Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Choosecolumbusga; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare in Columbus, GA is seeking a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) to assist in the operating room under RN supervision.

The CST ensures sterile technique, prepares the OR, passes instruments, and supports room turnover, contributing to patient safety and efficient procedures. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, successful completion of a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program, CST certification, BLS, and 12–18 months of acute care OR

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating room with sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, and solutions.
• Maintain aseptic technique and sterile field throughout procedures.
• Pass instruments to the surgeon and surgical team during procedures.
• Accurately track sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure nothing is retained.
• Assist with room turnover and waste disposal.
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment per standards.
• Document instrument counts and sterilization indicators.

Skills

English communication

Surgical procedures knowledge

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program

Job description

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Columbus, Georgia

Facility St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Req ID 548727

Post Date 05/22/2026

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 protocols


• Support 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