Surgical technologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
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• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for surgical technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
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• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for surgical technologists to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
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• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.