The role guides entry level Surgical Technologists, maintains adherence to safety and infection control protocols, and actively contributes to the development of departmental policies and protocols.
The role guides entry level Surgical Technologists, maintains adherence to safety and infection control protocols, and actively contributes to the development of departmental policies and protocols.
The role guides entry level Surgical Technologists, maintains adherence to safety and infection control protocols, and actively contributes to the development of departmental policies and protocols.
The role guides entry level Surgical Technologists, maintains adherence to safety and infection control protocols, and actively contributes to the development of departmental policies and protocols.
Surgical Technologist
Atlantic, IA · On-site
$45 - $50/hr
Monday-Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM; rotating call with 30-minute response time Guaranteed Hours: 40 hours per week Experience: Entry-level accepted; surgical technologist experience preferred About the ...
Quick apply
Surgical Technologist
Atlantic, IA · On-site
$45 - $50/hr
Monday-Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM; rotating call with 30-minute response time Guaranteed Hours: 40 hours per week Experience: Entry-level accepted; surgical technologist experience preferred About the ...
Endoscopy Technician, Full-Time, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes
$21.85 - $32.83/hr
... from a surgical technology training program (prior to employment). On the job training ... High school diploma or equivalent, with training offered on the job in entry-level positions.
Endoscopy Technician, Full-Time, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes
$21.85 - $32.83/hr
... from a surgical technology training program (prior to employment). On the job training ... High school diploma or equivalent, with training offered on the job in entry-level positions.
PG Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Anamosa, Iowa): ASN with Medical-Surgical Experience
Anamosa, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
... entry-level employment in the field of their chosen program of study. To accomplish this mission ... Remain current with trends, techniques, and technology. * Maintenance of a professional development ...
PG Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Anamosa, Iowa): ASN with Medical-Surgical Experience
Anamosa, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
... entry-level employment in the field of their chosen program of study. To accomplish this mission ... Remain current with trends, techniques, and technology. * Maintenance of a professional development ...
PG Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Council Bluffs, IA): ASN with Medical Surgical Experience
Council Bluffs, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
... entry-level employment in the field of their chosen program of study. To accomplish this mission ... technology. • Maintenance of a professional development plan. • Additional duties as may be ...
PG Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Council Bluffs, IA): ASN with Medical Surgical Experience
Council Bluffs, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
... entry-level employment in the field of their chosen program of study. To accomplish this mission ... technology. • Maintenance of a professional development plan. • Additional duties as may be ...
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Quick apply
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bondurant, IA · On-site
$19 - $22/hr
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
Quick apply
... Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...
This includes developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies which help Veterans ... Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ...
This includes developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies which help Veterans ... Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ...
This includes developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies which help Veterans ... Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ...
This includes developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies which help Veterans ... Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ...
Purdue Global Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Perry, Iowa)
Perry, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
Remain current with trends, techniques, and technology. * Maintenance of a professional development ... Currently looking for Med Surg and Peds. * Active, unencumbered state RN licensure * Higher ...
Purdue Global Adjunct Faculty, School of Nursing (Perry, Iowa)
Perry, IA · On-site
$3.3K/wk
Remain current with trends, techniques, and technology. * Maintenance of a professional development ... Currently looking for Med Surg and Peds. * Active, unencumbered state RN licensure * Higher ...
Entry Level Surgical Tech information
See Iowa salary details
$677.35 - $862.90
9% of jobs
$862.90 - $1K
7% of jobs
$1K - $1.2K
6% of jobs
$1.3K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$1.2K - $1.4K
6% of jobs
$1.4K - $1.6K
9% of jobs
The median wage is $1.8K / yr.
$1.6K - $1.8K
13% of jobs
$1.8K - $2K
14% of jobs
$2.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$2K - $2.2K
15% of jobs
$2.2K - $2.3K
12% of jobs
$2.3K - $2.5K
5% of jobs
$2.5K - $2.7K
4% of jobs
$677
$1.8K
$2.7K
How much do entry level surgical tech jobs pay per week?
What is the first scrub role?
What are some common challenges faced by entry level surgical techs during their first year on the job?
