Operating Room Surgical Technologist
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: 4x10 hour shifts, days (10:30 AM - 11:00 PM) with holiday rotation
• Weekend Requirement: Rotating weekends
• On-Call: Up to 2 call shifts per month (7 AM-7 PM or 7 PM-7 AM on weekends)
• Floating: May be required to float within scope to meet facility needs between like units or sister facilities

Required Qualifications

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

Common Case Types

• Orthopedic (total joints, spine, trauma)
• Neurosurgery (craniotomy, spine)
• ENT (flaps)
• Robotics
• Transplants/Procurements
• Trauma/Burns
• GU/GYN

Additional Information

• First-timers: Accepted
• Local Candidates: Considered on a case-by-case basis
• Facility Type: Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet designated hospital
• Operating Rooms: 21 OR suites covering all surgical specialties
• Charting System: EPIC
• Scrub Color: Provided
• Parking: Permit required with a registration fee (details provided upon hire)
• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November (peak in August-September)

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • Includes SSN trace, state and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if verification pending
• Licensure:

  • South Carolina RN license or equivalent for CST role (primary source verification required)
  • Walk-through (temporary) license option available for eligible candidates
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references required
• Employment History: Verification of last 3 clinical employers required
• Competency Exams: Required as applicable, including medication/pharmacology competency and OR competency exam
• Color Blind Testing: Required prior to start
• Radiation Badge: Required for CST and must be obtained before starting clinical work
• Fit Mask Test: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start
• Physical Exam: Initial and annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
• Vaccinations & Titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 90 days
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella titers or vaccination series with boosters as needed
  • Hepatitis B titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season or medical/religious exemption (no declinations accepted)
  • COVID vaccines highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Orientation & Training:

  • Completion of facility-specific orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
  • Clear, passport-style photo required for badge
• Other:

  • Annual TB questionnaire required
  • Medication and pharmacology competency exams required
  • Safety manual and HIPAA attestation required

Work Environment

• Busy, dynamic, nurse-driven OR department with cutting-edge technology
• Staff includes 75% Registered Nurses and 25% Certified Surgical Technologists
• Magnet designated academic trauma center

Schedule & Work Conditions

• 4 ten-hour day shifts per week
• Rotating weekends and holiday coverage required
• Up to 2 on-call shifts per month on weekends
• Floating between units may be required

This position is ideal for Certified Surgical Technologists with at least 2 years of experience who are comfortable working in a high-acuity, Level 1 trauma center environment and are willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. Prior travel experience is not required.