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Surgical Tech Extern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Henry Ford Health

Surgical Tech Extern

Jackson, MI · On-site

The Surgical Tech Extern may assist in setting up the operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, help position patients, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical Tech Extern PRN

Houston, TX · On-site

Do you have the PRN career opportunities as a(an) Surgical Tech Extern PRN you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Texas Orthopedic Hospital which is part ...

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Surgical Tech Extern information

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$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do surgical tech extern jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical tech extern in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech extern?

A Surgical Tech Extern is a student or recent graduate gaining hands-on experience in a surgical setting under supervision. They assist surgical teams by preparing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and supporting patient care. This externship helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. It provides valuable experience to improve technical skills and confidence before pursuing a full-time surgical technologist role.

What kind of hands-on experience can I expect as a surgical tech extern?

As a Surgical Tech Extern, you will gain practical experience by assisting in real surgical procedures under the supervision of experienced surgical technologists and nurses. Your responsibilities may include preparing operating rooms, arranging surgical instruments, maintaining sterile environments, and observing or assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgeries. This externship allows you to develop familiarity with operating room protocols, equipment, and teamwork in a fast-paced medical environment. Through these hands-on experiences, you’ll begin building the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in surgical technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the surgical tech extern position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech Extern, you need foundational knowledge of sterile techniques, basic medical terminology, and the ability to follow detailed procedures, often backed by enrollment in an accredited surgical technology program. Familiarity with surgical instruments and equipment, as well as exposure to electronic medical records systems, is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills in this position. These skills ensure patient safety, smooth surgical procedures, and seamless collaboration within surgical teams.

How can you advance your career as a surgical tech?

Surgical techs can advance their careers by gaining additional certifications such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), pursuing specialized training in areas like robotics or sterile processing, and gaining experience in diverse surgical settings. Moving into roles such as surgical tech supervisor or educator often requires demonstrated expertise and leadership skills.

How long is a surgical tech externship?

A surgical tech externship typically lasts between 4 to 12 weeks, providing hands-on experience in surgical procedures and assisting surgical teams. The duration can vary depending on the program and institution requirements.
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Surgical Tech Extern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Tech Extern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Surgical Tech Extern

Henry Ford Health

Jackson, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Henry Ford Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 570 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 896 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Company Description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.
Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.
Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse and Surgical Technologist, the OR Surgical Tech Extern provides technical surgical care to patients. The Surgical Tech Extern may assist in setting up the operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, help position patients, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and assist with the surgical count of sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • Actively enrolled in an accredited surgical technology program with documented successful completion of initial clinical rotations.
  • To remain in the extern role, you MUST:
    • Only reside in the position for 12 - 16 months duration (Position is time limited).
    • Be actively enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technology program;
    • Successfully complete each course.
    • Provide transcripts to Nurse Manager after each course.
    • Provide a copy of your plan of work to your Nurse Manager.
    • BLS Healthcare provider to be completed during orientation.
  • If at any point the extern does not meet their academic institution's standard for continued enrollment in the school of surgical technology, their employment as an extern will be rescinded.
  • Physical ability to lift and move patients, supplies, and equipment with appropriate technique/device.

Additional Information

Rotating Shifts; Contingent (less than 20 hours/week)

What Henry Ford Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915

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