aid and dressing refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare dressings or bandages and apply.

Step 2Fill in [Situations] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.. Also involves: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery..

Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure or treatment: [describe]
What I monitor: [vitals, EKG, reactions]

List normal ranges, warning signs, escalation steps, and reassuring phrases for patients. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: In-procedure monitoring guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor continually assess operating room conditions. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Procedure or treatment] and [What I monitor] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the phrases with your next patient.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.. Also involves: Monitor facilities or operational systems..

Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Room or equipment: [therapy room, anesthesia equipment]
Rules: [policy]

List cleaning and setup steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Equipment and room turnover

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and restock operating room.

Step 2Fill in [Room or equipment] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean medical equipment or facilities.. Also involves: Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment..

Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Specimen: [tissue, cells, slides]
Method: [staining, mounting, culture]

List prep steps, QC checks and common errors. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Specimen prep for analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, care for.

Step 2Fill in [Specimen] and [Method] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare every step with your validated SOP.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis..

Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure: [type]
Role: [first assist, consult]

Summarize steps and key moments as study notes. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical assist prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide technical assistance.

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery..

Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Equipment: [ventilator, anesthesia, therapy]
Settings: [parameters]

Summarize settings and safety checks as study notes. No patient details. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Medical equipment settings refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights and suction machines (today).

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Settings] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Follow orders and your protocol at the bedside.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.. Also involves: Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment..

Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Setting: [OR, procedure room]
Items: [instruments, equipment]

List sterility verification steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Sterility check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you wash and sterilize equipment.

Step 2Fill in [Setting] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.. Also involves: Clean medical equipment or facilities..

Transport patients to and from the operating room.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to transport patients to and from the operating room.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Transfer: [within hospital, between facilities]
Patient needs: [equipment, monitoring, general only]

Make a pre-transfer checklist, handoff points and safety checks. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Patient transfer checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you transport patients. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Transfer] and [Patient needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it with your facility's transfer protocol.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Move patients to or from treatment areas.. Also involves: Provide escort or transportation..

Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Procedure or treatment: [describe]
What I monitor: [vitals, EKG, reactions]

List normal ranges, warning signs, escalation steps, and reassuring phrases for patients. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: In-procedure monitoring guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe patients' vital signs. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Procedure or treatment] and [What I monitor] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the phrases with your next patient.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities..

Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to maintain files and records of surgical procedures.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Job details: [files and records of surgical procedures: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to maintain files and records of surgical procedures (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: files and records of surgical procedures

Step 1Before you next maintain files and records of surgical procedures, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details].

Step 2Compare its steps with the service manual for that exact make and model, and list the parts and part numbers you'll need. Add the steps only experience teaches.

Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories..

Order surgical supplies.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to order surgical supplies.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Job details: [surgical supplies: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to order surgical supplies (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: surgical supplies

Step 1Before you next order surgical supplies, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details].

Step 2Strike anything that doesn't match your manual or site rules. Add the steps only experience teaches.

Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

Importance 4.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Order medical supplies or equipment..

Schedule surgical procedures for patients.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a surgical technologist. Part of my job is to schedule surgical procedures for patients.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and education and training.
Job details: [surgical procedures for patients: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to schedule surgical procedures for patients (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: surgical procedures for patients

Step 1Before you next schedule surgical procedures for patients, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details]. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Strike anything that doesn't match your manual or site rules. Add the steps only experience teaches.

Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

Importance 4.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Schedule patient procedures or appointments.. Also involves: Schedule appointments..

Get the full prompt pack for Surgical Technologists

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Monitoringimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Active Listeningimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Coordinationimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Speakingimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Management of Material Resourcesimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Management of Personnel Resourcesimportance 2.6/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

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Skills to build: Critical Thinking, Operation and Control, Social Perceptiveness
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians80% human-led · Same preparation · $74,310/yr · usually associate's degree
Skills to build: Science, Critical Thinking, Speaking
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers78% human-led · Same preparation · $96,590/yr
Skills to build: Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking
Dental Hygienists72% human-led · Same preparation · $98,100/yr · usually associate's degree
Your skills already line up

Getting into this job

O*NET has not surveyed education and training for this occupation yet.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

MEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word