Certified Surgical Tech

Certified Surgical Technician (CST)

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