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Operating Room Specialist

Medical and Emergency
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Operating Room Specialist - 68D


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

The operating room specialist assists the nursing staff in preparing the patient and the operating room environment for surgery and for providing assistance to the medical staff during surgical procedures. They also operate the centralized material service and are responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile medical supplies and special equipment for medical treatment facilities.

Job Duties

  • Provide assistance to the medical staff during surgical procedures to include the creation and maintenance of sterile fields for surgical procedures
  • Assist in preparing patients and operating room environment for surgery
  • Perform various preoperative and postoperative procedures as directed. This does not include the manipulation of tissue (e.g., cutting, suturing, cannulating, grafting, sawing or drilling)
  • Responsible for the sterilization process, which includes inspecting, cleaning, assembling, warping and sterilizing equipment
  • Requirements

  • Not Applicable
  • Training

    Job training for an operating room specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 19 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, which includes on-the-job instruction.Some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Basic nursing care
  • Knowledge of the human body
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Methods for diagnosing diseases
  • Helpful Skills

  • Interest in helping and caring for others
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions
  • Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra
  • High attention to detail
  • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • Skilled Technical (ST) : 91
  • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

  • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.