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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Although previous experience in a veterinary hospital is preferred, we do have entry-level ... the operating room to the front office staff and most importantly, the client. Essential ...

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Although previous experience in a veterinary hospital is preferred, we do have entry-level ... the operating room to the front office staff and most importantly, the client. Essential ...

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Although previous experience in a veterinary hospital is preferred, we do have entry-level ... the operating room to the front office staff and most importantly, the client. Essential ...

Although previous experience in a veterinary hospital is preferred, we do have entry-level ... the operating room to the front office staff and most importantly, the client. Essential ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Operating Room information

See Virginia salary details

$570

$1.6K

$2.4K

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Virginia is $1,643.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,300.00 and $2,001.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Operating Room job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,485 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Lead Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Hampton, VA

$70.77K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), VA Medical Center, in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Hampton, VA
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience and or Education.
    • Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR
    • Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; OR
    • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
    • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: GS-08 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Ability to read and interpret written procedures and select appropriate action in order to instruct staff in correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
    • Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
    • Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
    • Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
    • Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.
  • Assignment. The Lead MST at this level oversees a work team that includes at least one MST position that is above the full performance. Distributes and prioritizes workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assures an even distribution of the workload. When necessary, revises work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assigns tasks as necessary to provide new employees with the experience and training required to perform decontamination of scopes and instrumentation in the work area. Monitors and reports on the status of work. Ensures SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Reviews or spot checks scope processing work to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions (e.g., work sequences, procedures, methods, and deadlines). Assesses the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of scope medical equipment, material and instrumentation. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals
Preferred Experience: Experience handling contaminated reusable medical devices/equipment and properly wear of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Sterile Processing Certification preferred
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The position is being announced above full performance level.
Physical Requirements :Level of physicality The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the room to another while performing duties. There is frequent requirement for lifting supply tote bins, baskets or instruments sets weighing up to 50 pounds from the floor to chest level. The incumbent regularly pushes loaded instrument carts weighing as much as several hundred pounds. Tension and stress are induced by the critical nature of producing work results on a pre- established time frame as well as in emergent situations.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER