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New Grad Surgical Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Covenant Health

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgery $20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs $10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts With more than 30 ...

Covenant Health

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgery $20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs $10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts With more than 30 ...

Covenant Health

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgery $20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs $10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts With more than 30 ...

Covenant Health

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Overview Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgery $20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs $10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts With more ...

Covenant Health

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Overview Certified Surgical Technologist $20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs $10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts With more than 30 ...

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to new and less experienced surgical techs. Assists with ... Preferred - Tech in Surgery TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing Knowledge, Skills and ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical Tech Cert PRN

Lebanon, TN · On-site

Our facility is new and includes two operating rooms and one procedure room. We are an ambulatory ... our Surgical Tech Cert PRN opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be ...

SEES Group

Surgical Tech (PRN)

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Requirements * Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program. * Certification as a ... Celebrates Change- Receptive to new ideas and responds to changes with flexibility and optimism.

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All JobsNew Grad Surgical Tech JobsNew Grad Surgical Tech Jobs in Tennessee

New Grad Surgical Tech information

See Tennessee salary details

$654

$1.7K

$2.6K

How much do new grad surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad 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 is a new grad surgical tech?

New Grad Surgical Techs are recent graduates from accredited surgical technology programs who assist surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff in operating rooms. They are responsible for preparing surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and passing instruments during procedures. As new graduates, they are typically in their first professional role and may work under the supervision of more experienced surgical technologists. Their training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to ensure patient safety and proper surgical support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad surgical tech?

To thrive as a New Grad Surgical Tech, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically acquired through an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure patient safety, support surgeons efficiently, and maintain a smooth surgical workflow.

What are some common challenges new grad surgical techs face during their first year on the job?

New grad surgical techs often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the operating room, learning to anticipate the needs of surgeons, and mastering a wide range of surgical instruments and procedures. Building confidence in sterile technique and communication with the surgical team is also crucial. Over time, mentorship from experienced colleagues and proactive learning help new grads overcome these hurdles and become more efficient and effective in their roles.

What is the difference between New Grad Surgical Tech vs Surgical Tech?

AspectNew Grad Surgical TechSurgical Tech
CertificationsCPR, Surgical Tech Certification (CST)CPR, Surgical Tech Certification (CST)
ExperienceEntry-level, recent graduateTypically 1+ years of experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting in surgeries, preparing operating rooms, passing instrumentsAssisting in surgeries, preparing operating rooms, passing instruments

The main difference between a New Grad Surgical Tech and a Surgical Tech is experience level. New grads are just starting their careers with minimal hands-on experience, focusing on learning and skill development. Experienced Surgical Techs have more practice and may handle more complex procedures. Both roles work in similar environments and require the same certifications, but the New Grad role emphasizes training and growth opportunities.

Can you be a new grad surgical tech with no experience?

New graduate surgical technologists can often start their careers with little to no prior experience, as many employers provide on-the-job training and require certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). However, having clinical externship or internship experience can improve job prospects, and strong knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical procedures is essential. Certification and a solid understanding of operating room protocols are typically necessary to qualify for entry-level surgical tech positions.

Is it hard to get hired as a new grad surgical tech?

Getting hired as a new grad surgical tech can be competitive, as many employers prefer candidates with some clinical experience or certification. Strong technical skills, such as knowledge of surgical instruments and sterilization procedures, along with a relevant certification like CST, can improve job prospects. Entry-level positions may require persistence and networking within healthcare facilities.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Surgical Tech jobs in Tennessee?

For New Grad Surgical Tech jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Surgical Tech jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Surgical Tech jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for New Grad Surgical Tech jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most New Grad Surgical Tech job openings:

New Grad Surgical Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Surgical Tech job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,837 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

SURG TECHNOLOGIST-CERT-BU

Covenant Health

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Certified Surgical Technologist, Surgery

$20,000 Sign-on Bonuses for Experienced CSTs
$10,000 Sign-on Bonuses for New Grad CSTs

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts

With more than 30 specialties from Cardiology and Neurosurgery to Orthopedics and Vascular care, Methodist Medical Center was one of the first hospitals in East Tennessee to offer cutting-edge treatments and technologies that benefit people with life-threatening aneurysms, severely damaged knee, hip and shoulder joints, sudden heart failure, and non-healing wounds.

  • 283 licensed beds
  • 25 ICU beds
  • 12 intermediate care beds
  • 38 emergency suites
  • 2 cath labs
  • 8 LDRP suites
  • Over 250 active and courtesy physicians
  • Over 800 employees

Job Objectives:

Provide direct nursing care to assigned surgical patients under the direction of a registered nurse, and according to required standards and hospital policies and procedures.


  • Provides technical assistance within the department.
  • Assists the surgeon intraoperatively in retracting, suctioning, electrocautery and suturing.
  • Initially and continually assesses and identifies patient's needs.
  • Selects instruments and equipment accurately and completely.
  • Maintains equipment/stock necessary for special assignments.
  • Helps provide a safe, comfortable environment for the patient.
  • Answers patient's questions informatively and provides information relative to patient's care and treatment.
  • Consistently demonstrates principles of infection control to insure safety of patients.
  • Immediately reports any break in sterility.
  • Reports physical and emotional changes in patient to registered nurse and/or physician.
  • Observes and critiques performance of surgical team and reports appropriately.
  • Shares in and promptly responds to emergency call.
  • Demonstrates cost-consciousness in the use of supplies and equipment.
  • NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned.
  • HEALTH/SAFETY/COMPETENCE: Cannot pose a direct threat to health or safety of self or others. Must provide safe, efficient, competent care to customer or patient population assigned.  Must demonstrate competency of the unit specific functions described in the performance continuum, skill lists and/or standards. 

Education/Knowledge/Skills:

Must have successfully completed an accredited surgical technician course.  Must have knowledge of human anatomy, the principles of sterile technique and sterile processing, hospital policies and procedures, infection control, fire and safety regulations.  For staff involved in the care of age-specific groups, knowledge of the bio-psychosocial needs of adult, geriatric and pediatric patients is essential.  Special knowledge is required in growth and development needs of pediatric/geriatric patients where applicable.

Experience:

Previous experience in job specialty is required or preferred depending on the circumstances of the vacancy. 

Licensure/Certifications:

Must hold current and active national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or TS-C certification established by either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).  Must be currently certified (or scheduled for certification or recertification training according to department guidelines) in CPR/Provider C. 

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