J-1 Visa Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Surgical First Assistant positions in the United States are accessible to qualified international professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee or J-1 Specialist program category, depending on your experience level and program goals. Securing a host employer willing to coordinate with a State Department-designated sponsor organization is the first step toward obtaining J-1 sponsorship.
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Who We Are
At Agiliti, we believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We are a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who proudly serve hospitals and healthcare facilities to ensure quality medical equipment is in the right place at the right time for effective patient care. We value our diversity and celebrate our differences, always seeking diverse backgrounds, ideas and experiences. Make an impact in healthcare and grow your career with Team Agiliti!
DOD SkillBridge Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Repair (SER) Technician Internship
Thank you for your service in the military! Join Agiliti and make a difference in your new career as a Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Repair (SER) Technician in the medical device industry!
DOD SkillBridge Technician Program
Agiliti has created a 4-6 month SkillBridge program for transitioning service members to meet our specific workforce needs. We have successfully matched those needs to the skills and abilities of highly motivated service members. The Instrumentation SER works under the guidance of a qualified experience SER or supervisor.
Key Skills
- Technical and mechanical skills
- Precision repairs of surgical medical instruments
- Ability to determine serviceability and repair requirements of surgical instruments
Training Plan
- Participate in an individualized training plan that meets the soldiers needs and the work at the Agiliti location
- Training is conducted via a mixture of CBT (computer-based training) and OJT (on the job)
- Interns will receive extensive opportunity for hands on experience and will participate in Agiliti’s competency verification program
- Interns will be assigned a mentor at their location
Benefits of our SkillBridge program
- TRAINING: Agiliti's internal training program
- Highly sought after skillset
- Nationwide: multiple locations for relocation
- Hands-on experience in the medical field
- Meaningful work: Precision repairs of surgical medical instruments
- 25% of open positions are filled with internal talent through promotions
The Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Technician I uses technical and mechanical skills to repair surgical medical equipment/instruments within an assigned Modality.
What You Will Learn to Do in This Role
- Inspect, evaluate, and test equipment.
- Disassemble and assemble equipment and instruments and repair as needed, including the removal and/or replacement of defective parts.
- Document all services & testing performed, including all parts needed.
- Maintain work area in good condition and to meet Visual Work Place (VWP) Standards.
- Handle timecard & time off entry, review and submission.
- Perform other tasks as assigned or needed.
What You Will Need for This Role
- High school diploma/GED.
- The ability to sit, stand, lift, bend and stoop often.
- The ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
- The ability to use computer devices and systems as needed.
- The ability to use grinding wheels, soldering irons, sand blasters, Dremel style tools, torches, microscopes, small precision hand tools, magnification tools, tweezers, micro screw drivers, digital calipers and test equipment that require hand-eye coordination.
- Flexibility in work schedule to meet department needs.
- The ability to handle and assemble small parts.
- The ability to repair identified basic equipment models and maintain modality/department standards.
It is the policy of Agiliti to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a veteran, military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local civil rights laws. In addition, Agiliti will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Agiliti strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports of alleged violations of this policy or who cooperate in Agiliti’s investigation of such reports.
You may be required to obtain certain vaccinations, or provide proof of current vaccination status, based on customer and/or company requirements. If vaccination is required, Agiliti will provide specific directions and cover the expense at a participating clinic. Please note, this includes the COVID-19 vaccination.
Agiliti offers a robust suite of benefits for regular, full-time, non-union employees including: health insurance options for Medical, Dental & Vision plans, Short- and Long-Term Disability plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Life Insurance Options, Paid Time Off, 401K Saving Plan with employer match, Employee Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Daily Pay program, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
Agiliti is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants consistent with state and federal law.
If you require assistance with your application, please contact recruiting@agilitihealth.com.
LOCATION
Primary Job Location: Novi MI - Lab
Job Title:
Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Technician I
Company:
Agiliti
Location City:
Novi
Location State:
Michigan
Job Description:
Who We Are
At Agiliti, we believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We are a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who proudly serve hospitals and healthcare facilities to ensure quality medical equipment is in the right place at the right time for effective patient care. We value our diversity and celebrate our differences, always seeking diverse backgrounds, ideas and experiences. Make an impact in healthcare and grow your career with Team Agiliti!
DOD SkillBridge Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Repair (SER) Technician Internship
Thank you for your service in the military! Join Agiliti and make a difference in your new career as a Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Repair (SER) Technician in the medical device industry!
DOD SkillBridge Technician Program
Agiliti has created a 4-6 month SkillBridge program for transitioning service members to meet our specific workforce needs. We have successfully matched those needs to the skills and abilities of highly motivated service members. The Instrumentation SER works under the guidance of a qualified experience SER or supervisor.
Key Skills
- Technical and mechanical skills
- Precision repairs of surgical medical instruments
- Ability to determine serviceability and repair requirements of surgical instruments
Training Plan
- Participate in an individualized training plan that meets the soldiers needs and the work at the Agiliti location
- Training is conducted via a mixture of CBT (computer-based training) and OJT (on the job)
- Interns will receive extensive opportunity for hands on experience and will participate in Agiliti’s competency verification program
- Interns will be assigned a mentor at their location
Benefits of our SkillBridge program
- TRAINING: Agiliti's internal training program
- Highly sought after skillset
- Nationwide: multiple locations for relocation
- Hands-on experience in the medical field
- Meaningful work: Precision repairs of surgical medical instruments
- 25% of open positions are filled with internal talent through promotions
The Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Technician I uses technical and mechanical skills to repair surgical medical equipment/instruments within an assigned Modality.
