Navy NEC · Medical
L23A Surgical Technologist
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A Surgical Technologist assists medical officers with surgical techniques and provides patient care, safety, and support before, during, and after surgery. They select, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and materials, assist anesthetists during procedures, maintain equipment and records, and help train personnel assigned surgical duties.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- sterile field management
- surgical instrument preparation
- operating room setup
- aseptic technique
- surgical case support
- anesthesia equipment assistance
- surgical equipment maintenance
- patient safety checks
- operative recordkeeping
- clinical staff training
Civilian Software & Tools
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
Civilian Career Paths
- Surgical Technology
- Clinical Technician
- Nursing
Training & Development
Getting Started
- NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- CPR/BLS Certification
Career Growth
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), CBSPD
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Also Common
- NCCT Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C)
What the Work Involves
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
Related Occupations
- Surgical Assistants
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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