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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Covenant Health

STERILE PROC TECH

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Store, process and issue supplies and instruments for use in the operating room and clinical ... entry-level employment in the position. SPD certification preferred. If hired into this position ...

Bongards Creameries

AGV OPERATOR - Day Shift

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Be able to work as a team with pickers, robot room, shipping * Must report all food safety and ... Internal Career Opportunities Bongards Creameries is a member owned COOP that has been operating ...

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All JobsOperating Room JobsEntry Level Operating Room JobsEntry Level Operating Room Jobs in Tennessee

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 Jul 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level operating room jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized training or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurial work, but most healthcare positions require relevant education or experience. For high earnings, consider roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades that emphasize experience and performance over formal degrees.

Do you need experience to be an operating room assistant?

Entry level operating room assistants typically do not need prior experience, as training is often provided on the job. However, having a background in healthcare, such as a certification in medical assisting or phlebotomy, can be beneficial. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow strict protocols are important in this role.

What are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operating Room Technician, and why are they important?

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.

Is surgical tech harder than RN?

Surgical technologists and registered nurses (RNs) in the operating room have different responsibilities; RNs typically have more advanced training and broader patient care duties, making their role generally more complex. Surgical techs focus on preparing the operating room and assisting during surgeries, requiring technical skills and knowledge of surgical instruments. Both roles require certification and specialized training, but RNs usually undergo longer education and have a wider scope of practice.

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.

What is the easiest hospital job to get into?

Entry-level hospital jobs such as patient transport, medical receptionist, or cleaning staff are generally easier to obtain due to lower certification requirements and high turnover. These roles often require minimal prior experience and provide opportunities to gain healthcare exposure before advancing to more specialized positions like an entry-level operating room technician.

What are entry level operating room jobs?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,439 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
STERILE PROC TECH

STERILE PROC TECH

Covenant Health

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
Sterile Processing Technician
PRN/OCC, Variable Hours and Shifts
Methodist Overview:
Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, part of Covenant Health, is a trusted regional hospital serving East Tennessee with advanced care and a personal touch. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and vascular care, the facility offers innovative treatments for complex conditions like aneurysms, joint damage, heart failure, and chronic wounds. Backed by a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and 250 physicians, Methodist Medical Center combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, earning national recognition for patient safety and excellence in stroke and heart care. Our facilities offer patients all the benefits of medical expertise and innovation while still embodying the convenience of a hometown medical center that is close to the support of family and friends.
Job Objectives:
Store, process and issue supplies and instruments for use in the operating room and clinical hospital departments.
Responsibilities
  • Cleans and decontaminates equipment and instruments utilizing established antiseptic techniques.
  • Operates and maintains washer decontamination unit and ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Operates and maintains all sterilizers used within the sterile processing department and OR; maintains appropriate records in compliance with the Joint Commission standards;
  • Maintains routine biological readings on Steris for quality control.
  • Provides sterile linen and instrumentation for all clinical departments.
  • Assembles the supplies and instruments necessary for surgical cases.
  • Responsible for putting away supplies and instruments and ensuring proper rotation of such.
  • Maintains and operates etcher for proper identification of instruments.
  • Utilizes department computer programs to complete data entry and access reports for supply and instrument management functions.
  • Communicates and renders assistance to nursing staff within the limits that their training and skills permit.
  • NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned.
  • HEALTH/SAFETY/COMPETENCE: Cannot pose a direct threat to health or safety of self or others. Must provide safe, efficient, competent care to customer or patient population assigned. Must demonstrate competency of the unit specific functions described in the performance continuum, skill lists and/or standards.

Qualifications
EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. Additional training in the nursing field is preferred. Working knowledge of aseptic technique is required. Must be able to read with comprehension and write legibly. Must be capable of understanding and following instructions provided on the proper care of surgical instruments, endoscopes, drills, and all items cleaned and processed for surgery. Must possess critical thinking skills pertinent to the sterile processing environment. Computer skills with hardware/software preferred.
For staff involved in the care of age-specific groups, knowledge of the bio-psychosocial needs of adult, geriatric and pediatric patients is essential. Special knowledge is required in growth and development needs of pediatric/geriatric patients where applicable.
EXPERIENCE:
Six months' previous experience in the workroom is preferred.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS:
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. SPD certification preferred.
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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