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Assistant Surgical Technician Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Our surgical techs at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center assist with Podiatry; Ortho; Ortho Trauma ... technician certification from an accredited school or training program required. * Current BLS ...

Our surgical techs at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center assist with Podiatry; Ortho; Ortho Trauma ... technician certification from an accredited school or training program required. * Current BLS ...

Monitor surgical supplies and assist with inventory management to ensure readiness for future cases. Surgical Tech Position Requirements: * Active CST certification from NBSTSA or equivalent ...

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Assistant Surgical Technician information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$25

$59

How much do assistant surgical technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant surgical technician in Rio Rancho, NM is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant surgical technician?

Assistant Surgical Technicians, also known as surgical techs or operating room assistants, are healthcare professionals who support surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members during operative procedures. Their main responsibilities include preparing and sterilizing surgical instruments, ensuring the operating room is properly set up, and assisting with patient positioning and draping. They play a critical role in maintaining a sterile environment and passing instruments and supplies to surgeons during surgery. Assistant Surgical Technicians also help with post-operative cleanup and may assist with patient transport. This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and knowledge of surgical procedures and aseptic techniques.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant surgical technician?

To thrive as an Assistant Surgical Technician, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile technique, and anatomy, usually supported by a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in surgical technology. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and sterilization systems is essential, and certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is often preferred. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure patient safety, support surgical teams effectively, and maintain smooth, efficient operations in the operating room.

What challenges might an assistant surgical technician face during surgical procedures?

Assistant Surgical Technicians often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where attention to detail and quick decision-making are crucial. A common challenge is anticipating the needs of surgeons and maintaining a sterile field, even when unexpected situations arise. Additionally, coordinating with the surgical team and adapting to different surgeons' preferences can require strong communication skills and flexibility. Staying focused during long or complex procedures is also essential to ensure patient safety and positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Assistant Surgical Technician vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectAssistant Surgical TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingPost-secondary certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentAssist in surgical settings, support surgical teamPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

While both roles support surgical teams, Surgical Technologists typically have formal education and certification, perform more advanced tasks, and have broader responsibilities in preparing and managing surgical instruments and environments. Assistant Surgical Technicians often work under supervision, focusing on assisting with basic tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become an assistant surgical technician?

To become an assistant surgical technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a postsecondary surgical technology program or a related healthcare training program. Certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), is often preferred and can improve job prospects; some employers may require on-the-job training or experience in a healthcare setting.

What job categories do people searching Assistant Surgical Technician jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Surgical Technician jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Surgical Technician job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,729 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Surgical Technician

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site


Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$24.27 - $41.33/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Location Address:

2400 Unser Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Compensation Pay Range:

Minimum Offer $24.27 Maximum Offer $41.33

Summary:

Step into the operating room with purpose - join us as a Surgical Technician and play a vital role in patient care, precision, and teamwork every day at Rust Medical Center!

How you grow, learn and thrive matters here.
* Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
* Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
* Differentials for night/weekend shifts, higher education, certifications and various lead roles (for eligible positions)
* Malpractice liability insurance
* Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
* EPIC electronic charting system

Type of Opportunity: Full time FTE: 0.90 Job Exempt: No Work Shift: 12 Hour Days (United States of America)

Responsibilities:

ENHANCED Sign on Bonuses and Relocation Benefits to Eligible Candidates!

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Surgical Technician to support our surgical team in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. This vital role ensures the operating room runs smoothly and efficiently, directly contributing to positive surgical outcomes.

Our surgical techs at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center assist with Podiatry; Ortho; Ortho Trauma; ENT; Dental; DaVinci; and vascular surgeries. There are 10 OR rooms and on average see about 20-30 cases a day.

This is a Full Time Role: 3-12 hour shifts

Call: 2 Call Shifts in a six (6) week period ; Required to do one (1) late shift (5-7 pm) during the week as well in the six (6) week period.

Additional Job Duties:

  • Provide assistance and support to surgeons during procedures by preparing and handling instruments and equipment

  • Maintain a sterile field and uphold strict infection control standards

  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team to facilitate seamless operations

  • Ensure the operating room is safe, organized, and equipped for each procedure

  • Collaborate with nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to maximize patient safety and efficiency

  • Demonstrates superior knowledge of advanced surgical equipment and advanced surgical instrumentation.

  • Demonstrates leadership abilities.

  • Demonstrates skills in organizing and coordinating the effective use of personnel and materials.

  • Develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics.

  • Applies knowledge related to emergency situations.

  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the needs of the patient and the surgeon.

  • Performs instrument counts prior to each procedure and maintains an accurate count of sponges, needles, and instruments during the procedure.

  • Secures and prepares all supplies and instruments required for surgical intervention before procedures.

  • Ensures the preparation and maintenance of the sterile field in the OR.

  • Prepares patient skin for surgical treatment.

  • Position and re-position patient during surgery.

  • Helps monitor patients during surgery.

  • Provide supportive care during the pre-operative phase.

  • Performs scrub functions.

  • Ensures that specimens are correctly handled and routed to the proper source.

  • Maintains current knowledge of anatomy/physiology and medications used intraoperatively.

  • Keeps current with developments in the field through participation in seminars, workshops and publications. Follows all federal, state and departmental safety procedures.

Skills:

Demonstrates superior knowledge and expert practice in various advanced surgical procedures: Neurosurgery, high risk Pediatric ENT, transplants, robotics, bariatrics, joint replacement and vascular. Specialty services require expanded knowledge of instrumentation, microscopes, navigation systems, and neuromonitoring awareness.

Qualifications:

  • HS Diploma or GED plus short-term training in operating room setting or graduate of surgical technician certification from an accredited school or training program required.

  • Current BLS required

  • Familiarity with all surgical instruments and equipment and a working knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique.

  • Minimum of 2+ years experience in a hospital or outpatient operating room if not from an accredited training program.

We're all about well-being, starting with yours.
Presbyterian employees have access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.
Learn more about our employee benefits.
About Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Presbyterian exists to improve the health of patients, members, and the communities we serve. We are locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.

Our health plan serves more than 580,000 members statewide and offers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Commercial health plans.


AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.
Compensation Disclaimer
The compensation range for this role takes into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience and training, internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.

We're Determined to Support New Mexico's Well-Being | Presbyterian Healthcare Services

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About Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Presbyterian Healthcare Services exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. We are a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1,600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Albuquerque, NM, US

Year founded

1908

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