Surgical Technologist - Main Operating Room - Head and Neck / Plastics

Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist supports the Main Operating Room at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by assisting with preparation and execution of complex surgical procedures across multiple service lines. The Main Operating Room is a high acuity, fast paced environment supporting robotic, gynecologic, thoracic, urologic, and general surgical cases, requiring strong clinical expertise, efficiency, and collaboration. The Surgical Technologist is responsible for maintaining sterile technique, anticipating surgical team needs, and supporting safe, high quality patient care. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Surgical Technologist plays a vital role in supporting UT MD Anderson's mission by ensuring operating rooms are prepared, equipment and instrumentation are available and functioning properly, and surgical teams are supported throughout each procedure. The Surgical Technologist position requires adaptability, accountability, and a strong commitment to patient safety within the Main Operating Room.

The ideal candidate will have experience Ophthalmology, Otology, Sinus, Robot, and Free Flaps within a high acuity operating room environment, along with appropriate education and training in surgical technology, demonstrated competency in sterile technique and instrumentation, and any required licensure or certification necessary to function independently as a Surgical Technologist. Salary Range: Minimum $30.29 Midpoint $41.59 Maximum $52.88 Shift: Orientation First 46 months, the work schedule is MondayFriday, 6:30am3:00pm. After orientation, the typical work schedule includes two 12-hour shifts ( 0630-1900 ) and two 8-hour shifts ( 0630-1500 ) per week. Off day will be determined toward the end of orientation, which is expected to last between 4 and 6 months.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to complex, lifesaving surgical care within one of the world's most respected cancer centers while developing clinical expertise across multiple surgical specialties. UT MD Anderson supports professional growth, collaboration, and work life balance within a mission driven environment dedicated to advancing patient care.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

• Accountability
• Utilize time efficiently by completing assigned responsibilities and seeking additional assignments when available
• Adhere to all standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures to promote safe, quality patient care
• Address breaks in technique and unsafe conditions with integrity and accountability
• Demonstrate flexibility and cross-train to services outside of the assigned quad
• Organize workflow to support on-time starts and efficient case turnover
• Allocate and use resources efficiently, including time, supplies, equipment, and personnel
• Maintain performance stability under pressure and during crisis situations
• Put away all supplies and equipment after each case
• Participate in cost-saving strategies and avoid waste of supplies and resources
• Complete annual self-appraisal with appropriate documentation
• Clinical Practice
• Demonstrate competency in all responsibilities during surgical procedures
• Plan ahead for cases by consulting appropriate resources and preference cards
• Prepare required supplies and equipment while opening items only when certain they are needed
• Assemble, inspect, and connect equipment to ensure safe, clean, and correct functioning
• Initiate patient safety measures, including positioning, temperature control, and tissue protection
• Follow sponge, instrument, and sharps count policies and procedures
• Coordinate with the circulator regarding medications, solutions, and hemostatic agents
• Label, handle, and transport specimens according to policy and procedure
• Handle and deliver prosthetics while maintaining sterility and integrity
• Teamwork
• Communicate constructively with team members to support patient care and case flow
• Value and recognize the contributions of all team members
• Build trust through consistent practice, clear communication, and effective listening
• Collaborate with the circulator to ensure continuity of patient care
• Scrub, set up, and complete counts in a timely manner
• Remain actively engaged and focused on the operative field
• Anticipate surgeon needs without prompting
• Pursue learning opportunities to broaden clinical knowledge and experience
• Seek and apply feedback to improve performance and teamwork

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Preferred: Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program

Work Experience

• Preferred: Ophthalmology, Otology, Sinus, Robot, and Free Flaps

Licenses and Certifications

• Required: CST - Certified Surgical Technologist By the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Upon Hire or
• Required: New graduate must obtain and maintain certification within 180 Days or
• Required: Employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility prior to September 1, 2009. Upon Hire or
• Required: Completed appropriate training program for surgical technology in the military of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service. Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.