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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Summary: A Certified Surgical Technician at Vista Health performs a critical role in the ... Participate in staff meetings, educational programs, and in-service activities to enhance job ...

Certified Surgical Tech

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$27.82 - $38.78/hr

Surgical Tech credentialed from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) obtained prior to ... E-Verify statement Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please ...

Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management ... Surgical Tech credentialed from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) obtained prior to ...

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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do surgical tech apprentice program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech apprentice program in Chicago, IL is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Chicago, IL? For Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Surgical Tech Apprentice Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical Tech Apprentice Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,482 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Surgical Tech

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

A Certified Surgical Technician at Vista Health performs a critical role in the surgical team by mastering a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care. This role is responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging and handling surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff during various surgical procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

Qssentials - Standards of Excellence
Vista Health's "Qssentials" culture connects 10 Standards of Behavior to daily actions that set a high benchmark for service and operational excellence, ensuring great patient care. This role requires demonstrating the AIDET communication method towards customers and embodying the following Standards of Behavior:

  • Safety
  • Attitude
  • Responsiveness
  • Service Recovery
  • Commitment to Co-Workers
  • Privacy
  • Communication
  • Customer Waiting
  • Appearance
  • Sense of Ownership

Key Responsibilities:

  • Comply with organizational, department, and regulatory standards.
  • Prepare patients and surgical suites, instruments, and equipment for procedures while maintaining a sterile environment to prevent patient infection.
  • Provide supplies and equipment for surgical procedures and demonstrate the ability to scrub in for all specialty areas.
  • Work collaboratively with RNs to ensure appropriate supplies and equipment are available for all types of surgical procedures.
  • Perform sponge, sharps, and instrument counts with the RN assigned to the OR suite.
  • Assist surgeons during surgery by passing instruments and other sterile supplies.
  • Sterilize equipment and maintain adequate inventory levels for surgery.
  • Assist other health professionals in cleaning and preparing surgical suites, displaying professional behavior at all times.
  • Provide care that meets the department's policies and procedures, using data reflective of patient/customer's status to identify and meet specific needs.
  • Participate in staff meetings, educational programs, and in-service activities to enhance job knowledge and performance.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all patient information and be receptive to change.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Answer phones, direct calls, and take messages as needed.
  • Complete special projects in a timely and professional manner.
  • Perform all tasks in a safe and approved manner to avoid injury to self and others.
  • Assist with inventory control and stock rooms with necessary supplies.
  • Demonstrate support for all Vista Health strategic initiatives and resulting operational changes.
Supervision Exercised:

None.

Internal Interactions:
  • Interact with materials management staff and sterile processing staff.
External Interactions:
  • Interact with company representatives, physicians, and patients.
Working Environment:
  • Frequently standing and walking.
  • Occasionally bending, twisting, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Periodic exposure to body fluids, infectious and contagious diseases.
  • Ability to concentrate on fine detail with frequent interruptions.
  • Required to wear protective equipment as necessary.
Visual and Hearing Requirements:
  • Must be able to see with corrective eyewear and hear clearly with assistance.
Bloodborne Pathogens:
  • Daily exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

  • Graduate from an accredited surgical technician school or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Experience:

  • Successful completion of a surgical technician training program or equivalent.

Specialized Training/Skills:

  • Familiarity with and ability to operate a personal computer.

Certification/Licensure:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Health Care Workers (CPR).

Age of Patients/Customers Served:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/service appropriate to all ages, including neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Travel Requirements:
  • Travel to other Vista Health sites may be required.
On-Call/Call-In Requirements:
  • On-call and call-in support is required. This support may be needed for the home department or other Vista Health location staffing needs.

This job description reflects the essential duties and responsibilities necessary to successfully perform the job and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Vista Health reserves the right to modify the job description as necessary based on organizational and patient care needs.