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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Operating Room Assistant

Dubuque, IA · On-site

As an Operating Room Assistant at MercyOne, you will be a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse ...

Trinityhealth

As an Operating Room Assistant at MercyOne, you will be a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse ...

Trinity Health

As an Operating Room Assistant at MercyOne, you will be a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse ...

Trinity Health

Operating Room Assistant

Dubuque, IA · On-site

As an Operating Room Assistant at MercyOne, you will be a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse ...

Trinity Health

Operating Room Assistant

Asbury, IA · On-site

Operating Room Assistant At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you're in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our ...

Access Dubuque

Operating Room Assistant

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Operating Room Assistant MercyOne 1 Positions ID: TRHEUS00689491MERCYO Posted On 08/22/2026 Job Overview Employment Type: Full time Shift: Evening Shift Description: At MercyOne, health care is more ...

Accede Solutions Inc.

RN - OR

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

They prepare the operating room, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. OR RNs monitor patient vital signs and advocate for patient safety throughout the procedure. They also ...

OU Health (Parent)

RN - Operating Room

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.4K/wk

Intraoperative Nursing Care: Assist in preparing the operating room (OR) environment, ensuring sterile conditions and proper functioning of surgical equipment. Collaborate with surgical team members ...

United Health Systems

RN Operating Room

Spencer, IA · On-site

$2.4K - $2.5K/wk

Duties * Assist in preparing the operating room for procedures, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are ready. * Provide perioperative care, including circulating and scrubbing duties, to ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$37

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room assistant?

Operating Room Assistants, also known as OR Assistants or surgical support staff, are healthcare workers who play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of the operating room. They transport patients, prepare and clean surgical areas, manage surgical instruments, and assist nurses and surgical teams with non-sterile tasks before, during, and after procedures. Their support ensures a sterile and organized environment, helping surgeries run smoothly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room assistant?

To thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, you need a basic understanding of surgical procedures, infection control, and patient care, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital inventory systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth operations and patient safety in high-pressure environments. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges operating room assistants face during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to changing surgical needs, and efficiently coordinating with the surgical team under pressure. They must be vigilant to prevent contamination, manage surgical instruments, and anticipate the needs of surgeons and nurses. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Operating Room Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job RoleAssist surgical team with supplies, prep rooms, and patient carePrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries

While both roles support surgical teams, Operating Room Assistants typically focus on patient support and logistical tasks, whereas Surgical Technologists have specialized training to prepare surgical instruments and assist directly during procedures. Both roles are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists usually require formal certification and have more technical responsibilities.

How do you become an operating room assistant?

To become an operating room assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Surgical Technologist. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important skills for the role.

How hard is it to become an operating room assistant?

Becoming an operating room assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or certification in healthcare support. Some positions may prefer or require knowledge of medical terminology, basic patient care skills, and familiarity with surgical environments, but the entry process is generally accessible with minimal formal education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,237 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Operating Room Assistant

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Trinity Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Trinity Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the physical management of patients and help with activities of daily living.

  • Complete or assist with surgical preparations, patient positioning, and equipment sterilization.

  • Transport specimens, obtain blood from the blood bank, and ensure proper stocking and cleaning of supplies and equipment.

Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Evening Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you're in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities - that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire an Operating Room Assistant.
As an Operating Room Assistant at MercyOne, you will be a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse providing holistic, compassionate, individualized, and effective patient care by assisting the patient with activities of daily living, as well as, other physical, emotional, and spiritual needs consistent with the Mission of MercyOne, Vision of Patient Care Services, evidence-based standards of care, and established policies and procedures.
Schedule:
  • Full-Time, 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
  • Evening shift hours worked between 12:00pm - 8:30pm with occasional flex.

General Requirements:
  • Assist in the physical management of patients.
  • Complete or assist with surgical preps.
  • Assist in patient positioning.
  • Demonstrate ability to understand and follow directions.
  • Thoroughly cleans equipment and operating rooms between procedures.
  • Stocks supplies throughout department.
  • Checks and fills nitrous and oxygen tanks.
  • Transports and logs specimens per department policy to the lab department.
  • Obtains blood from the blood bank as directed by the registered nurse.
  • Puts away extra supplies at the end of procedures and transports used instrumentation to the decontamination department.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and sterilization. Opens sterile supplies for procedures.
  • Assists in patient monitoring device application under discretion of the registered nurse.

Education:
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred
  • Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) will be required within 30 days of hire and every 2 years thereafter.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Ministry/Facility Information:
MercyOne Dubuque is the leading hospital in the tri-states, offering the only comprehensive cardiology center and level II regional neonatal intensive care unit in the area as well as the newly constructed MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center. Other services include a trauma center, a CARF-accredited inpatient rehabilitation unit, home health care, orthopedics, retail pharmacies, palliative care, and a wide range of outpatient and community services. MercyOne operates two hospital-based skilled nursing units and a 40-bed nursing home.
In recognition of the strength of its nursing service and the overall quality of patient care, MercyOne Dubuque has been designated a Magnet® hospital four consecutive times - the nation's most prestigious award for nursing excellence.
Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.
Visit MercyOne on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter!
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Trinity Health employees say

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US

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