Operating Room Surgical Technologist (CST)
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Surgical Services (Operating Room)
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (6:30 AM – 7:00 PM)
• Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, plus one weekday
• Call: None
• Floating: Yes, may need to float within scope to meet facility needs or between like units

Required Experience & Skills

• Years of Experience: Minimum 2 years required
• Preferred Experience: Neuro (spines/crani), ENT (flaps), Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases highly preferred
• Common Case Types: Orthopedics (total joints, spine, trauma), Neuro (crani, spine), ENT (flaps), Robotics, Transplants/Procurements, Trauma/Burns, GU/GYN
• First-timers: Accepted

Certifications & Licenses

• Required Certifications:

  • NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) – NCCT not accepted
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC accepted
• Radiation Badge: Required (must be provided by agency)
• Trauma Level: Level 1 trauma center experience preferred

Facility & Work Environment

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet designated hospital
• Main Operating Room with 21 OR suites covering all surgical specialties including Trauma, Transplant, Ortho, Neuro, ENT, GU-GYN, and Robotics
• Nursing team composition: 75% Registered Nurses, 25% Certified Surgical Technologists
• Busy, dynamic, nurse-driven environment with cutting-edge technology
• Charting system: EPIC
• Scrub color provided
• Local radius for travel: 60 miles
• Locals may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Additional Information

• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks; called off hours can be broken down to add up to 1 shift
• Block Schedule: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during hurricane season (June–November), especially August and September

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Proof of work eligibility (I-9 attestation and completed form)
• Copy of Driver’s License/State ID
• Copy of Social Security Card or SSN verification
• Annual background check covering last 7 years with multiple searches (SSN trace, state, national, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, international if applicable)
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education verification or diploma/transcripts as placeholder
• State-specific Medicaid excluded provider search
• Clinical references (2 required)
• Employment application including all PTO, contract assignments, agency names, and no unaccounted gaps
• Work history verification of last 3 clinical employers
• Facility-specific orientation modules and first day instructions must be completed prior to start
• Clear, passport-style badge photo required before start

Health & Safety Requirements

• Initial physical exam and annual updates attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Fit test for N95 masks within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine within 10 years or declination form
• Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or proof of prior positive with chest x-ray
• Annual TB questionnaire
• Proof of immunity or vaccination for Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (vaccines or titers with boosters if needed)
• Hepatitis B titer, vaccine series, or declination
• 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Aug 1 – Apr 30)
• COVID-19 vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated

Competency Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required
• Color blindness testing required prior to start
• Competency exam for OR procedures required

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Certified OR Tech / Surgical Technologist (CST)
• Surgical Technologist experience within the last year
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) or NBSTSA certification
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Notes

• Candidates cannot start without their radiation badge; badge processing may take 5-7 days
• Candidates may be sent home if orientation modules are not completed before or during orientation
• Sterile Processing Techs have additional physical assessment and lab requirements (not applicable for this role)

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a high-acuity, technologically advanced surgical environment with a variety of complex cases. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic schedule and the possibility of floating to meet unit needs.