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Entry Level Surgical Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... entry-level positions in healthcare facilities. The Trainer will work collaboratively with ... Surgical Technology accredited by a nationally recognized programmatic accreditation agency ...

Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally ... Minimum Experience: Entry level. Licensure Requirement: None

Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally ... Minimum Experience: Entry level. Licensure Requirement: None

Overview Peri-op Technician, Surgery PRN/OCC, Variable Hours and Shifts Parkwest Overview: Parkwest ... Minimum Experience: Entry level. Licensure Requirement: None

Recognize the area of surgical prep (clean or sterile). * Responsible for maintaining environmental ... Minimum Experience: Entry level. Licensure Requirement: None

Recognize the area of surgical prep (clean or sterile). * Responsible for maintaining environmental ... Minimum Experience: Entry level. Licensure Requirement: None

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Entry Level Surgical Tech information

See Tennessee salary details

$654

$1.7K

$2.6K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical tech in Tennessee is $1,708.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,275.00 and $2,094.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 with experience and additional skills, pay can increase.

How to get started as an entry level surgical tech?

To start as an entry-level surgical tech, complete a formal surgical technology program accredited by a recognized agency, which typically results in a certificate or associate degree. Obtain certification through the National Surgical Technology Certification Examination, and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships to develop necessary skills for the operating room environment.

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

Entry level surgical tech positions can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and completing a formal training program can improve hiring prospects. Employers often seek candidates with basic knowledge of sterile techniques, anatomy, and the ability to work in fast-paced surgical environments.

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

The most popular types of Surgical Tech jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,837 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

TempForce Surgical Tech II - Premium Pay

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN

$60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

TempForce Nursing Collab

Job Summary:

Are you a skilled certified Surgical Tech looking for a high-impact, short-term assignment with premium compensation? Join Vanderbilt Health TempForce for a 13-week assignment and play a vital role in delivering exceptional surgical care at one of the nation's leading medical centers.
Location: Vanderbilt University Hospital - Nashville, TN
Services: General, Plastics, Robotics, Urology
Assignment Length: 13 Weeks (with potential extension up to 1 year)
Shift: Days, M-F, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Pay Rate: $60/hour
About the Department:
As part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, our employees participate in the implementation of cutting-edge surgical technology and assist in the latest procedures. Our services range from organ transplants, joint replacements, and minimally invasive cardio-thoracic/vascular surgery, to reconstructive plastic surgery. Services are offered on-site and at our various off-site specialty facilities.
Perioperative Services encompasses the entire surgical experience. Our goal is to provide the best possible patient surgical care as we continually strive to be the Perioperative Center of Excellence in the Southeastern United States.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitates patient care, by assisting the surgeon before, during and after surgical procedures.
Plans, sets up, performs and cleans up the assigned surgical procedure as a circulator and as a scrub tech.
Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to apply the Principles of Asepsis in creating and maintaining the sterile field.
Performs sharp, sponge and instrument counts according to policy.
The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduate of an approved specific discipline OR successful completion of a surgical technologist training program during the applicant's service as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of surgical tech experience preferred.

Certification: NBSTSA CST or NCCT TS-C required (military training accepted in lieu of certification), BLS (Basic Life Support) preferred


TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Operating Room Care (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with operating room care.
Environmental Sterility & Safety (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with environmental sterility and safety.
Inventory Management (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with Inventory Management. Understands Inventory Management concepts and principles. Familiar with Inventory Management tools, processes, procedures and policies.
Surgical Technology (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with surgical technology.
Equipment Maintenance (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting maintenance activities in area of assignments.
Surgical Equipment Knowledge (Novice): Knowledge of the specific equipment and its performance criteria, capabilities and limitations. Able to use the equipment to accomplish basic tasks associated with the specific devices. May conduct remedial maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Procedures Knowledge (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with procedures knowledge.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Certified Surgical Technologist - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Tech in Surgery TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level:

Less than 1 year

Education:

Graduate of an approved discipline specific program

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


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