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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program Jobs in Durham, NC

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Surgical Tech Apprentice Program information

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech apprentice program in Durham, NC is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.43 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 Durham, NC? For Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Surgical Tech Apprentice Program jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Surgical Tech Apprentice Program job openings:

Surgical Tech Senior - Ambulatory Surgery Center

UNC Health

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

As a free-standing surgical facility, the ASC provides surgical care to both pediatric and adult patients. The ASC supports the following services: Orthopedics (Sports), ENT/OHN, plastics, general laparoscopic, general oncology, peds urology, urology and dental. The ability to scrub is preferred, but not a requirement. It is preferred that candidates have either sports Ortho or ENT as one of their proficient areas. 

The schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday, 7am - 5:30pm (4 10-hour shifts/week). No call, no holidays, and no weekends. 

Summary:

The Surgical Technologist II works under the supervision of a surgeon and registered nurse to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Performs surgical scrub duties across multiple services.  Serves as a resource in at least one service line.

Responsibilities:
Performs all the duties and responsibilities of Level I plus the following:
1.Performs technical skill duties in all operating room specialty service areas, ensuring that proper technical practices are employed according to accepted standards of process.
2.Provides proper maintenance, assembly, handling, and sterilization techniques of specialty instrumentation.
3.Follows aseptic technique. Proactively identifies contamination and/or breaks in aseptic technique and implements corrective actions.
4.Performs surgical counts. Follows policies and procedures for incorrect counts and reports discrepancies appropriately.
5.Establishes and maintains sterile field and assures team maintains sterile environment independently. Labels drugs and solutions; monitors quantities used.
6.Assists in the proper identification, preparation, handling, and labeling of surgical specimens.
7.Actively participates in the planning and set up of instruments, supplies, and surgical drapes in an organized manner to provide optimal accessibility during the procedure.
8.Assists the surgeon, demonstrating an understanding of the patient’s anatomy and abnormalities which affect the surgical procedure.
9.Demonstrates appropriate and correct case preparation. Assists in picking cases and planning of instrument needs. Corrects deficiencies at the case level.
10.Recognizes and modifies scrubbing procedures based on pertinent information to develop modifications to standard approaches to care and communicates with the surgical team. Responds to surgical emergencies and follows hospitalwide emergency management plans.
11.Inventories, receives, and stores supplies under the direction of Surgical Services leadership.
12.Serves as role model for new hires, on the job trainees, and other identified teammates. Serves as a mentor for Surgical Tech peers and participates in teaching, guiding, and evaluating the performance of peers during orientation and annual review process.
13.Identifies and reports defective instruments, supplies, and equipment. Assists with restocking operating/procedure rooms and sub-sterile areas.
14.Assists the registered nurse during the intraoperative implementation phase of nursing practice.
15. Participates in data collection for research projects under the direction of an RN.
16. Operates complex equipment and other resources in the operating room, troubleshooting as necessary


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
● High School Diploma or GED Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology or Nursing Program; or Graduate of a Military Training Program in Surgical Technology; or Formal education/training may be substituted for individuals with 5+ years of prior experience as a surgical tech
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
● Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or Tech in Surgery (TS-C) through The National Center of Competency Testing
Professional Experience Requirements:
● 3+ years
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
● Successful completion of service specific portion of the UNC Health Surgical Technologist competencies.
● Strong communication skills/customer service relations
● Excellent organizational/priority setting skill.
● Ability to function effectively as a mentor & team player
● On-call (May be a requirement depending on the position)


Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: UNCH Operating Room ASC

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range: $24.98 - $35.91 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.