Surgical Technologist - Orthopedic / Neurosurgery - Main Operating Room

Surgical Technologist - Main Operating Room - Orthopedic / Neurosurgery

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Surgical Technologist position supports the Operating Room team within the Main Hospital by preparing operating rooms for a variety of surgical procedures, maintaining equipment and instrumentation readiness, and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety. The Surgical Technologist functions as an integral member of the perioperative team by anticipating the needs of surgeons, nurses, and other clinical staff during surgical procedures.

UT MD Anderson provides a collaborative environment where the Surgical Technologist contributes to safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. The Surgical Technologist plays a critical role in surgical services by supporting procedural readiness, maintaining sterile technique, and promoting operational excellence throughout each case.

The ideal candidate will possess at least three years of Surgical Technologist experience, with preference given to candidates who have orthopedic surgical experience. Individuals should demonstrate strong clinical skills, knowledge of sterile technique, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to patient safety and teamwork.

Minimum $30.29 Midpoint $41.59 Maximum $52.88 per hour

Salary Range: $63,000 $86,500 $110,000

Schedule:

• Orientation: Up to 6 months on Day Shift, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• After Orientation:
  • Two 12-hour shifts per week, 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
  • Two 8-hour shifts per week, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Off Day: To be determined.

Work Location: Main Hospital

Why Us? UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to support world-class surgical care while contributing to a mission focused on eliminating cancer through exceptional patient care, research, education, and prevention. This role provides meaningful clinical experience, opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and programs that support employee well-being and work-life balance.

• 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 obtaining additional assignments when available.
• Practice safely by adhering to all standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures and serving as a resource regarding appropriate actions.
• Demonstrate integrity and accountability by addressing breaks in technique and unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrate flexibility through cross-training opportunities outside the assigned surgical service area.
• Organize workflow to support on-time surgery starts and efficient case turnover.
• Utilize resources efficiently, including time, materials, supplies, equipment, and personnel.
• Maintain stability in performance while under pressure and handle crisis situations professionally.
• Put away all supplies and equipment after each surgical case.
• Participate in cost-saving strategies and avoid waste of supplies and resources.
• Complete annual self-appraisals and provide appropriate documentation.

Clinical Practice

• Demonstrate competency in perioperative responsibilities during surgical procedures.
• Plan for cases by consulting appropriate resources and ensuring readiness for each procedure.
• Prepare all required supplies and equipment according to preference cards and procedural requirements.
• Assemble, inspect, and connect equipment to ensure safe, clean, and proper functioning.
• Implement patient safety measures, including preservation of tissue integrity and prevention of pressure injuries.
• Follow sponge, instrument, and sharps count policies and procedures.
• Verify medications, solutions, and hemostatic agents with the circulator and prepare them according to policy and manufacturer instructions.
• Handle, label, and transport specimens safely according to established procedures.
• Deliver prosthetics to the sterile field while maintaining sterility and product integrity.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate constructively with team members and promote a healthy work environment.
• Recognize and value the contributions of all members of the surgical team.
• Build trust through consistency, active listening, professionalism, and open communication.
• Communicate effectively with circulators to support patient care and procedural flow.
• Scrub, set up, and perform counts in a timely manner to support efficient surgical operations.
• Remain actively engaged during procedures and anticipate surgeon needs without prompting.

Professional Development

• Pursue learning opportunities to expand knowledge and clinical expertise.
• Assess personal performance and actively seek constructive feedback.
• Strengthen interpersonal, clinical, and teamwork skills through continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in initiatives designed to improve patient care quality and operational effectiveness.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None
• Preferred: at least three years of Surgical Tech experience, preferably in ortho

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.