Certified Surgical Tech

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare; Crystal Valley (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is seeking a Certified Surgical Technician for their Columbus, GA location. In this role, you will assist in surgical operations by preparing the surgical suite, maintaining a sterile environment, and passing instruments during procedures. A high school diploma, completion of an accredited surgical technology program, and CST certification are required. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and acute care operating room experience. Join a team dedicated to community health and safety.

Qualifications

• Must be a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) within required time frame.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
• 12-18 months of acute care operating room experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating room with necessary sterile instruments and supplies.
• Maintain aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures.
• Pass instruments to surgeons during surgeries.
• Track sponges, needles, and instruments before and after procedures.
• Assist with room turnover and waste disposal.
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment.

Skills

Effective communication in English

Knowledge of surgical procedures and techniques

Attention to detail

Interpersonal and team collaboration skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Accredited surgical technology program completion

Job description

Description

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease‑specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Certified Surgical Technician (CST) works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse to assist in surgical operations. The CST is responsible for ensuring the surgical suite is prepared, maintaining a sterile environment, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and assisting in room turnover. The CST plays a vital role in patient safety, infection control, and operational efficiency in the surgical setting.

Essential Functions

• Prepare the operating room with sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, and solutions required for surgical procedures
• Maintain aseptic technique and sterile field throughout the procedure
• Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon and surgical team during procedures
• Accurately track sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgical procedures to ensure nothing is retained
• Assist with room turnover before and after procedures, including waste disposal and equipment reprocessing
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment in accordance with AAMI, AORN, TJC, and OSHA standards
• Assist in processing specimens for laboratory analysis
• Ensure proper documentation of instrument counts, procedures, and sterilization indicators
• Comply with infection control, personal protective equipment, and safety protocolsSupport performance improvement and risk management initiatives
• Maintain readiness and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Must read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterile techniques
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure
• Effective interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• Must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Successful completion of a program in surgical technology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) required

Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential required within time frame required by facility policy
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• De‑escalation training required within time frame required by facility policy

Experience

• 12 to 18 months of acute care operating room experience preferred