Certified 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: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (06:30 AM - 7:00 PM), dayshift
• Weekend Requirement: 1 weekend shift per month (Saturday or Sunday)
• On-Call Requirement: Up to 4 call shifts per month (End of Shift to 7 AM)
• Floating: Required to float within scope to meet facility needs, including sister units/facilities

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in Surgical Services (Certified Surgical Technologist)
• Certifications:

  • NBSTSA certification (NCCT NOT accepted)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or ARC only
• Radiation Badge: Required and must be provided by the agency
• Trauma Level: Must be able to work in a Level 1 Trauma Center
• Preferred Experience: Neuro (spines/crani), ENT (flaps), Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases highly preferred
• First-timers: Accepted

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet designated hospital
• 21 Operating Room suites covering Trauma, Transplant, Ortho, Neuro, ENT, GU-GYN, Robotics
• Nursing team: 75% Registered Nurses, 25% Certified Surgical Technologists
• Busy, dynamic, nurse-driven environment with cutting-edge technology
• Charting system: EPIC

Schedule & Work Environment

• Block scheduling possible with manager approval
• Local radius: 60 miles
• Locals may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks; called off hours can be combined to equal 1 shift

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Proof of work eligibility (I-9, E-Verify)
• Copy of Driver’s License/State ID
• Social Security Card or SSN verification
• Background checks including:

  • 7-year history with SSN trace, criminal, sex offender, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks updated every contract renewal
• Education verification (diploma/transcripts preferred)
• Employment application/resume with complete work history and no unaccounted gaps
• Proof of 2 clinical references
• Work history verification of last 3 clinical employers
• Radiation badge process and tracking required for assignment start and duration

Health & Safety Requirements

• Initial physical exam and annual updates attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Fit test for N95 mask (O&M Halyard FLUIDSHIELD or 3M Aura 1870+) within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Tdap 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
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or vaccination series with boosters if needed
  • Hepatitis B: titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Varicella: positive titer or vaccination series with boosters if needed
• 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 vaccines highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated

Certifications & Competencies

• ACLS: Not required for this position (CST), but facility-specific units may require it
• BLS: Required for all clinical staff
• Other certifications (PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM) as applicable to specialty or unit
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam required
• Color blindness testing required prior to start
• Competency exam required

Facility Specific Requirements

• Completion of orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• Clear, passport-style badge photo required before start
• Upload vaccination records (COVID, flu) into facility system
• Sterile Processing Techs have additional physical assessment and lab requirements (not applicable for CST)

Additional Notes

• Hurricane season (June-November) may require assignment to emergency response teams
• Candidates must be prepared for a busy, high-acuity environment with a wide variety of surgical cases
• Floating between units and sister facilities is expected within scope of practice

This position is ideal for Certified Surgical Technologists with at least 2 years of experience who are comfortable working in a Level 1 Trauma Center with diverse surgical specialties and a dynamic team environment. Prior travel experience is not required.