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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Covenant Health

STERILE PROC TECH I

Morristown, TN · On-site

Packages in a neat and proper technique ensuring easy, aseptic opening in the operating room ... entry-level employment in the position. If hired into this position before January 1, 2017, must ...

Vanderbilt Health

LPN Full Time

Franklin, TN · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

Works in close collaboration with the RN or a licensed healthcare team member to evaluate the ... Provides guidance to entry level co-workers. Core Capabilities : Supporting Colleagues : Develops ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See Tennessee salary details

$537

$1.5K

$2.3K

How much do entry level operating room jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Tennessee is $1,546.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,225.00 and $1,884.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Tennessee?

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,439 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

STERILE PROC TECH I

Morristown, TN • On-site

Covenant Health
See more jobs at Covenant Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Sterile Processing Technician 

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Morristown-Hamblen Overview:

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is a 170-bed hospital serving an eight-county region in East Tennessee’s Lakeway Area. The facility includes more than 20 emergency suites, advanced laboratories, radiology, and therapy services, and a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence for mammograms, biopsies, and nurse navigation. The Women’s Center features six modern labor and delivery suites and a secure nursery for newborn care. With state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team, Morristown-Hamblen provides exceptional, patient-focused care close to home. To meet the needs of our growing community, we continue to develop services, attract new physicians, and embrace innovation, all to promote an improved quality of life.  

Position Summary: 

Under the direction of department leadership, responsible for the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly, and high level disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments. Operates processing equipment. Requires proficiency in instrument decontamination and assembly and knowledge of the sterilization methods available and which method is appropriate in correlation with the devices that are to be processed.


  • Decontaminates surgical instruments according to manufacturer’s instructions or advised by the department leader. Will operate all decontamination equipment including washer disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, cart washer, and automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER).
  • Inspects instruments after decontamination, ensuring all items are clean, intact, functional, and accounted for.
  • Assembles trays in a manner that ensures devise sterility as well as presenting a tray that is easy for the end user to access for use. Uses count sheets to ensure trays are assembled accurately. Interfaces with the instrument tracking system for all functions of processing.
  • Packages or containerizes instrument sets according to manufacturer’s guidelines and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards. Packages in a neat and proper technique ensuring easy, aseptic opening in the operating room.
  • Loads sterilizer carts in a way to ensure packaged items are not punctured or compromised, loads containers and wrapped goods as recommended.
  • Runs daily sterilizer tests on all steam and low temperature sterilizers.
  • Operates sterilizer according to manufacturer’s instruction, ensuring load biological monitoring.
  • Documents all load contents, interfaces load to tracking system, loads cycle confirming correct parameters, monitors sterilizer to tracking system information, and records all pertinent information (biological, mechanical, and chemical).
  • Unloads sterilizers, ensuring items are not compromised, and stores in correct location according to tracking system storage locations.
  • Follows endoscope manufacturer’s processing instructions and accepted standards/ guidelines.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness of the department and all processing equipment.
  • Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:           

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:         

None

Licensure Requirement:      

If hired into this position after January 1, 2017, must take and pass an accepted Central Processing exam through either IAHCSMM (International Association for Healthcare Material Management) as a Certified Registered Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST) or through CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing Technicians) as a Certified Sterile Processing Distribution Technician (CSPDT) within 2 years of entry-level employment in the position.

If hired into this position before January 1, 2017, must complete a minimum of 10 continuing education credits annually in areas related to sterile processing.

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