H-1B Visa Surgical Technologist Jobs
Surgical Technologist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires a specialized degree in surgical technology or a closely related field. Many hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and health networks sponsor H-1B petitions for scrub techs, particularly in high-demand surgical specialties.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
This position is a full-time day shift position working in our outpatient OR from Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:00pm.
At Houston Methodist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. This position works independently, exercising sound judgment, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon. In addition to performing the duties and responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position provides mentoring and guidance for Surgical Technologist positions, utilizing skills and knowledge, helping to train and orient others. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices relationship-centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties for the Sr Surgical Technologist position will include general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency
Experience
Two years as a Surgical Technologist
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
Must have a certification (CST from NBSTSA, TS-C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA) or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643): The bill includes an extensive grandfather clause exempting all individuals employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before Sept. 1, 2009. The clarification notes that legislation does not state employed "on" Sept. 1, 2009, but rather "before that date." A surgical technologist who was employed before Sept. 1, 2009, may remain employed as a surgical technologist without meeting the certification requirement. SB1239, Sec 259.002: 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology
Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families
Demonstrates proficient knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system
Strong knowledge in use of procedure software
Demonstrates proficient knowledge of instruments sets, the use of the individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies and the use of the supplies
Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment
Demonstrate expertise and serves as a clinical resource in a minimum of one or more surgical specialty service lines
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promotes a positive work environment that actively assists interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results. Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication which includes active listening and teaching to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example.
Teaches others to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up, providing structured feedback with examples. Serves as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing skills and knowledge to train and orient others.
Facilitates teamwork by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests for assistance. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prepares the operating room, equipment and supplies for the next patient. Anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure before surgeon scrubs. Maintains and accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards within the applicable service line.
Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies for surgical procedures, performing competently the role of the surgical technologist in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to: orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, CV, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.
Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
Role models behaviors and skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during pre and post procedures. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization, following surgical procedure. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of the room.
Assists with implementation and teaching of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice. Problem-solves and manages multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care. Initiates corrective actions and improvement activities towards improving department and hospital quality and safety targets, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional healthcare team.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery. Makes recommendations for cost containment during cases.
Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities. May co-chair a unit-based Shared Governance Council.
Acts as resource in surgical technology for the department on other hospital committees. Participates in one department or hospital committee or subcommittee and facilitates the accomplishment of the goals of the committee or subcommittee.
Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning towards expertise in competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
+ Uniform: No
+ Scrubs: Yes
+ Business professional: No
+ Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL
* Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
+ On Call Yes
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
+ May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
+ May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
INTRODUCTION
This position is a full-time day shift position working in our outpatient OR from Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:00pm.
At Houston Methodist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. This position works independently, exercising sound judgment, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon. In addition to performing the duties and responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position provides mentoring and guidance for Surgical Technologist positions, utilizing skills and knowledge, helping to train and orient others. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices relationship-centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties for the Sr Surgical Technologist position will include general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency
Experience
Two years as a Surgical Technologist
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
Must have a certification (CST from NBSTSA, TS-C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA) or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643): The bill includes an extensive grandfather clause exempting all individuals employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before Sept. 1, 2009. The clarification notes that legislation does not state employed "on" Sept. 1, 2009, but rather "before that date." A surgical technologist who was employed before Sept. 1, 2009, may remain employed as a surgical technologist without meeting the certification requirement. SB1239, Sec 259.002: 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology
Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families
Demonstrates proficient knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system
Strong knowledge in use of procedure software
Demonstrates proficient knowledge of instruments sets, the use of the individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies and the use of the supplies
Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment
Demonstrate expertise and serves as a clinical resource in a minimum of one or more surgical specialty service lines
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promotes a positive work environment that actively assists interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results. Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication which includes active listening and teaching to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example.
Teaches others to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up, providing structured feedback with examples. Serves as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing skills and knowledge to train and orient others.
