ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Externship Surgical Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dignity Health

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$36.80 - $44.86/hr

... of surgical tech experience or other military equivalent. * May substituted if the candidate has completed an ORT externship on-site within the last year. * American Heart Association Basic Life ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInternship JobsHealthcare JobsMedical Specialists JobsSurgical Tech JobsExternship Surgical Tech Jobs

Externship Surgical Tech information

See salary details

$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do externship surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average weekly pay for externship surgical tech in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an externship surgical tech?

An Externship Surgical Tech is a student or recent graduate of a surgical technology program who participates in a temporary, supervised clinical experience within a hospital or surgical center. During the externship, they assist experienced surgical technologists and other operating room staff to gain practical, hands-on skills in a real-world healthcare setting. This externship is usually a required component of surgical tech education, helping students apply their knowledge, learn sterile techniques, and become familiar with operating room protocols.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an externship surgical tech position?

As an Externship Surgical Tech, you will typically gain exposure to a variety of surgical procedures by assisting certified surgical technologists and surgical teams in real operating room settings. Your responsibilities may include preparing instruments, maintaining sterile fields, and observing or assisting with patient care under supervision. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and actual clinical practice, allowing you to develop confidence and competence in surgical techniques. You'll also collaborate closely with nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, which helps build valuable communication and teamwork skills essential for your future career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an externship surgical tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Externship Surgical Tech, you need a foundational knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, generally supported by enrollment in or completion of an accredited surgical technology program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams efficiently, and maintaining a sterile and organized operating room.

What is the difference between Externship Surgical Tech vs Surgical Tech?

AspectExternship Surgical TechSurgical Tech
CredentialsTypically in training or completing externship, may not be certified yetOften certified (CST) or in training
Work EnvironmentHospital or surgical center during externship periodFull-time surgical team member in hospitals or clinics
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, hospitals during externshipHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, training, externship opportunitiesCareer, employment, certification info

In summary, an Externship Surgical Tech is a student or trainee gaining hands-on experience during an externship, while a Surgical Tech is a certified or employed professional working full-time in surgical settings. The main difference lies in their experience level and employment status.

Can you get a job from an externship surgical tech?

An externship for a surgical tech provides hands-on experience and can improve job prospects, but it does not guarantee employment. Many employers consider externship performance, skills, and certifications when hiring for surgical tech positions. Completing an externship can make candidates more competitive in the job market.

Do surgical tech interns get paid?

Surgical tech interns are often unpaid or receive stipends, as many externship programs are designed for training and experience rather than compensation. However, some programs or institutions may offer paid internships, so payment varies depending on the specific program and location.

How long is a surgical tech externship?

A surgical tech externship typically lasts between 4 to 12 weeks, providing hands-on experience in surgical environments. The duration can vary depending on the program and institution, and it often includes training in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.
More about Externship Surgical Tech jobs

What states have the most Externship Surgical Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Externship Surgical Tech jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Externship Surgical Tech jobs?

For Externship Surgical Tech jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Externship Surgical Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Externship Surgical Tech job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA • On-site

Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospitalexternal

$36.80 - $44.86/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients.
Every day you will set up surgical equipment and instruments, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. You will be expected to adapt quickly, collaborate effectively within the OR team, and contribute directly to the patient's healing process.
To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset, and enthusiasm for supporting complex surgical procedures.

  • Prepares and assembles operating room with appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for individual procedures.
  • Utilizes the surgeons' preference cards to ensure availability of appropriate equipment and supplies.
  • Follows standard of practice relating to sterilization of equipment, gowning, gloving and opening of sterile supplies.
  • Assists in draping of patient for procedure.
  • Maintains an orderly instrument table and/or mayo tray for the purpose of efficiency.
  • Anticipates equipment/supplies needed by surgeon/assist intraoperatively.
Job Requirements

Required

  • Vocational School Grad Satisfactory completion of surgical technician training program
  • 1-3 years one year of surgical tech experience or other military equivalent.
    • May substituted if the candidate has completed an ORT externship on-site within the last year.
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support


Preferred

  • 1-3 years acute care experience.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1958, Dignity Health - Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is a 104-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Grass Valley, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, cancer care, women’s health, and neurology. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center. It has been named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for three consecutive years, one of only 16 rural hospitals in the US to achieve this award.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Qualifications:

Required

  • Vocational School Grad Satisfactory completion of surgical technician training program
  • 1-3 years one year of surgical tech experience or other military equivalent.
    • May substituted if the candidate has completed an ORT externship on-site within the last year.
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support


Preferred

  • 1-3 years acute care experience.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist
Employment Type: PRN

Apply