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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Riverview Orthopedic Clinic

RN - OR

Crookston, MN · On-site

$2.7K/wk

Responsibilities As an Operating Room Nurse, you will assist in a variety of procedures, including: * Upper and lower endoscopies * General procedures (open and laparoscopic) * Spine surgeries

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Operating Room RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Operating Room RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

OR - Operating Room * Discipline: RN * Duration: 14 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Nursing & Operating Room Asst | Plaza Surgery Center

CentraCare Health

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$19.15 - $29.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

CentraCare rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Find your purpose at CentraCare as a Nursing & Operating Room Assistant with the Plaza Surgery Center! Our Ambulatory Surgery Center offers a comfortable and warming environment for outpatient surgery. Our team is committed to outstanding clinical outcomes, superior patient experiences and utilizing the latest technology. As a Nursing and Operating Room Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting the patient care team in the treatment and care of patients as well as coordinating and assisting with support of anesthesia and surgical services.  We are dedicated to providing a safe, pleasant atmosphere for our patients, and we're looking for a compassionate and skilled Nursing and Operating Room Assistant to join our team!

Schedule

  • Full-time | 72 hours every two weeks | Plaza Surgery Center 
  • Various days Monday - Friday | 8-10-hour shifts between 5:30am - 6:00pm   

Pay and Benefits: 

  • Starting pay begins at $19.15 per hour and increases with experience
    • Pay range:  $19.15 - $29.28 per hour
  • Full-time benefits: medical, dental, PTO, retirement, employee discounts and more!

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required 
  • Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provider card (can be obtained through CentraCare after hire)
  • Experience in perioperative setting preferred, orientation and training provided for all skill levels

CentraCare has made a commitment to diversity in its workforce. All individuals including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. CentraCare is an EEO/AA employer.

What CentraCare employees say

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About CentraCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CentraCare has grown to meet the needs of the communities and is now one of the largest health systems in Minnesota. This means we are able to offer the latest advancements in care, technology and treatments close to home. But what makes CentraCare special is not our facilities or technology. It is our people. We live in the communities we serve. We are neighbors, friends and family. And when you need us, we are here for you.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Cloud, MN, US

Year founded

1886

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