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Operating Room Technician Job Description

What does an Operating Room Technician do?

An Operating Room Technician, also known as a Surgical Technician or Scrub Technician, is responsible for preparing and maintaining the operating room and equipment before, during and after surgical procedures. They assist surgeons, nurses and other members of the operating team by handing them instruments and supplies. They are also responsible for preparing the patient for surgery, ensuring that the surgical area is clean and sterile, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. An Operating Room Technician must have knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Our Operating Room Technician job description includes the Operating Room Technician responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Operating Room Technician Example


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If you need an example job description for an Operating Room Technician download the one below, alternatively we have many other Healthcare job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does an Operating Room Technician do?

Operating Room Technician Job Summary

The Operating Room (OR) Technician is responsible for providing assistance to surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the operating room. The OR Technician will prepare and maintain the OR environment, ensure the safety of the patient and help to maintain a sterile environment. Responsibilities also include setting up and maintaining surgical instruments, supplies and equipment and ensuring they are in good working order. The Technician is also responsible for ensuring that all medical records are accurate and up-to-date. The OR Technician must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with a variety of healthcare professionals and have the ability to cope with a fast-paced and intense environment.

Operating Room Technician Role Purpose

The purpose of an Operating Room Technician in the United Kingdom is to assist medical staff in the delivery of safe, efficient, and effective patient care in the operating room. The technician is responsible for preparing the operating theater for surgery, setting up surgical instruments and equipment, and providing direct patient care. The technician must be able to interpret and recognize the needs of the patient, the surgeon and the anesthetist. They must also maintain the cleanliness and sterilization of the operating room, and be able to perform minor technical duties.

Operating Room Technician Role

Operating Room Technicians (ORTs) provide essential support to surgeons and other medical staff during surgical procedures, by preparing and maintaining the operating theatre environment, and setting up and cleaning surgical instruments and equipment.

Operating Room Technician Duties

  • Preparing the operating room, equipment and supplies for surgical procedures
  • Assisting surgeons and nurses during operations
  • Passing instruments and other items to surgeons and nurses
  • Maintaining the supplies and equipment in the operating room
  • Cleaning and preparing the operating room after each procedure

Operating Room Technician Requirements

  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Familiarity with medical terminology and principles of aseptic technique
  • Ability to handle equipment safely and correctly

Operating Room Technician Skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively with a team of surgeons and nurses
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure
  • Good knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body
  • Ability to use and maintain complex medical equipment
  • A good understanding of infection control procedures and regulations
  • High attention to detail

Operating Room Technician Personal Traits

  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to maintain concentration for long periods
  • Good manual dexterity
  • Attention to detail

How to write an Operating Room Technician Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write an Operating Room Technician Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise an Operating Room Technician Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting an Operating Room Technician Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire an Operating Room Technician

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