How to become an Operating Theatre Technician

Operating theatre technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and equipment, assist surgical and anaesthetic teams during operations, and provide support to patients in recovery.

Personal requirements for an Operating Theatre Technician

  • Good communication and people skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Able to work under pressure
  • Able to work accurately and with minimal supervision
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Organised and methodical
  • Good general health and fitness

Education & Training for an Operating Theatre Technician

To become an operating theatre technician you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become an operating theatre technician through a traineeship in Health Services Assistance. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Duties & Tasks of an Operating Theatre Technician

Operating theatre technicians:

  • Transport patients to and from the theatre and wards
  • Assist in preparing operating rooms for surgery
  • Set up, check, connect and adjust surgical equipment
  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses and anaesthetists
  • Clean and restock the operating room, arranging instruments, supplies and equipment according to instruction
  • Position patients for surgical and anaesthetic treatments.

Tasks

  • Sets up, checks and maintains operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment.

Working conditions for an Operating Theatre Technician

Operating theatre technicians usually work closely within a team in a restricted physical environment.


Employment Opportunities for an Operating Theatre Technician

Operating theatre technicians work in hospital or healthcare settings. Some work in day surgeries, endoscopy clinics and eye surgeries.With experience and further training, operating theatre technicians may progress to higher graded roles.


Specializations

Operating Theatre Technician

Operating theatre technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and equipment, assist surgical and anaesthetic teams during operations, and provide support to patients in recovery.

  • Average age
    Average age
    46 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Stable
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    23% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    42 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,159
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    High skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    75% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,100 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 0.0%
    NSW: 6.7%
    NT: 0.8%
    QLD: 9.2%
    SA: 2.7%
    TAS: 2.1%
    VIC: 76.3%
    WA: 2.2%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 0.4%
    20-24: 5.5%
    25-34: 16.5%
    35-44: 23.4%
    45-54: 30.2%
    55-59: 14.6%
    60-64: 7%
    65 and Over: 2.5%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.1%
    Bachelor degree: 12.8%
    Certificate III/IV: 51.4%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1.9%
    Year 10 and below: 6%
    Year 11: 3.9%
    Year 12: 13.9%
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