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Surgical Services Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Medical Assistant

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Intermediate level position responsible for all supporting functions in the delivery of reproductive health care, primary care and/or surgical services. Assist patients by providing testing ...

Medical Assistant

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Intermediate level position responsible for all supporting functions in the delivery of reproductive health care, primary care and/or surgical services. Assist patients by providing testing ...

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Surgical Services Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$17

$23

How much do surgical services assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical services assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A surgical services assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant healthcare training or certification such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or similar credentials. Prior experience in healthcare settings, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important qualifications.

What is the difference between Surgical Services Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Services AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingPost-secondary certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centersOperating rooms in hospitals, surgical centers
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for assisting roles in surgeryMore specialized, with technical skills in sterile procedures

The Surgical Services Assistant typically provides support to surgical teams with basic patient care and equipment handling, often requiring less formal education. Surgical Technologists have specialized training and focus on preparing operating rooms and assisting during surgeries. Both roles work in similar environments, but Surgical Technologists usually have more technical responsibilities and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical services assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Services Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical instruments, and patient care, typically gained through a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a surgical technology certificate. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, inventory management systems, and proper handling of surgical tools is crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth coordination and support in the operating room. These competencies are vital for maintaining surgical safety, efficiency, and a sterile environment during procedures.

What is a surgical services assistant?

Surgical Services Assistants are healthcare professionals who support surgical teams before, during, and after operations. Their duties typically include preparing operating rooms, transporting patients, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that surgical instruments and supplies are readily available. They play a crucial role in maintaining a sterile environment and assisting with patient care to help surgeries run smoothly. Surgical Services Assistants often work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff to provide efficient and safe surgical experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by surgical services assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Surgical Services Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing time-sensitive tasks in a fast-paced environment, maintaining strict adherence to sterile techniques, and efficiently communicating with a multidisciplinary surgical team. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, continuously update knowledge of surgical protocols, and develop strong interpersonal skills. Proactively seeking feedback and participating in ongoing training also helps improve performance and adaptability.

What does a surgical services assistant do?

A surgical services assistant supports surgical teams by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient positioning and supplies during procedures. They ensure a sterile environment and may handle administrative tasks related to surgical scheduling and documentation.

How hard is it to become a surgical services assistant?

Becoming a surgical services assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant healthcare training or certification such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The role involves understanding sterile techniques, assisting in surgeries, and often requires on-the-job training or experience, making it moderately accessible for those interested in healthcare support roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Services jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Surgical Services jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Surgical Services Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Surgical Services Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Services Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Services Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Surgical Services Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Surgical Services Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical Services Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,141 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Surgical Services Assistant Director

AHMC Healthcare

Riverside, CA • On-site

$55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


AHMC Healthcare rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN supports the Director of Surgical Services in the clinical and operational oversight of perioperative services (including diagnostic and interventional procedures) to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient patient care. This role provides direct clinical leadership and supervision for surgical services staff and collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, sterile processing, and ancillary departments to support excellence in perioperative practice.
The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN is an advanced practice health care professional who is clinically experienced in the areas of administrative responsibility and competent in the application of management principles who formally participates in institutional planning and decision making.
The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN has responsibility, authority, and accountability for implementation and maintenance of clinical standards. With the unique combination of clinical, fiscal, and management expertise, the manager is in a key position to promote effective and cost efficient care of patients in the Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas such as: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory/ IR environment.
The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN is the leader and role model for professional practice conducted in the Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas such as: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory/ IR environment.. The management of the procedural areas requires a knowledge base, skills, and competencies in clinical practice and administration. It is the shared responsibility of the manager and the director of Surgical Services to develop and maintain administrative accountabilities that include but are not limited to:
Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
  • Provide clinical oversight and supervision of perioperative services, including Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas as assigned
  • Ensure compliance with nursing standards of practice, hospital policies, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements
  • Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to perioperative staff
  • Participate in patient care rounds, case reviews, quality initiatives, and clinical performance improvement activities
  • Assist with development and implementation of clinical policies, procedures, competencies, and education programs
  • Monitor patient safety indicators, infection prevention measures, and clinical outcomes

Operational Oversight
  • Assist with daily department operations including staffing coordination, patient flow, scheduling efficiency, and resource allocation
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and department leadership to improve operational efficiency and patient experience
  • Support department productivity, throughput, turnover time initiatives, and block utilization management
  • Participate in budgeting, supply utilization oversight, and capital equipment planning
  • Assist with survey readiness activities and compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, Title 22, and other regulatory standards

Staff Supervision & Development
  • Assist with hiring, orientation, competency validation, coaching, and performance evaluations of perioperative staff
  • Promote employee engagement, teamwork, accountability, and professional development
  • Address employee concerns and assist with corrective action processes when necessary
  • Support scheduling and staffing plans to maintain safe patient care coverage

Quality & Regulatory Compliance
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review activities, and patient safety programs
  • Monitor compliance with perioperative documentation, time-out procedures, medication safety, and sterile technique practices
  • Assist with regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action plans
  • Promote adherence to AORN standards and evidence-based perioperative practice

Qualifications
  1. A Bachelor's Degree required
  2. Minimum five years experience in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
  3. Minimum 3 years management experience.
  4. Registered Nurse Licensure is required
  5. Current BLS, ACLS required

What AHMC Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About AHMC Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Caring for you and your loved ones is our top priority. We encourage our patients to be involved in the care process, and to communicate with our staff about their experience. From our admitting staff, to nurses, patient experience managers, and administration - we're here because we care. Physicians and facility staff are dedicated to achieving the highest level of clinical excellence. AHMC Healthcare hospitals have advanced diagnostics tools such as the MRI GE Signa HDxt1.5TMR system and the Toshiba Aquilon 128-slice CT scanner. Anaheim Regional Medical Center's Heart Center has the second largest volume of open heart surgeries in Orange County. Members of our Nursing staff have been recognized at the Hospital Heroes Awards and the SeniorServ Senior Care Hero Awards. Whichever AHMC Healthcare hospital you choose, you will be choosing a facility dedicated to delivering quality service and care.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alhambra, CA, US

Year founded

2004

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