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Entry Level Surgical Tech Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Surgical Tech information

See Rhode Island salary details

$706

$1.8K

$2.8K

How much do entry level surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical tech in Rhode Island is $1,843.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,375.00 and $2,259.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an entry level surgical tech make?

An entry-level surgical tech typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, healthcare facility, and certifications. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions but generally increase with experience and additional skills such as sterile technique and equipment handling.

How hard is it to get hired as an entry level surgical tech?

Getting hired as an entry-level surgical tech can be competitive, but having a certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and completing a formal training program can improve job prospects. Employers often look for relevant skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level surgical techs during their first year on the job?

Entry level surgical techs often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced and high-pressure operating room environment, learning to anticipate surgeons' needs, and mastering the use of various surgical instruments and sterile techniques. It's also common to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of maintaining a sterile field and ensuring patient safety. However, with support from experienced team members and ongoing training, new surgical techs quickly build confidence and competency in their role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level surgical tech?

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Tech, you need a solid understanding of sterile techniques, anatomy, and surgical procedures, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as the CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical record systems is crucial. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical procedures, and smooth collaboration with surgical teams in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Tech vs Certified Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Surgical TechCertified Surgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingCompletion of accredited surgical tech program; certification exam
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient facilities, surgical centers
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in healthcare facilitiesCertified professionals with recognized credentials
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

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.

What does an entry level surgical tech do?

An entry level surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist, assists surgeons and medical teams during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, ensuring all necessary supplies are ready, and passing instruments to surgeons during operations. They also help with patient preparation and may assist in cleaning up after procedures. This role is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and supporting the surgical team to ensure patient safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island?

For Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,855 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Coding Specialist - Inpatient Telecommute

Brown University Health

Providence, RI • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Brown University Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

SUMMARY Under the general supervision of the Health Information Coding Manager, reviews the inpatient medical record to assign appropriate codes in accordance with the ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Determines appropriate MS DRGPR DRG assignment for optimal classification and accurate and compliant clinical reporting. Identifies and recommends physician queries when documentation in the chart is incomplete, ambiguous or unclear.

Maintains and meets HIS quality and productivity standards. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate RESPONSIBILITIES Enters into a written Telecommuting Agreement with department management. The employee agrees to be accessible by telephone/e-mail within a reasonable time period during the agreed upon work schedule, and to formally maintain timely and accurate work and rest period records and to submit such work hours weekly to department management in accordance with Brown University Health's system wide written "Telecommuting" policy. Reads and comprehends the inpatient medical record identifying all treated diagnoses and procedures reporting the correct code(s) adhering to rules set forth in "Official Coding Guidelines." Performs coding validation on codes computer-assisted and auto-suggested codes from 3M

Understands clinical documentation to recognize when a query to the physician is required. Working knowledge of clinical documentation such as lab results identifying respiratory failure, uncontrolled diabetes etc., and ability to perform internet searches when fuller understanding is required to further understand disease processes & medications to treat. Codes straightforward inpatient medical records such as seen in community hospitals excluding Level 1 trauma cases and complex surgical cases

Reviews internet videos for full understanding of procedures for coding accuracy. Ability to navigate the electronic medical record. Ensures the medical record documentation supports the codes selected for the principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, complications, co-morbid conditions, procedures and discharge disposition.

Abides by the "Standards of Ethical Coding" as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association. Enters coded abstracted information and/or validates codes into the 3M DRG grouper assigning utilizing computer-assisted coding tools. Assigns accurate MS-DRG or APR-DRG through use of the clinical analyzing functions reviewed in compliance with medical record documentation.

Adds Present On Admission (POA) indicator to diagnoses. Identifies Hospital Acquired Condition and Patient Safety Indicator codes and forwards to designee. Selects the physician performing procedures ensuring accuracy in the hospital's billing system.

Works closely with Clinical Documentation Specialist for additional clinical review. Responds timely to coding validator coding recommendations. Prioritizes high paying records to be completed the day received.

Performs concurrent coding for in-house patients requiring interim billing. Continually meets coding productivity, quality and accuracy standards. May be required to code rehabilitation records following the established process.

Consistently meets established productivity standards and accuracy standards. Follows-up on all bill holds to ensure timely billing and reimbursement. Acts as a resource to physicians and other staff on coding principles and DRG assignments and/or outpatient coding issues.

Refers coding, billing and system questions to the coding manager or coding validator. Seeks supervisory assistance only after exhausting own resources by referencing appropriate coding publications and manuals. Assists other coders with help answering questions and providing guidance to entry-level coders.

Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting requirements. Maintains credential. Maintains health information confidentiality by adhering to established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Performs related clerical and other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BASIC KNOWLEDGE Associate degree required; health information technology preferred (preferably with RHIT or RHIA) and AHIMA CCS Certified Coding Specialist credential. If associate degree is not in health information technology, successful completion of an inpatient coding certification program accredited by AHIMA or the AAPC credential CIC, Certified Inpatient coder.

Good writing skills to prepare compliant physician queries. Computer literate; capable of researching internet websites to clarify diseases or procedures. Ability to navigate the patient electronic medical record to access and recognize appropriate data applicable to coding process.

EXPERIENCE Three to five years inpatient coding experience in a teaching or acute care hospital required with proven ability to understand the clinical content of a health record. Trained in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Ability to recognize and understand clinical documentation pertinent for coding.

Good writing skills to prepare compliant physician queries. Computer literate; capable of researching internet websites to clarify diseases or procedures. Ability to navigate the patient electronic medical record to access and recognize appropriate data applicable to coding process.

WORKING CONDITIONS Reads electronic medical records for the entire workday dual computer monitors. Ability to sit for long periods, lift a minimum of 25 pounds, bend, stoop, stretch, use step-stools to file records. Ability to work under stressful conditions to maintain accounts receivable days achieving productivity and accuracy.

INDEPENDENT ACTION Performs independently within the department's policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None.

Pay Range $26.80-$44.21 Location Corporate Headquarters - 15 LaSalle Square Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type Monday-Friday; weekends and holidays as scheduled Work Shift Variable Daily Hours 8 hours Driving Required No Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Apply


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