Certified Surgical Technologist - Operating Room
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: 4 shifts per week, 10-hour 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 unit needs or between like units
• First-Timers Accepted: Yes

Required Experience & Skills

• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 2 years as a Certified Surgical Technologist
• Preferred Experience: Neuro (spines/craniotomy), ENT (flaps), and Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases highly preferred
• Common Case Types: Orthopedics (total joints, spine, trauma), Neurosurgery (craniotomy, spine), ENT (flaps), Robotics, Transplants/Procurements, Trauma/Burns, GU/GYN

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Certification: NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (NCCT not accepted)
• Basic Life Support (BLS): Required (AHA certification preferred)
• Radiation Badge: Required and must be provided by the agency
• Trauma Level: Must be able to work in a Level 1 Trauma Center environment

Facility & Work Environment Highlights

• Operating Room within a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital
• 21 OR suites covering all surgical specialties including Trauma, Transplant, Ortho, Neuro, ENT, GU-GYN, and Robotics
• Dynamic, nurse-driven, Magnet-designated department with cutting-edge technology
• Scrub color and charting system (EPIC) provided
• Parking permit required with a registration fee (details provided upon hire)
• Hurricane season (June-November) may require emergency response team participation

Additional Requirements & Compliance

• Requirements/Qualifications:

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

• Background Checks: Comprehensive background check covering last 7 years, including criminal, sex offender registry, and federal databases

• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts preferred as placeholder if verification is pending

• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam updated annually
  • Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
  • Immunizations and titers: Tdap, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days)
  • Drug screening: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start
  • Flu vaccine or medical/religious exemption required during flu season
  • COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated

• Competency Exams: Required prior to start, including medication/pharmacology competency and OR competency exam

• Photo for Badge: Passport-style photo with solid light background required before start

• References: Proof of 2 clinical references required

• Work History Verification: Last 3 clinical employers verified

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks; called-off hours can be broken down but total no more than 1 shift
• Local radius for travel: 60 miles
• Locals may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Block schedule accommodations require manager approval

Important Notes

• Radiation badge processing can take 5-7 days; candidates cannot start floor work without it
• Travelers should be prepared for a busy, fast-paced OR environment with a wide variety of surgical cases
• Hurricane season may impact scheduling and require emergency response participation
• Orientation modules and facility-specific training must be completed prior to start

This position is ideal for experienced Certified Surgical Technologists seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity, academic Level I Trauma Center with diverse surgical case exposure.