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Surgical Care Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team! Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients ...

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team! Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients ...

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team! Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients ...

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team! Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients ...

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team! Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients ...

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Surgical Care Assistant information

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$13

$27

$62

How much do surgical care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical care assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical care assistant?

Surgical Care Assistants (SCAs) are healthcare professionals who support surgeons and the surgical team before, during, and after surgical procedures. They help prepare operating rooms, assist with patient positioning, maintain sterile environments, and provide direct care to patients. SCAs often work under the supervision of registered nurses and surgeons, ensuring that all necessary equipment and instruments are available and functioning. Their role is crucial for maintaining efficiency and safety in the operating room.

What are some common challenges surgical care assistants face when supporting surgical teams during procedures?

Surgical Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterile techniques, managing high-pressure situations during complex procedures, and efficiently anticipating the needs of surgeons and nurses. The fast-paced environment requires excellent communication and quick decision-making skills to ensure patient safety and smooth workflow. Adapting to different surgical specialties and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams are also key aspects that demand flexibility and ongoing learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical care assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Care Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and patient care, typically supported by a healthcare qualification such as an NVQ or diploma in perioperative care. Familiarity with operating room equipment, electronic health records, and infection control protocols is essential. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for supporting surgeons and ensuring patient safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high standards of surgical care, minimizing risks, and ensuring efficient operating room operations.

What is the difference between Surgical Care Assistant vs Operating Room Technician?

AspectSurgical Care AssistantOperating Room Technician
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support, sometimes specialized surgical assisting certificationsCPR, Basic Life Support, surgical technology certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting surgical teamsOperating rooms, assisting with surgical procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, surgical facilities, outpatient clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Surgical Care Assistants and Operating Room Technicians work in surgical environments, assisting surgical teams. While their roles overlap in supporting surgeries, Surgical Care Assistants often focus on patient care and pre/post-operative tasks, whereas Operating Room Technicians primarily prepare and manage surgical equipment. Certifications like CPR and basic life support are common to both roles, and they are employed in similar healthcare settings.

How hard is it to become a surgical care assistant?

Becoming a surgical care assistant typically requires completing a relevant healthcare qualification, such as a diploma or certificate in healthcare support or surgical assisting, and gaining practical experience. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important; some roles may require certification or training in basic life support or patient care. Overall, it involves a combination of education, training, and on-the-job experience.

What degree do I need to be a surgical care assistant?

A surgical care assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers prefer or require additional vocational training or a relevant certification. While a specific degree is not always mandatory, having knowledge of healthcare procedures and patient care skills is important for the role.

What do you do as a surgical care assistant?

A surgical care assistant supports surgical teams by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery. They may also help with patient positioning, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a sterile environment, often working under the supervision of nurses or surgeons. Certification and adherence to health and safety protocols are typically required in this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical care assistant?

To become a surgical care assistant, candidates typically need a relevant healthcare qualification such as a diploma or certificate in healthcare support or surgical assisting. Good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and knowledge of sterile techniques are also important; some roles may require specific certifications like basic life support (BLS).

What cities are hiring for Surgical Care Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Care Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Care jobs?

The most popular types of Surgical Care jobs are:

What states have the most Surgical Care Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical Care Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Care Assistant jobs?

For Surgical Care Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surgical Care Assistant

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

Regions Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$20.87 - $29.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Regions Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 1,066 rated hospitals


Job description

Regions Hospital is looking for a Surgical Care Assistant to join our team!

Under the direction and supervision of the Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager, the Surgical Care Assistant assists patients with admission and discharge preparation and transportation, and assists in the maintenance of a safe clean environment. This position covers the Pre-Post Surgical Care Unit (PSCU), Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and the Surgical Transitional Care Unit (STCU) when scheduled or requested. The Surgical Care Assistant will assist in the nursing care to the divergent populations of newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients with multiple medical conditions including:

  • Performing activities including bathing, positioning, and assisting with transfers and transports daily.
  • Assisting patients with the bathroom on a daily basis.
  • Rooming patients pre-operatively and on discharge to home, transporting patients to their vehicle.
  • Wiping down equipment and carts, setting up rooms for the next patient, and wiping down surgical carts after each use.
  • Collecting patient data including vital signs and weights.
  • Performing point of care testing as needed.

Work Schedule: 

  • Day/Evening shift, 8-hour shifts with a block schedule and one holiday per year:

    • Week 1: Sunday 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday 12:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday 12:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday 12:30-8:30 p.m., Friday 12:30-8:30 p.m.

    • Week 2: Monday 12:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday 12:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday 12:30-8:30 p.m.

Required Qualifications:

  • BLS certification and completion of a nursing assistant program within the last five years OR

  • Six months of experience in acute care or long-term care setting as a Nursing Assistant at a 0.5 FTE or greater within the last five years OR

  • Completion of one clinical rotation in an RN or LPN program within the last year OR

  • Six months of experience as an Emergency Room Technician at a 0.5 FTE or greater within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Six months of experience in a healthcare setting.

  • Hospital experience.

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.

Additional Information:

This is a union 0.8 FTE (64 hours per pay period) day/evening shift position, working in Saint Paul, MN. The full salary range for this position is $20.87-$29.21 per hour, based on experience and internal equity, plus shift differentials. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is eligible for benefits. Our benefits include medical and dental insurance (which begin on the first day of the month following start), 401k with match, disability insurance, fertility benefits, tuition reimbursement, educational reimbursement toward continuing education, and we are a qualified non-profit employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. We offer an onsite employee fitness center and an onsite employee clinic to make it more convenient for our staff to get the care they need. We also have a Center for Employee Resilience that provides support and evidence-based practices to bring relief and build resiliency. Regions is also proud to be a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company.

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health
As a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.


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