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What is a Scrub Tech?

Written by
Carl Madi
Reviewed by
Published
February 3, 2026

Scrub tech is another name for surgical technologist. This profession is also commonly referred to as a surgical tech.

Scrub techs most often work in an operating room, helping keep everything sterile and handing tools to the surgeon.

Before surgeries, scrub techs help prepare the operating room, including sterilizing equipment and organizing tools needed for the operation.

After surgeries, scrub techs all equipment is accounted for, sterilize everything, and prepare the room for the next operation.

Here at Stepful, we typically refer to scrub techs as surgical techs. To learn more about what this profession does, including responsibilities, specializations, required skills, and more, check out our guide to surgical tech duties and responsibilities.

If you're interested in working as a scrub tech, check out our 4-Month Online Surgical Tech Program that prepares you to test for your TS-C certification. After you compete certification, our program offers support finding in-person clinicals and full-time jobs.

We have many other guides about a career as a surgical tech where you can learn more:

Carl is the CEO and Co-Founder of Stepful. He has over 10 years of experience scaling operations of high-growth start-ups (Uber, Airbnb, Amino Apps) reaching millions of consumers worldwide. After graduating from Wharton in 2017, he worked at Amino Apps (social media start-up backed by GV and USV) in Manhattan where he was responsible for expanding their business internationally. He then worked at Handy as their global head of direct to consumer business.

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What is a Scrub Tech?

Written by
Carl Madi
Reviewed by
Published
April 26, 2024
Share this post