Facilitates teamwork by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests for assistance. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prepares the operating room, equipment and supplies for the next patient. Anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure before surgeon scrubs. Maintains and accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards within the applicable service line.
Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies for surgical procedures, performing competently the role of the surgical technologist in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to: orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, CV, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.
Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
Role models behaviors and skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during pre and post procedures. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization, following surgical procedure. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of the room.
Assists with implementation and teaching of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice. Problem-solves and manages multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care. Initiates corrective actions and improvement activities towards improving department and hospital quality and safety targets, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional healthcare team.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery. Makes recommendations for cost containment during cases.
Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities. May co-chair a unit-based Shared Governance Council.
Acts as resource in surgical technology for the department on other hospital committees. Participates in one department or hospital committee or subcommittee and facilitates the accomplishment of the goals of the committee or subcommittee.
Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning towards expertise in competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
+ Uniform: No
+ Scrubs: Yes
+ Business professional: No
+ Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL
* Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
+ On Call Yes
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
+ May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
+ May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 623+ H-1B Visa Surgical Technologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Surgical Technologist
Verify your credential meets specialty occupation
USCIS requires the role to demand at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Pull the O*NET profile for Surgical Technologist and confirm your employer's job description mirrors that standard before applying.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Surgical Technologist roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation code, so you're only pursuing employers already set up to sponsor.
Align your credential to DOL wage levels
Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 29-2055 in your target metro before interviews. Knowing the Level I through Level IV wage tiers lets you evaluate whether an offer meets prevailing wage before your employer files.
Prioritize hospitals enrolled in E-Verify
Federal contractors and many large health systems are E-Verify enrolled, which signals an established HR infrastructure for work authorization. Scrub tech roles at these facilities move through LCA certification and I-129 filing faster than smaller surgical centers.
Negotiate H-1B filing costs into your offer
Federal law prohibits employers from passing the I-129 filing fee to H-1B workers, but attorney and premium processing costs vary. Clarify which fees your employer covers before signing, so there are no surprises at petition time.
Request premium processing for time-sensitive starts
If your OPT or current status expires within a few months of your start date, ask your employer to file with USCIS premium processing. It cuts adjudication to about 15 business days and reduces the risk of a gap in work authorization.
H-1B Visa Surgical Technologist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Surgical Technologist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the employer defines the role. USCIS evaluates whether the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in surgical technology or a directly related field. Employers who list an associate degree as sufficient may have difficulty supporting a specialty occupation argument. Your best positioning is a job description that explicitly requires a degree, not just prefers one.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Surgical Technologists?
Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and multisite ambulatory surgery center networks are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for this role because they have in-house immigration counsel and established filing workflows. Smaller independent surgical centers sometimes sponsor but often lack the HR infrastructure to manage the LCA and I-129 process efficiently. Migrate Mate lets you search Surgical Technologist openings filtered by employers with verified H-1B filing history.
What documents should I prepare before a Surgical Technologist H-1B petition is filed?
Your employer will need your transcripts showing a degree in surgical technology or a related health science field, your CST certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting if applicable, and any state-specific licensure documentation. USCIS may also request a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S. Having these ready before your employer engages an attorney shortens the petition timeline.
Can my employer file my H-1B outside the April lottery cap?
Only if the employer qualifies as cap-exempt. Hospitals affiliated with universities or nonprofit research institutions are sometimes cap-exempt, meaning they can file an H-1B petition at any time of year without waiting for the October 1 start date. If your employer isn't cap-exempt, your petition must go through the annual lottery and cap-subject process, with a start date no earlier than October 1 of that fiscal year.
What happens to my H-1B status if my Surgical Technologist role changes?
A material change in duties, location, or employer requires an amended or new H-1B petition. Moving to a different surgical specialty or a different facility under the same employer's umbrella may trigger an amended filing if the SOC code or worksite address changes. USCIS requires the amendment before or concurrent with the change, not after. Confirm with your employer's immigration attorney before accepting any role modification.