How much do surgical techs make starting off?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Tech, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Tech vs Certified Surgical Technologist?
| Aspect | Entry Level Surgical Tech | Certified Surgical Technologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training | Completion of accredited surgical tech program; certification exam |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers | Hospitals, outpatient facilities, surgical centers |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Entry-level positions in healthcare facilities | Certified professionals with recognized credentials |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Yes | Yes |
Entry Level Surgical Techs are typically new to the field, often requiring minimal formal education and on-the-job training. Certified Surgical Technologists have completed specialized training and obtained certification, which can enhance job prospects and earning potential. Both roles work in similar environments, such as hospitals and surgical centers, but certification distinguishes more experienced or qualified candidates.
Why do surgical techs quit?
What Does an Entry-Level Surgical Tech Do?
As an entry-level surgical tech, you possess or are pursuing certification as a surgical technologist. Your job is to prepare operating rooms and surgical instruments for surgery. In a surgical technologist role, your responsibilities include preparing the operating room and surgical tools before procedures, monitoring patient vital signs with medical machinery, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses by arranging instruments, and handing items to the surgeon as necessary. Your duties include inspecting, maintaining, and sanitizing surgical instruments, safely disposing of waste from procedures, maintaining a clean operating room, and overseeing pre- and post-surgery patient care, such as wound dressing, transportation, and ensuring patients remain calm.
What does an entry level surgical tech do?
Can you get hired as a surgical tech with no experience?

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO
Posted 11 days ago
UnityPoint Health rating
7.3
Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
305th of 890 rated healthcare providers
Job description
UnityPoint-St Luke's Hospital
Full-Time Days
M-F 7am-3:30pm plus call
The Surgical Technologist II-Certified is responsible for performing surgical technologist duties, leveraging high proficiency in surgical techniques, and exercising critical thinking to support complex procedures. The role guides entry level Surgical Technologists, maintains adherence to safety and infection control protocols, and actively contributes to the development of departmental policies and protocols. The role also assists with onboarding new surgeons, supports the trialing of new equipment and instruments, and helps manage surgical inventory to align with surgeon preferences.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
- Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
- Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
- Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Clinical Excellence
• Ensures a safe, efficient and surgical environment by assembling and verifying the functionality of necessary instruments, equipment, and supplies according to the surgeon's preference cards.
• Exercises critical thinking in complex surgeries and performs technologist duties with high proficiency in emergency situations.
• Prepares patient for surgery by scrubbing, draping, and positioning, and participates in postoperative care by transferring patients to the recovery room, applying dressings, and ensuring proper
documentation.
• Applies and maintains sterile techniques throughout the procedure, ensuring aseptic conditions and the integrity of the environment.
• Performs required surgical counts in accordance with the organization's policy, and handles specimens appropriately for proper preparation, labelling, and transport to the lab.
• Supports the surgeon by holding retractors, passing instruments, applying suction, and cutting sutures as directed.
• Serves as a second circulator under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) circulator.
Departmental Support
• Assists in cleaning and restocking of operating room between cases and procedures, ensuring all instruments, cleaning supplies, and equipment are ready for the next procedure.
• Enforces infection control measures and safety protocols while observing and reporting any safety concerns promptly.
• Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Association for the
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) guidelines, maintaining safety during each procedure.
• Participates in departmental meetings and contributes to the development and implementation of department policies and procedures.
• Supports trialing and onboarding of new equipment and instruments, maintaining communication with surgeons regarding updates and additions.
• Assists in managing the inventory of surgical instruments and supplies, ensuring alignment with surgeon preference cards.
Leadership
• Acts as a stand-in for the Surgical Tech Lead and as a preceptor, offering guidance on scrub duties to junior staff, students, surgical technologists, and Registered Nurses (RNs).
• Assists with onboarding and orientation of new surgeons, ensuring their equipment and instrumentation needs are met.
Professional Development
• Stays updated on leading industry practices in own work field by participating in continuous learning and development.
• Participates in quality improvement projects to support evidencebased practices in the operating room.
Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or GED required. Graduate from an accredited education program for Surgical Technology, OR graduate from an appropriate training program in the US Armed Forces OR
Medical Certification OR completion of accredited LPN program.
Experience: 1 year previous surgical technologist or equivalent experience. - License/Certifications: BCLS required. CST, CST-NCCT, LPNIA, LPNIL, LPNWI required within 1 year of hire. IA Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required. IA Adult Dependent Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required.
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Surgical procedures and techniques. Patient care. Instrumentation and equipment management. Attention to detail. Safety protocols. Critical thinking skills. Effective communication. Team collaboration.
What UnityPoint Health employees say
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About UnityPoint Health
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At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.
Industry
Hospitals
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
West Des Moines, IA, US
Year founded
1995