Surgical Technologists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (6%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 14 (88%)

• Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Order surgical supplies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task