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Surgical Tech Student Extern Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Surgical Tech Student Extern information

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$701

$1.8K

$2.8K

How much do surgical tech student extern jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical tech student extern in Raleigh, NC is $1,829.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,365.38 and $2,242.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech student extern?

A Surgical Tech Student Extern is a student currently enrolled in a surgical technology program who is gaining hands-on experience in a real clinical setting, typically through an externship. The extern works under the supervision of experienced surgical technologists, nurses, and surgeons to learn about surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and how to assist in the operating room. This externship is a crucial part of their education, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to actual patient care while developing essential skills and professionalism. The experience helps prepare them for certification and future employment as a surgical technologist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech student extern?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech Student Extern, you need foundational knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically gained through an accredited surgical technology program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and hospital safety systems is crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient surgical support and contribute to positive patient outcomes in a high-stakes environment.

What are some common challenges surgical tech student externs face during their externships, and how can they overcome them?

Surgical Tech Student Externs often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced operating room environment, learning to anticipate the needs of surgeons, and managing stress during complex procedures. Building strong communication skills and staying organized are essential for success. Seeking feedback from experienced surgical team members and being proactive in asking questions can help externs quickly improve their technical abilities and confidence. Embracing a growth mindset and staying open to learning will make the externship experience more rewarding and prepare students for a full-time role.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech Student Extern vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech Student ExternSurgical Technologist
CredentialsIn training, often enrolled in accredited programsCertified or registered with required credentials
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers during externshipFull-time surgical team member in operating rooms
Job RoleAssists under supervision, gaining hands-on experiencePerforms sterile procedures independently

The Surgical Tech Student Extern is a trainee gaining practical experience under supervision, while the Surgical Technologist is a fully qualified professional performing surgical support independently. The externship serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a certified Surgical Technologist.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Tech Student Extern jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Surgical Tech Student Extern jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Surgical Tech Student Extern jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Surgical Tech Student Extern job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech Student Extern job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 29% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,147 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Surgical Technologist - Davis Ambulatory Surgery Center

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

487th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Duke Nursing Highlights:

  • Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
  • Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
  • Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
  • Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
  • Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
  • Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Hiring Incentives

  • $10,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible Surgical Technologists - Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months).
  • Relocation assistance up to $3,000 available for Surgical Technologists relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC. 

General Description of the Job Class

  • Surgical Technologists (ST) are allied health professionals who assist in the preparation and care of surgical patients ranging from infancy to geriatrics under the general direction of a professional nurse. The ST possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
  • The ST who has a dual function in the operating room and the ambulatory setting demonstrates competency in the care of surgical patients preoperatively and postoperatively in the ambulatory surgical clinic setting.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Level I - New graduate with up to 18 months of full-time equivalent experience.

  • Perform all responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates Service Excellence towards patients, physicians, peers and other departments.
  • Assume responsibility for upholding the policies and procedures of the department and organization.
  • Demonstrates eagerness to learn, takes direction, adapts to changes within unit, demonstrates consistent progress toward Level II.
  • Establishes and maintains sterile field and assures team maintains sterile environment.
  • Demonstrate and practice a good understanding of sterile technique.  Has a basic knowledge of instrumentations.
  • Prepare Operating Room with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
  • Demonstrates correct and safe instrumentation passing and performs sponge, needle and instrument counts in a safe and accurate manner.
  • Maintain technical skills to serve a patient population comprised of infancy to geriatric clients.
  • Take calls and rotate shifts as required under the direction of a registered nurse.
  • For Surgical Technologists with a dual role in an ambulatory environment, additional responsibilities may include: prepare patients for examinations and procedures in the surgical clinic setting; assist the physician during patient examination and procedures in the clinic; collect and label laboratory specimens for processing; reinforce postoperative instructions under direction of physician or RN; assist with incoming and outgoing patient calls under supervision of physician or RN; remove sutures/ staples, change sterile and non-sterile dressings, following DUHS policies and procedures, under direction of RN or physician; perform other clinical functions as delegated and supervised by the RN or physician; schedule and post surgical cases; coordinate complex scheduling of cases which require additional surgical support; update and file patient medical records.
  • Must advance to level II within 18 months.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Level II - Perform all the duties and responsibilities of Level I, plus the following:

  • Assist with the teaching of newly hired technologists and student technologists.
  • Serve as a role model to new employees and other staff members.
  • Establish and maintain sterile field and assure team maintains sterile environment independently.
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
  • Apply basic knowledge of instrumentations to several cases.
  • Demonstrate appropriate and correct case preparation.
  • Competent at unit level.
  • Corrects deficiencies at the case level.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, staff members and physicians.
  • Adherence to standards including but not limited to unit and hospital policies and procedures, regulatory standards, and patient safety goals.
  • Assume responsibility for self and ensures that the policies, procedures and safety practices of the Operating Room and Hospital are reinforced.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.


Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

  • Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program or maintains an accredited Surgical Technologist certification (NCCT or NBSTSA).
  • Or, provides evidence of the successful completion of an appropriate training program for Surgical Technology in the United States Military.

Experience

  • Level I- Entry level position for new graduates of Surgical Technology program or Surgical Technologists with 0 to 18 months experience.
  • Level II- Requires 6 to 12 months of full-time equivalent Surgical Technology or relevant military experience.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

  • Level I- BLS required.
  • Level II- BLS required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to adapt to changes within unit.
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, and often without relief.
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy relating to the surgical procedure and the instrumentation required in order to effectively anticipate the needs of the surgeon.
  • Ability to set priorities and respond appropriately to actual and/or potential life threatening situations.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US