What You Will Learn to Do in This Role
- Inspect, evaluate, and test equipment.
- Disassemble and assemble equipment and instruments and repair as needed, including the removal and/or replacement of defective parts.
- Document all services & testing performed, including all parts needed.
- Maintain work area in good condition and to meet Visual Work Place (VWP) Standards.
- Handle timecard & time off entry, review and submission.
- Perform other tasks as assigned or needed.
What You Will Need for This Role
- High school diploma/GED.
- The ability to sit, stand, lift, bend and stoop often.
- The ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
- The ability to use computer devices and systems as needed.
- The ability to use grinding wheels, soldering irons, sand blasters, Dremel style tools, torches, microscopes, small precision hand tools, magnification tools, tweezers, micro screw drivers, digital calipers and test equipment that require hand-eye coordination.
- Flexibility in work schedule to meet department needs.
- The ability to handle and assemble small parts.
- The ability to repair identified basic equipment models and maintain modality/department standards.
It is the policy of Agiliti to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a veteran, military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local civil rights laws. In addition, Agiliti will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Agiliti strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports of alleged violations of this policy or who cooperate in Agiliti’s investigation of such reports.
You may be required to obtain certain vaccinations, or provide proof of current vaccination status, based on customer and/or company requirements. If vaccination is required, Agiliti will provide specific directions and cover the expense at a participating clinic. Please note, this includes the COVID-19 vaccination.
Agiliti offers a robust suite of benefits for regular, full-time, non-union employees including: health insurance options for Medical, Dental & Vision plans, Short- and Long-Term Disability plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Life Insurance Options, Paid Time Off, 401K Saving Plan with employer match, Employee Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Daily Pay program, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
Agiliti is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants consistent with state and federal law.
If you require assistance with your application, please contact recruiting@agilitihealth.com.
LOCATION
Primary Job Location: Novi MI - Lab
Job Title:
Instrumentation Surgical Equipment Technician I
Company:
Agiliti
Location City:
Novi
Location State:
Michigan
See all J-1 Visa Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Surgical First Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Surgical First Assistant
Verify your credential equivalency before applying
U.S. host employers and designated sponsors will assess whether your surgical training meets American standards. Have your surgical first assisting credentials evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service before you approach any host site.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist for your situation
If you graduated within the last year and are still building supervised clinical experience, the J-1 Trainee category fits. If you hold advanced, independent surgical assisting experience beyond that window, pursue the J-1 Specialist category instead.
Target ambulatory surgery centers with structured training programs
Hospital systems and accredited ambulatory surgery centers are more likely to have HR infrastructure for coordinating DS-2019 paperwork with a designated sponsor. Prioritize host sites that already run formal surgical staff development programs.
Search Migrate Mate to find roles aligned with J-1 sponsorship
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers and Surgical First Assistant openings that are open to international professionals. Filtering by visa type saves you from pursuing host sites that have no pathway for exchange visitor coordination.
Confirm the two-year home residency requirement upfront
Some J-1 Trainee and Specialist programs trigger a two-year home-country physical presence requirement after the program ends. Check your DS-2019 and country-specific exchange agreements before accepting an offer to avoid surprises when planning next visa steps.
Get the training plan countersigned before the DS-2019 is issued
The designated sponsor organization cannot issue your DS-2019 until a detailed training plan outlining your surgical assisting objectives is signed by both you and the host employer supervisor. Draft this document collaboratively with your host site well ahead of your intended start date.
Surgical First Assistant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Surgical First Assistant roles?
Most Surgical First Assistants enter through the J-1 Trainee category if they are within five years of graduation or initial full-time employment in surgical assisting. Experienced professionals with a longer track record may qualify under the J-1 Specialist category. The Physician category applies only to licensed physicians in graduate medical education programs, so it does not fit this role.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Surgical First Assistant?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, not the hospital or surgery center where you work. That facility is your host employer. The designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 form, approves your training plan, and monitors your compliance throughout the exchange program. Your host employer coordinates with the sponsor but does not hold the sponsoring designation itself.
How do I find host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors in surgical assisting?
Search for Surgical First Assistant positions on Migrate Mate, which surfaces roles from U.S. employers that are open to international professionals and exchange visitor pathways. Once you identify a potential host site, confirm directly with their HR or hiring manager that they are willing to participate in a J-1 Trainee or Specialist program and coordinate with a designated sponsor organization.
Does the J-1 visa for this role carry a two-year home residency requirement?
It depends on your country of nationality, the source of program funding, and whether your skills are listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List maintained by the State Department. If the requirement applies to you, you must return to your home country for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. Review your DS-2019 and consult with your designated sponsor to clarify whether the requirement applies before you accept an offer.
Can a Surgical First Assistant work in multiple surgical specialties on a J-1 Trainee program?
Yes, provided each specialty rotation is documented in your approved training plan and falls within the program duration approved on your DS-2019. The designated sponsor must authorize any material changes to the training plan before you rotate into a new specialty. Unplanned rotations that were not pre-approved are a compliance violation and can jeopardize your J-1 status.