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Entry Level Surgical Technology Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$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 ...

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Entry Level Surgical Technology information

See Iowa salary details

$677

$1.8K

$2.7K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical technology in Iowa is $1,767.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,319.23 and $2,167.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level surgical technologist?

Entry level surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs or operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. They help prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and ensure a sterile environment. Entry level surgical technologists typically have recently completed an accredited educational program and may hold certification. Their responsibilities include passing instruments to surgeons, handling supplies, and supporting patient safety during operations. This role is vital for efficient and safe surgical procedures.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Technologist, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, usually supported by completion of an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and electronic health record systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective collaboration with surgical teams.

What are some common challenges entry level surgical technologists face during their first year on the job?

Entry-level surgical technologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment of the operating room, mastering strict sterile techniques, and learning the preferences of different surgeons. Balancing the need for precision with quick decision-making can be demanding, especially during emergency procedures. New technologists typically work closely with experienced team members and benefit from mentorship, which helps them build confidence and refine their skills over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Technology vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Surgical TechnologySurgical Technologist
CredentialsPost-secondary certificate or diploma, CPR certificationSame as Entry Level Surgical Technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating roomsAssist surgeons, handle sterile equipment, prep rooms
Experience LevelEntry-level, on-the-job trainingTypically entry to mid-level, with some experience

Entry Level Surgical Technology and Surgical Technologist roles are closely aligned, with similar certifications and work environments. The main difference is that 'Entry Level Surgical Technology' often refers to initial positions or training phases, while 'Surgical Technologist' can denote a more experienced role. Both roles support surgical teams in hospitals and clinics, focusing on patient safety and sterile procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Technology jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Surgical Technology jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Technology jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Surgical Technology job openings:

Surgical Technologist II-Certified

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

UnityPoint-St Luke's

Full-Time

4 (10hr) shifts/week; 7am-5:30pm 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 therecovery 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 thedevelopment 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.
Qualifications
  • Education:  High school diploma or GED. 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 required.
  • Experience: 1 year previous surgical technologist or equivalent experience required.
  • License/Certifications:  Certified Surgical Technologist obtained within one year through one of the following: National Board of Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting.  National Center for Competency TestingORCurrent Licensed Practical Nurse in the state(s) of practice, including eligibility under a NLC multistate license required upon hire.
  • Basic Life Support, American Heart Association.  IA Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care.  IA Adult Dependent Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Understanding of surgical procedures and protocols, and ability to maintain a sterile field to prevent contamination. Knowledge of preoperative and postoperative care, including patient positioning,draping, and dressing application. Proficient in handling surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and performing surgical counts. bility to meticulously focus on every aspect of a task or procedure, ensuring accuracy and precision in every action. Adherence to infection control, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other safety standards to ensure a safe surgical environment. Ability to anticipate surgeon’s needs and respond swiftly to changes during procedures, recognize and troubleshoot equipment issues during surgery and adapt quickly to unexpected changes in surgical room.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the surgical team, ensuring proper coordination and patient safety. Ability to work seamlessly with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcareprofessionals to provide optimal patient care. Knowledge of preoperative and postoperative care, including patient positioning, draping, and dressing application.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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