Surgical Technician

Palo Alto Hospital; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 46,800 - 76,960; Full time

Job summary

University Health is seeking a Surgical Technician to support the operating room team, ensuring sterile technique and efficient patient care for a diverse age range.

You will prepare rooms and instruments, maintain a sterile field, and pass instruments as needed while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff. Career ladder opportunities are available based on education, competency, and performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology Program and certification as a Surgical Technologist; OR experience prior to 2009.

Responsibilities

• Prepares operating rooms, instruments, supplies, and equipment before procedures.
• Maintains sterile field throughout procedures.
• Assists with passing instruments and equipment to the surgeon.
• Supports efficient patient flow and OR turnover.
• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses and the team.

Skills

Sterile technique

Anatomy knowledge

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Instruments handling

Surgical tech technologies

Patient safety

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Accredited Surgical Technology Program

Surgical Technologist certification

Previous OR experience (preferred)

Military/US Public Health Service program training

Tools

Surgical instrumentation

Operating room equipment

Job description

Position Summary / Responsibilities

The Surgical Technician performs a variety of duties within the Operating Room to support the surgical team and ensure safe, efficient care for patients ranging from infancy through geriatrics. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, this position utilizes advanced knowledge of sterile technique, anatomy, surgical instrumentation, and operating room technology to facilitate invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepares operating rooms, instruments, supplies, and equipment prior to each surgical procedure.
• Reviews surgeon preference cards and verifies required instrumentation and specialty equipment.
• Establishes and maintains a sterile field throughout each surgical procedure.
• Anticipates the surgeon's needs by selecting and passing appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking by anticipating procedural changes and adapting to evolving surgical needs.
• Assists with operating room turnover to promote efficient patient flow.
• Collaborates effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Supports University Health's Mission, Vision, and Values through professional, compassionate patient care.

Career Ladder Opportunities

University Health offers advancement opportunities for Surgical Technicians through its Clinical Career Ladder. Employees meeting established education, certification, competency, and performance requirements may advance into higher-level positions.

Salary Ranges

• Surgical Tech I (0+ yrs) $22.50 - $37.00
• Surgical Tech II (2+ yrs) $24.50 - $40.00
• Surgical Tech III (3+ yrs) $25.50 - $41.50
• Surgical Tech First Assistant (CSA, CFSA, or SA-C is Required) $30.50 - $47.00

Promotion opportunities are based on demonstrated clinical competency, experience, required certifications, performance, and successful completion of Clinical Ladder requirements.

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology Program and certification as a Surgical Technologist; OR
• Employed as a Surgical Technologist for at least one (1) year in a healthcare facility before September 1, 2009; OR
• Completion of an approved Surgical Technology training program through the United States Armed Forces or the United States Public Health Service.
• Must successfully complete the Surgical Technician Clinical Ladder for advancement opportunities.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Knowledge of sterile and aseptic surgical technique.
• Understanding of human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
• Strong critical thinking and anticipation during surgical procedures.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to operate surgical instrumentation and operating room equipment.
• Familiarity with surgical technologies including drills, robotic systems, lasers, and computerized surgical equipment.
• Commitment to patient safety, infection prevention, and quality outcomes.

Why Join University Health?

• Work alongside nationally recognized surgeons and perioperative professionals.
• Utilize advanced surgical technologies and state-of-the-art operating rooms.
• Build your career through our Surgical Technician Clinical Career Ladder.
• Opportunities for specialty training and advancement into Surgical Technician First Assistant roles.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Retirement and professional development programs.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in patient care.
• Make a meaningful impact on every surgical patient, every day.