Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa
Operating Room Technician jobs in Iowa are in steady demand across the state's hospital systems, ambulatory surgical centers, and regional medical facilities, with openings at every experience level from entry-level technicians to senior surgical techs. The heaviest hiring activity is concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where large employers such as UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics maintain consistent OR staffing needs. The most sought-after specialties in Iowa include orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular procedures, and general and trauma surgery. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 33+ Operating Room Technician jobs
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.Dubuque, located right on the Mississippi River, is known for its historic charm and has a cost of living approximately 12% below the U.S. average. The Dubuque Community School District is highly regarded, and the city offers private schools plus colleges like Loras College and Clarke University. Families enjoy cultural attractions such as the National Mississippi River Museum, arts festivals and an abundance of parks and trails.As the region's leading hospital, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center offers the only Level II NICU and the most comprehensive cardiology center in the tri-state area. It holds Magnet designation (fifth consecutive cycle), CMS 5-star quality rating and national recognition including Fortune/IBM Watson's 100 Top Hospitals. It's a Wellmark Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity and earns American Heart Association awards -- Stroke Gold Plus, Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI and STEMI Gold. It recently celebrated 100 years of American Heart Association membership.Want to learn more about MercyOne Dubuque? Click here:
Find a Location Dubuque, Iowa (IA), MercyOne Dubuque
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Registered Nurse!
An Operating Room Registered Nurse at MercyOne provides perioperative patient care, specifically in the intraoperative phase, in both the scrub and circulating roles according to established guidelines. Serves the population from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Essential Functions:
- Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health and MercyOne Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
- Scrubs and circulates on cases independently, with minimal direction.
- Prepares for surgical cases in an efficient manner, anticipating needs of patient, surgeon, anesthesia and other O.R. team members.
- Provides a safe environment for patient and staff by implementing standards of aseptic technique and by controlling the physical and psychological aspects of that environment.
- Collects and analyzes data and assesses patient in developing nursing diagnosis.
- Communicates effectively with the patient, staff, physicians, and families.
- Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up and function.
- Initiates and directs room clean up and turnover.
- Participates in orientation and training of new personnel.
- Assists in maintenance of physician's preference cards and other O.R. resource material.
- Utilizes computer in surgical documentation, disposition of specimens and obtaining pertinent information.
- Participates in departmental Performance Improvement activities as appropriate.
- Attends department meetings and in-services.
- Other duties as assigned by the manager.
- Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
- 1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week
- Day shift - 10 hour days
- 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
- On call rotation for weekends and holidays
- 30-minute response time​
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate degree in nursing required.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
- Current Iowa RN license, (MercyOne Genesis - current Registered Nurse (RN) license in either Iowa or Illinois is required at the time of hire. A secondary RN license for the other state must be obtained within 12 months of the hire date.) 
- Operating Room experience preferred.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required. 
- Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.   
- Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
- Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.
Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.Dubuque, located right on the Mississippi River, is known for its historic charm and has a cost of living approximately 12% below the U.S. average. The Dubuque Community School District is highly regarded, and the city offers private schools plus colleges like Loras College and Clarke University. Families enjoy cultural attractions such as the National Mississippi River Museum, arts festivals and an abundance of parks and trails.As the region's leading hospital, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center offers the only Level II NICU and the most comprehensive cardiology center in the tri-state area. It holds Magnet designation (fifth consecutive cycle), CMS 5-star quality rating and national recognition including Fortune/IBM Watson's 100 Top Hospitals. It's a Wellmark Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity and earns American Heart Association awards -- Stroke Gold Plus, Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI and STEMI Gold. It recently celebrated 100 years of American Heart Association membership.Want to learn more about MercyOne Dubuque? Click here:
Find a Location Dubuque, Iowa (IA), MercyOne Dubuque
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Registered Nurse!
An Operating Room Registered Nurse at MercyOne provides perioperative patient care, specifically in the intraoperative phase, in both the scrub and circulating roles according to established guidelines. Serves the population from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Essential Functions:
- Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health and MercyOne Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
- Scrubs and circulates on cases independently, with minimal direction.
- Prepares for surgical cases in an efficient manner, anticipating needs of patient, surgeon, anesthesia and other O.R. team members.
- Provides a safe environment for patient and staff by implementing standards of aseptic technique and by controlling the physical and psychological aspects of that environment.
- Collects and analyzes data and assesses patient in developing nursing diagnosis.
- Communicates effectively with the patient, staff, physicians, and families.
- Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up and function.
- Initiates and directs room clean up and turnover.
- Participates in orientation and training of new personnel.
- Assists in maintenance of physician's preference cards and other O.R. resource material.
- Utilizes computer in surgical documentation, disposition of specimens and obtaining pertinent information.
- Participates in departmental Performance Improvement activities as appropriate.
- Attends department meetings and in-services.
- Other duties as assigned by the manager.
- Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
- 1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week
- Day shift - 10 hour days
- 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
- On call rotation for weekends and holidays
- 30-minute response time​
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate degree in nursing required.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
- Current Iowa RN license, (MercyOne Genesis - current Registered Nurse (RN) license in either Iowa or Illinois is required at the time of hire. A secondary RN license for the other state must be obtained within 12 months of the hire date.) 
- Operating Room experience preferred.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required. 
- Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.   
- Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
- Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.
Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See All 33 Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsOperating Room Technician Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operating Room Technician Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operating room technician jobs across Iowa.
- Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting preferred or required
- Completion of an accredited surgical technology program recognized by Iowa employers
- Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association
- Minimum one to two years of hands-on OR scrub experience preferred by most Iowa facilities
- Ability to scrub and circulate independently across multiple surgical specialties
- Familiarity with sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and Iowa facility compliance standards
Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operating room technician in Iowa?
You become an operating room technician in Iowa by completing an accredited surgical technology program, typically offered at community colleges such as Kirkwood Community College or Iowa Central Community College. Iowa does not require a state-issued license, but most Iowa employers expect or require the Certified Surgical Technologist credential earned through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Completing an accredited program and passing the CST exam is the standard hiring path across Iowa health systems.
Which companies hire operating room technicians in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring operating room technicians in Iowa include The University of Iowa, MercyOne, and American Traveler, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Iowa's largest health systems, including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, are among the most consistent employers of surgical technologists across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most operating room technician jobs?
The Iowa cities with the most operating room technician openings are Iowa City, Des Moines, and Davenport. Des Moines drives the highest volume as the state's largest metro and home to major health systems, Iowa City contributes significantly due to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Cedar Rapids reflects demand from regional medical centers serving eastern Iowa communities.
Are there remote operating room technician jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they are rare. Operating room technician work is inherently hands-on and requires physical presence in a sterile surgical environment, so fully remote roles do not exist for direct patient care. About 0% of operating room technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, which typically reflects adjacent roles in surgical technology education, supply coordination, or instrument sales rather than clinical OR work.
How can I get hired as a operating room technician in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited surgical technology program and applying directly to new-grad or externship opportunities at Iowa health systems such as UnityPoint Health or MercyOne, both of which hire recent graduates into supervised OR roles. Candidates who transition from adjacent positions such as sterile processing technician or certified nursing assistant have an easier time getting initial interviews. Earning your CST credential before applying significantly improves your chances, even without prior OR experience.
Where can I find and apply to operating room technician jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to operating room technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from hospitals, surgical centers, and regional health systems. Search the listings, find a role that fits your experience and location, and apply directly to the employer.
See All 33 Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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