Surgical Technology Apprentice

Cleveland Clinic•Vero Beach, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technology Apprenticeship at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital provides a pathway to becoming a Certified Surgical Technician. The apprentice assists with transporting patients and setting up the Operating Room, maintains and operates special equipment, coordinates equipment and supplies for service-specific surgical cases, and provides limited assistance to surgeons, such as holding limbs or retractors, suctioning, and sponging wounds. At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice takes the certification exam. After passing, there is an opportunity to remain in a full-time role for one year after pipeline completion. The position involves working a PRN schedule at Indian River Hospital while enrolled in a Surgical Technology Program during Spring 2027. The caregiver may work any combination of 24 hours per month, including evenings, weekends, or early mornings before clinicals. The apprenticeship begins January 4, 2027, with New Caregiver Orientation, followed by Foundational Skills on January 5–6, Department Onboarding on January 7–8, and then the official start of the apprenticeship. Shifts vary Monday through Friday between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on weekends between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Enrollment in an accredited Surgical Technology Program, maintained in good standing and completed within one year.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross.
Work 24 hours per month on a varying schedule, including shifts that may involve evenings, weekends, or early mornings.

Responsibilities

Maintain surgical instrument sets and equipment and ensure proper sterile conditions.
Clean used instruments after surgery, including assembling and maintaining some instruments as needed for cleaning and sterilization.
Ensure proper sterile conditions; order supplies; and stock and maintain Operating Room storage areas for the service.
Assist with patient transportation and room turnover.
Assist the RN in maintaining a safe patient environment.
Interface with physicians, staff, vendor sales representatives, sterile processing, and the storeroom as part of routine activities.
Ensure proper storage and utilization of service equipment.
Check service-specific supply expiration dates monthly.
Coordinate and document equipment repairs and loaner returns.
Educate staff as a liaison on proper equipment use and function.
Assist surgeons with limited tasks, including holding limbs or retractors, suctioning, and sponging wounds.
Assist with Operating Room setup and maintain and operate special equipment.