Surgical Tech Resume Writing Tips and Sample
Surgical techs are vital members of the operating room team, assisting surgeons and other medical personnel throughout procedures. This career ranks among the top 15 highest-paying jobs without a degree, offering competitive pay and a chance to impact lives. Want to join this meaningful field or find a new job? You’ll need a top-notch surgical tech resume and cover letter to begin.
In this article, we outline steps to write an attention-grabbing resume — a key to securing that sought-after job interview. We’ve also included a surgical technologist resume sample to help fuel your creative process.
3 Tips to Write a Great Surgical Tech Resume
1. Include a Summary or Objective
In today’s fast-paced world, recruiters often skim through resumes in fewer than 10 seconds, so it’s essential to grab their attention fast. Start by creating a catchy surgical tech resume objective that highlights your top skills. Whether it’s your hands-on experience in the operating room or your ability to thrive under pressure, bring it to the forefront for maximum impact.
Wondering what to do if you are a fresh out of school and need to write your surgical tech resume with no experience? Here are some tips to enhance your resume objective:
- Academic accomplishments
- Continuing education classes
- Internships and simulation lab experience
- Recommendations from your school instructors
- Relevant experience from a previous career
2. Feature Key Surgical Tech Skills
Being a surgical tech means having a unique skill set, but which skills should you include on a resume? Skip over basic tasks, such as coming to work on time and ability to communicate with your colleagues — these are expected. Highlight job-specific surgical room skills that form the core of your role.
This will help your employer to see the value you can bring to their surgical team and your readiness to handle the responsibilities of the job. There are a number of key surgical tech resume skills you could spotlight, including:
- Preparing the operating room for surgery.
- Sterilizing and arranging instruments.
- Handling specimens.
- Handing instruments to the surgeon.
- Maintaining a sterile field.
- Managing surgical equipment and supplies.
3. Format Your Resume Professionally
Presenting a messy resume is like arriving at an interview in a crumpled, stained suit — not the impression you want to make. Make sure your resume is free of grammar mistakes, appropriately formatted, and reflects your professionalism. Let it showcase the real you — a responsible, organized, detail-oriented person who’s genuinely interested in the job.
Surgical Tech Resume Sample
Cole Bradley, CST
Coconut Street, FL | firstlast@email.com | 444-444-4444
Certified surgical technologist with five years of experience, including two years in orthopedics and three years in neurosurgery. Former EMT. Eager to contribute my skills to a team that strives for excellence, ensuring the best patient outcomes.
Key Qualifications
- Proficiency in preparing operating rooms, maintaining sterile fields, and adhering to infection control guidelines.
- Knowledge of surgical instruments and operating room protocols.
- Familiarity with surgical procedures across different specialties.
- Competency in providing assistance to surgeons during procedures, including positioning patients and passing surgical instruments.
Education
Miami Dade College, Miami, FL, 20XX
Associate of Science in Surgical Technology
GPA: 3.9/4.0
Professional Experience
Neurosurgery Center, Surgical Technologist, 20XX–present
- Assisted with a wide range of neurosurgery procedures including craniotomies, spinal fusions, and tumor resections.
- Handled delicate neurosurgical instruments, such as neurosurgical drills, specialized clips, and suction devices.
- Positioned and secured patients for surgery, taking into account the specific requirements of neurosurgical procedures.
- Mentored newly-hired surgical techs, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth surgical operations.
Orthopedic Surgery Center, Surgical Technologist, 20XX–20XX
- Assisted in orthopedic surgeries, including joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopies.
- Managed surgical equipment, such as orthopedic implants, power tools, and traction devices.
- Handled specimens, ensuring proper labeling and documentation for analysis.
- Cleaned and restocked the operating room after each procedure, ensuring it was ready for the next surgery.
Miami Fire Rescue, EMT, 20XX–20XX
- Responded to emergency calls and provided pre-hospital care to patients in various medical emergencies.
- Performed basic life support interventions, including CPR, hemorrhage control, and airway management.
- Administered emergency medical treatments according to protocols.
- Collaborated with other EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and healthcare professionals to ensure timely and efficient delivery of care.
Skills
- Knowledge of surgical procedures
- Sterile field maintenance
- Equipment setup and operation
- Specimen handling
- Language comprehension: English and French
- Software proficiency: Epic, Cerner, and CareCloud
Certifications and Licenses
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Professional Memberships
- Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
- Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA)
How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make?
The average surgical tech salary in the U.S. is $62,250. However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors like location, education, experience, and your workplace setting.
Looking to maximize your earnings? Explore opportunities in these top five highest-paying states for surgical techs:
Ready to Use Your Surgical Tech Resume?
Congratulations! You’ve written a top-notch resume. Now, it’s time to turn those qualifications into a fulfilling career. Explore our job board for the latest surgical tech opportunities across the nation, and pick the ones that match your preferences.