what should you expect from a typical day starting out as a Certified Surgical Technician (CST)?

It depends usually on whether you work in an outpatient surgical center or a main OR in a hospital. Outpatient centers usually know their case load in advance and have cards that says what each MD likes for that particular case. The supplies needed are normally pulled the day before and are ready for the next day. Then the rest of the day entails what t CST does.. assisting with surgeries.

A main OR in a hospital has come planned cases and then the rest are add on's or emergencies. Main OR's are usually a tad more exciting and have more interesting cases. But can also be more stressful. Usually you will work different shifts, be on call and work holidays.

Surgery is a fun career path, but definitely not for everyone! Definitely need to be able to handle the smell of burning flesh and blood.