National Surgical Technologists Week is here again, and we’ve got some great ways to support the cause! From what it is to when it’s held to why it matters and more — including some key facts about surgical technology — here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Surgical Tech Week 2026.
> Looking for new career opportunities? Browse surgical tech jobs here
Happy National Surgical Technologists Week 2026!
What is National Surgical Technologists Week (NSTW)?
National Surgical Technologists Week (NSTW) is a time designated by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) to recognize and honor surgical techs and the important work they do, each and every day.
When is National Surgical Tech Week 2026?
National Surgical Technologists Week was created and first celebrated way back in 1984. Since then, it’s been held each year during the third full week of September. In 2026, National Surgical Technologists Week kicks off on September 20 and runs through September 26.
Why Celebrate Surgical Technologists Week?
A core clinical profession for more than 60 years now, surgical technology is one of healthcare’s most important jobs. As the allied health professionals who help ensure that operating rooms function safely and smoothly, surgical techs have a big list of responsibilities that can include:
- Pre-surgery duties like arranging surgical equipment, preparing the OR, and helping patients get ready
- Assisting during surgery by managing and providing surgical tools and keeping the environment sterile
- Post-surgery tasks like applying dressings, disposing of needles, and gathering and sterilizing equipment
Obviously, managing equipment sterilization is a huge part of patient safety, and helping surgical teams efficiently carry out procedures is essential for keeping care on track. For that reason alone, surgical techs deserve our recognition and support — and Surgical Tech Week is a great time to provide it!
Fast Facts for National Surgical Technologists Week
One great way to support NSTW is with knowledge! Here are the basics facts about surgical technology:
- Numbers: There are more than 100,000 surgical technologists working across the United States.
- Specialization: Also sometimes called a scrub tech or OR tech — or a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), if they have NBSTSA certification — a surgical tech can work in a general OR setting or specialize in cardiology (CVOR), neurosurgery, orthopedics, or a wide variety of other surgical settings.
- Soft skills: In addition to being detail-oriented to accurately manage a huge variety of tools, surgical techs must be able to think fast, work quickly under pressure, and communicate well. (Learn more about soft skills here.)
- Motto: The overriding goal of surgical technologists to protect patient safety is reflected in their motto, “aeger primo” (Latin for “patient first”).
- Settings: Surgical techs work primarily in operating rooms in hospitals and health centers. But they can also work in outpatient facilities, orthopedic care centers, doctors’ offices, and other settings, as well as in supply departments, insurance companies, sterile equipment providers, and other related areas.
- Training: Available in almost every type of post-secondary school from community college to university to in-hospital training, education for surgical techs can range from one-year programs to specialized, multi-year training.
- Demand: Surgical techs are some of the most in-demand clinical professionals, with job opportunities in every corner of the U.S.A. See what’s available now!
3 Ways to Celebrate Surgical Tech Week 2026
Whether you’re a surgical tech, co-worker, patient, or community member, here’s how you can help celebrate National Surgical Technologist Week.
#1: Show some love on social media
Maybe the simplest way to support the cause is shouting-out surgical techs on social media! And the easiest way to do that is connecting with HealthTrust on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter/X. Remember that #NSTW tag!
#2: Show some appreciation in real life
If you know a surgical tech or work in a healthcare facility, you can show support by putting up posters or decorations, hosting an appreciation lunch, or giving simple gifts like flowers, tumblers, or badge reels. Small efforts to show gratitude can go a long way to making a surgical tech feel appreciated!
-
Pro tip: Find printable posters and other NSTW resources here
#3: Find a New Surgical Tech Job!
If you're a surgical tech — or looking to become one — the best way to celebrate National Surgical Technologist Week 2026 is by finding a great new career opportunity! And here at HealthTrust, we’ve always got openings across the U.S.A. for per diem, contract, and full-time roles. Search surgical tech jobs here.
Find Your Next Surgical Tech Job with HealthTrust
If you’re in the market for a new job in surgical technology, you’ve come to the right place! See what’s available by searching surgical technologist jobs now.
