I am visiting a Surgical Tech class at a hospital. What is appropriate to wear when visiting the hospital in the surgical room?

I would ask the adviser who invited you, what is common and acceptable.

All that information is in your “Scut Monkey” handbook. But basically, the most important things to remember are that you need to sterile from the waist up and from your elbows down, and never pass through the “sterile zone” between the surgeon and the patient.

Comfortable shoes. You will probably be on your feet for a long time. Other than that, I’m not sure. You’ll be given a visitor’s tag to wear, most probably. Are you going to actually be in the operating room? or just observing from above? They will put you through a scrub protocol if you are meant to be in the room and will most likely give you scrubs and perhaps an apron to wear, then. I am jealous. :o) What procedure are you going to watch? Do you know yet?

Smart casual – black rubber soled shoes (in a hospital you can’t go wrong with shoes like these) trousers (if go for chinos) and a shirt. If you need to wear anything special in the theatre they will provide it. I seriously doubt you’ll have to scrub or go anywhere near the sterile field in the theatre.

Thank you all for your help! I have been accepted into the Surgical Tech program at Columbus State College in Columbus, Ohio. I am not sure what type of surgeries I will see when I am observing his class, but it should be a great experience!

My daughter observed a surgery, and they gave her scrubs to wear. She did have to stand the whole time, so do wear comfortable shoes.