Good reasons for joining #TeamBethesda as a surgical technology specialist

Before the operation

• clean your hands properly for the surgical procedure and put on sterile clothing
• prepare the instruments and materials required for the planned procedure, such as tubes, suture material or drapes
• prepare electronic devices that will be used for viewing or recording during the operation
• ensure that the table, accessories and lighting in the theatre are working properly
• find out about standards and regulations for specific work situations and take appropriate precautions, e.g. for radiation protection
• assist in greeting and familiarising the patient
• Disinfect the operating theatre

During the operation

• help the surgeon to put on the sterile gown and gloves
• Anticipate the surgeon's actions during the procedure as far as possible
• hand out or remove required instruments, fluids, compresses and other materials
• continuously ensure that the electronic devices are functioning properly
• count the instruments and compresses at the end of the operation and inform the surgeon if anything is missing
• ensure that hygiene is maintained to minimise the risk of infection

After the operation

• Place the patient back in her bed
• collect, check, clean and sterilise the instruments and materials used
• assist in managing the stock of materials and medication
• Supervise and instruct trainees

The training is organised in blocks according to the HFGS training plan: 40% practice, 40% school and 20% Learning Training Transfer (LTT).

The training programme lasts 3 years and concludes with a diploma in surgical technology HF.

• The theoretical training at the school alternates with practical assignments in various specialist areas (e.g. visceral surgery, vascular surgery, gynaecology, urology, traumatology, orthopaedics and special surgery).
• Topics include
• Preparation for surgery: instruments, materials, equipment
• Instrumentation during the operation
• Care and support of patients in the operating theatre
• Organisation and logistics
• Co-operation and communication
• Quality management

Previous education

Admission to the training programme:

• federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), technical secondary school certificate or vocational, technical or grammar school baccalaureate or equivalent certificate
• Aptitude assessment/admission procedure

Previous tertiary-level training in the healthcare sector can be recognised by the training providers. The training period may be shortened (e.g. for qualified nurses HF).

the educational institutions will provide details.

Requirements

• Ability to concentrate
• physical and mental resilience
• Sociability
• Communication skills
• Interest in the healthcare sector
• technical understanding

Certified specialist in surgical technology HF

Specialists in surgical technology usually work in hospitals and clinics. However, they can also work in day clinics, outpatient centres, doctors' surgeries or medical technology companies. In some areas of activity, the professionals also work at weekends, in night shifts or are on call. The type and closeness of contact with patients also varies depending on the area of work.

Surgical technology specialists can specialise in one type of surgery, e.g. orthopaedics, cardiac surgery or microsurgery. With sufficient experience, they can manage the corresponding surgical area of a clinic. Professionals can also undertake further training in teaching and then teach in hospitals or schools in the healthcare sector.

• College of Health and Social Sciences (HFGS) Aarau
• KSBL Liestal site (practice location)
• Bethesda Spital AG (practice location)