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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/10/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per ... Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing ...

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/09/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per ... Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing ...

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/17/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per ... Assistants, and Certified Nursing Assistants to work in Acute Care Centers, Skilled Nursing ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, and why are they important?

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 Operating Room Assistants?

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 most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Kentucky? For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Operating Room Assistant/UKHC

Operating Room Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15 - $22.60/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Operating Room Assistant/UKHC Requisition Number RE53537 Working Title ORA Department Name H6300:Perioperative Services Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 05 Salary Range $15.00-22.60/hour Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
This position requires regularly lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to or over 50 pounds; and standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Also involves some exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to blood-borne or airborne pathogens and recombinant DNA or viral vectors.
Shift
Must be able to work days, evenings, and/or nights with some weekends, holidays, and on-call requirements per departmental need (40 hours per week).
Job Summary
The ORA assists the nursing team through duties such as opening sterile supplies; holding instruments and extremities; running errands; obtaining supplies and blood/pharmacy products; transporting patients by bed, wheelchair, or stretcher; ensuring patient ID badges are correct; securing patient belongings; and performing OR turnover duties including cleaning OR tables, mopping floors, changing trash and linens, and assisting with inventory counts. Responsibilities involve handling equipment and supplies with aseptic technique; efficiently communicating; maintaining patient confidentiality; and pushing, pulling, and/or lifting patients and objects up to/greater than 100 pounds.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ideal candidate will have the ability to follow directions; excellent organization skills; great attention to detail; customer focus; and exceptional communication skills.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience
Previous hospital experience preferred.
Deadline to Apply 07/21/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865