During operations, whether simple or highly complex, you hand the surgeons the correct instruments. All hygiene procedures, such as cleaning and sterilising the instruments, are also part of your duties. You look after patients and are responsible for their well-being and safety.
Prerequisite
- Aged 18 or over
- A 3-year vocational apprenticeship or a qualification from a Fachmittelschule or the Matura
- An interest in and understanding of medicine and technology
- Manual dexterity
- Physical and mental resilience
- Ability to concentrate
- A sense of order and cleanliness
- Flexibility
- A sense of responsibility
- Independence and reliability
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willingness to work at weekends, in the evenings and at night
Requirements
The three-year training programme is a full-time course at a Höheren Fachschule; it begins each September and concludes with the eidgenössischen Diplom Fachfrau/Fachmann Operationstechnik HF. HF stands for Höhere Fachschule (Higher Vocational College). The theoretical part of the training takes place at a training centre (40 per cent of the training period). The Zuger Kantonsspital works in partnership with the Careum Training Centre in Zurich and medi, the Centre for Medical Education in Bern.
You will complete your clinical placements in at least two different hospitals. Depending on who you sign your apprenticeship contract with, you will be employed either by us or by medi, the Centre for Medical Education.
If you are employed by us, you will undertake the theoretical training at the Careum Education Centre as well as a clinical placement in another hospital.
A trainee’s daily report
What is your day-to-day routine like during your training?
"Practical and classroom-based training alternate in blocks of 4–6 months. During my practical placement, I learn how to prepare the operating theatre, the instruments and the procedures. I hand instruments to the surgeon depending on my level of training. When caring for patients in the operating theatre, I am supervised by a qualified specialist. Theoretical knowledge is acquired through classroom lessons, lectures or self-study."
What did you find particularly challenging during your training?
"Every day brings a new challenge, because you never know what to expect. A high degree of flexibility, the ability to plan ahead and the capacity to identify priorities independently are key aspects of our profession. This can be particularly challenging at the start of the training programme."
Why did you decide to do this further training course?
"I was looking for a new challenge to broaden my horizons. It’s important to me to take on responsibility in my career and to do a job that I enjoy for my future."
Opportunities for development
- Specialisation in a particular subject area
- Management (leadership role)
- Career progression opportunities within the training sector (vocational trainer, subject teacher)
