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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program Jobs in Tennessee

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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program information

What can I expect from the mentorship and training structure in a Surgical Tech Apprentice Program?

Surgical Tech Apprentice Programs typically offer a structured blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the operating room, under the supervision of experienced surgical technologists and surgeons. Apprentices are often paired with mentors who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout each phase of the program. You can expect to rotate through various surgical specialties, participate directly in patient care, and gradually take on more responsibilities as your skills develop. Regular evaluations and close teamwork with nurses, anesthesiologists, and physicians are common, offering valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech Apprentice Program vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech Apprentice ProgramSurgical Technologist
CredentialsOn-the-job training, often requires enrollment in a programCertification or diploma, such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, under supervisionHospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical facilities
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs offered by hospitals or training institutionsCertified professionals employed across healthcare settings
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry pathways into surgical tech rolesUnderstanding certification and career progression

The Surgical Tech Apprentice Program provides hands-on training for individuals starting in surgical technology, often without requiring prior certification. In contrast, Surgical Technologists are certified professionals who have completed formal education and certification exams. The apprentice program is ideal for gaining practical experience, while the technologist role emphasizes certification and independent work in surgical settings.

What is a Surgical Tech Apprentice Program?

A Surgical Tech Apprentice Program is a structured training initiative designed to prepare individuals for a career as a surgical technologist. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, apprentices learn essential skills such as sterilizing equipment, preparing operating rooms, and assisting surgeons during procedures. These programs typically allow participants to earn while they learn, gradually increasing their responsibilities under the supervision of experienced professionals. Upon completion, apprentices are often eligible to take certification exams and transition into full-time surgical tech roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Tech Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, usually gained through a high school diploma and enrollment in an accredited surgical technology program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic medical record systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, support efficient surgical workflows, and contribute to positive surgical outcomes.
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Surgical Tech II, PRN - Ortho

Surgical Tech II, PRN - Ortho

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
VHBM Operating Rooms
Job Summary:
The Surgical Tech II PRN facilitates patient care by assisting physicians/nursing staff before, during and after surgical procedures by creating and maintaining, a sterile field and providing the instruments and supplies required by the surgeons in a sterile manner according to established plan for patient care with occasional guidance. The Surgical Tech. performs competently most of the cases in a given service/shift.
Who We Are:
Vanderbilt Health Belle Meade is an outpatient department of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. VHBM is a multi-specialty facility designed to provide an array of services across several medical specialties and will provide convenient, state-of-the-art care closer to where patients live and work. The 50,000 square foot building has 7 operating rooms, clinic exam rooms, infusion stations and imaging capabilities.
Position Shift:
• PRN | Monday-Friday
• No weekends, No holidays
Key Responsibilities:
• Facilitates patient care, by assisting the surgeon before, during and after surgical procedures.
• Plans, sets up, performs and cleans up the assigned surgical procedure as a circulator and as a scrub tech.
• Performs sharp, sponge and instrument counts according to policy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to apply the Principles of Asepsis in creating and maintaining the sterile field.
• Performs sharp, sponge and instrument counts according to policy.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
Required: Graduate of an approved specific discipline OR successful completion of a surgical technologist training program during the applicant's service as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States.
Required: Min. 1 year of relevant work experience.
Preferred: Prior experience in Ortho cases.
Required: Certification from one of the listed issuers below:
  • NBSTSA CST - National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistants, Certified Surgical Technologist.
  • NCCT - TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing, Tech In Surgery.

Exception:
  • If graduate of surgical technologist armed forces training program, no certification is required.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
• Equipment Maintenance (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting maintenance activities in area of assignments.
• Surgical Technology (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate surgical technology in practical applications of moderate difficulty.
• Inventory Management (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with Inventory Management. Understands Inventory Management concepts and principles. Familiar with Inventory Management tools, processes, procedures and policies.
• Environmental Sterility & Safety (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with environmental sterility and safety.
• Operating Room Care (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate operating room care in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
• Procedures Knowledge (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with procedures knowledge.
• Surgical Equipment Knowledge (Novice): Knowledge of the specific equipment and its performance criteria, capabilities and limitations. Able to use the equipment to accomplish basic tasks associated with the specific devices. May conduct remedial maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Certified Surgical Technologist - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Tech in Surgery TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
1 year
Education:
Graduate of an approved discipline specific program
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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