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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Technologist

Somerset, PA · On-site

$23.27 - $29.69/hr

UPMC Somerset is seeking full-time Surgical Technologists to support our Operating Room and GI ... Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse. * Entry-level ...

UPMC Somerset is seeking full-time Surgical Technologists to support our Operating Room and GI ... Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse. * Entry-level ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

What is an entry level operating room job?

Entry level operating room jobs typically refer to positions such as surgical technologists, operating room assistants, or scrub techs who support surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. These roles often involve preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery. Entry-level roles usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may need a specialized certification or on-the-job training. These positions provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing within surgical or healthcare careers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level operating room technician?

To thrive as an entry level operating room technician, you need a solid understanding of sterile technique, basic surgical procedures, and a certificate or diploma in surgical technology. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic documentation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and maintaining efficient operating room workflows.

What are common challenges faced by entry level staff in the operating room, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level operating room staff often face challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment, learning complex surgical protocols, and managing stress during high-stakes procedures. It’s important to ask questions, seek guidance from experienced team members, and participate in ongoing training to build confidence and proficiency. Developing strong communication skills and staying organized can also help new team members effectively support surgeons and nurses, ensuring patient safety and smooth operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operating Room vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Operating RoomSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), possibly Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job RoleAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, pass instrumentsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in hospital or surgical settings. An Entry Level Operating Room often refers to a beginner position assisting in surgeries, while a Surgical Technologist is a certified professional with specific credentials. The roles overlap in duties and environment, making them closely related entry-level positions in surgical support.

How to get entry level operating room experience?

Entry level operating room experience can be gained through completing relevant healthcare training programs such as surgical technician or nursing assistant certifications, volunteering or shadowing in medical settings, and applying for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training. Developing skills in sterile techniques, patient care, and teamwork is essential for advancing in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room - Rotating

Ephrata, PA • On-site

WellSpan Health
Hospitality Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepares the operating room for surgical cases by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies.

  • Assists the surgical team during operative procedures.

  • Prepares rooms between procedures and after terminal cleaning, including monitoring and restocking supplies.


WellSpan Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 307 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Schedule
Full Time, Rotating Shift (80 hours biweekly)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 4 x 10-hour shifts / week, Rotating shifts between 7:00am - 5:30pm, 8:00am - 6:30pm, and potential evening shift to assist with staffing needs. 
Rotation: Night, Weekend, and Holiday on-call requirements

General Summary

Provides entry level technical services and assistance in the operating room in accordance with established procedures, protocols and regulations. Prepares operating rooms for surgery using appropriate techniques.

WellSpan Health's vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region's largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital

One of eight premier hospitals in the WellSpan system, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital offers a full range of leading-edge inpatient, outpatient and emergent care services. The hospital is noted for its distinct ability to combine state-of-the-art medical technology with quality, compassionate care to meet the needs of the more than 550,000 residents of northern Lancaster County and the surrounding area. As a full-service, non-profit acute-care hospital, with a 141 licensed bed capacity, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital admits approximately 5,500 patients annually. Nearby WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center supports the hospital as part of WellSpan's regional network of five cancer centers. WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital was one of several WellSpan Health hospitals honored by U.S. News & World Report with the High Performing recognition for 2022-23.

Qualifications
Minimum Education:

  • Certificate Program Post High School Vocational/Specialized Training Required

Work Experience:

  • Less than 1 year Relevant experience. Required
  • 1 year Relevant experience. Preferred

Licenses:

  • Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required and
  • Certified Surgical Technologist Upon Hire Required or
  • Tech in Surgery - Certified Upon Hire Required or
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Upon Hire Required or
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Multi State License Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training:

  • In reference to the Surgical Technologist ACT 2020. Surgical Technologists can continue practicing as surgical technologists without meeting the new education and licensure requirements if they meet the following: Employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before December 28, 2020 or Employed to practice surgical technology as the individual's primary function in another health care facility at any time during the two years immediately preceding December 28, 2020. Upon Hire Required or
  • Successful completion of a Surgical Technologist (ST) program sponsored by an entity holding nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and holds and maintains a ST certification from an accredited certification program. Upon Hire Required or
  • Successful completion of appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force. Upon Hire Required or
  • Provides evidence and maintains a ST certification from an accredited certification program. Upon Hire Required or
  • If LPN, must be graduate of an accredited LPN program and have current, valid State of Pennsylvania license as a Licensed Professional Nurse; Additional surgical technician certification not required. Upon Hire Required and
  • If LPN - Expected to complete 6 months of clinical training as part of the on-boarding process in Periop 101. within 180 days Required

Benefits Offered:

  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Education assistance
  • Financial education and support, including DailyPay
  • Expanded Paid Parental Leave

For additional details: Benefits & Incentives | WellSpan Careers (joinwellspan.org)

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares the operating room for cases by setting up table, instruments and supplies according to type of case.
  • Prepares rooms between procedures and after terminal cleaning. Monitors and restocks supplies.
  • Drapes patients for surgical procedures.
  • Assists the surgical team during operative procedures.
  • Assists in maintaining correct count of instruments, sutures and sponges.
  • Prepares patient skin for surgery in accordance with hospital standards.
  • Maintains aseptic techniques; actively monitors situations which could lead to breaches in aseptic technique.
  • Assists surgeons during operations by retracting tissues under direction.
  • Identifies and cares for specimens.
  • IF ASSIGNED TO GETTYSBURG HOSPITAL OR WELLSPAN SURGICAL CENTER: May be required to rotate work between the hospital and an ambulatory setting
  • Must meet Central Service Technician and Surgical Technologist Regulation Act qualifications as outlined under "Courses and Training."

Common Expectations:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
  • Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
  • Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
  • Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings, and workshops.
  • Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

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