OPT Certified Surgical Technologist Jobs
Certified Surgical Technologist jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics across the U.S. Most employers require CST certification through the NBSTSA. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to establish yourself, and STEM extension does not apply to this field.
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Get Access To All JobsDo you have the career opportunities as a Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join St. David's Medical Center which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.
Job Summary and Qualifications
As a Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist at HCA Healthcare, you’ll be a vital part of a highly-skilled team that shares in your passion for cardiac surgery. You’ll have access to the latest surgical equipment – backed by HCA Healthcare’s ongoing investments in technology – allowing you to provide the safest, most advanced care possible. With predictable scheduling, support for on-call coverage, and clear pathways for professional growth, you’ll have the resources to provide your best care for patients while building the career of a lifetime for yourself.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and organizing the surgical suite with the right instruments, equipment, and supplies to ensure safe, efficient procedures
- Supporting patients with transport, positioning, prepping, and draping while protecting their comfort, privacy, and safety
- Scrubbing in and assisting the surgeon by providing instruments, handling specimens, and anticipating the needs of the team
- Monitoring equipment and patient status throughout procedures, taking quick, effective action when needed
- Maintaining a sterile field, ensuring thorough room turnover, and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
What qualifications you will need:
- Work experience as a CST with cardiovascular cases - preferred
- Work experience as a CST - required
- Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
- (TS-C) Tech in Surgery - Certified, or (ST) Surgical Technologist, or (CST) Certified Surgical Technologist
- Associate Degree, or High School Graduate / GED
Benefits
St. David's Medical Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
- Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
- Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
- Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
- Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
- Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts
Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
St. David’s Medical Center, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a comprehensive medical facility with three locations: St. David’s Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin, and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital. Located in Central Austin, St. David’s Medical Center features a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.
The hospital provides a full spectrum of women's services, including a renowned Level IV maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, and a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team. It also boasts the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and offers outpatient breast imaging services through Solis Mammography, which is situated on-site. Additionally, the facility includes a 24-hour emergency department and a comprehensive stroke center.
St. David’s Medical Center specializes in treating high-acuity surgical patients, offering complex procedures such as spine surgeries, total joint replacements, advanced surgical oncology, bariatric surgery, and general surgery. It is also home to the esteemed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. The hospital has earned accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet® hospital, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can achieve for nursing practice and quality patient care.
HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.
"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do." - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Do you have the career opportunities as a Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join St. David's Medical Center which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.
Job Summary and Qualifications
As a Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist at HCA Healthcare, you’ll be a vital part of a highly-skilled team that shares in your passion for cardiac surgery. You’ll have access to the latest surgical equipment – backed by HCA Healthcare’s ongoing investments in technology – allowing you to provide the safest, most advanced care possible. With predictable scheduling, support for on-call coverage, and clear pathways for professional growth, you’ll have the resources to provide your best care for patients while building the career of a lifetime for yourself.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and organizing the surgical suite with the right instruments, equipment, and supplies to ensure safe, efficient procedures
- Supporting patients with transport, positioning, prepping, and draping while protecting their comfort, privacy, and safety
- Scrubbing in and assisting the surgeon by providing instruments, handling specimens, and anticipating the needs of the team
- Monitoring equipment and patient status throughout procedures, taking quick, effective action when needed
- Maintaining a sterile field, ensuring thorough room turnover, and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
What qualifications you will need:
- Work experience as a CST with cardiovascular cases - preferred
- Work experience as a CST - required
- Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
- (TS-C) Tech in Surgery - Certified, or (ST) Surgical Technologist, or (CST) Certified Surgical Technologist
- Associate Degree, or High School Graduate / GED
Benefits
St. David's Medical Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
- Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
- Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
- Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
- Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
- Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts
Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
St. David’s Medical Center, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a comprehensive medical facility with three locations: St. David’s Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin, and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital. Located in Central Austin, St. David’s Medical Center features a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.
The hospital provides a full spectrum of women's services, including a renowned Level IV maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, and a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team. It also boasts the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and offers outpatient breast imaging services through Solis Mammography, which is situated on-site. Additionally, the facility includes a 24-hour emergency department and a comprehensive stroke center.
St. David’s Medical Center specializes in treating high-acuity surgical patients, offering complex procedures such as spine surgeries, total joint replacements, advanced surgical oncology, bariatric surgery, and general surgery. It is also home to the esteemed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. The hospital has earned accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet® hospital, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can achieve for nursing practice and quality patient care.
HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.
"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do." - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Certified Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
See all 72+ OPT Certified Surgical Technologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Certified Surgical Technologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Certified Surgical Technologist
Obtain or verify your CST credential before applying
Most U.S. employers require NBSTSA certification to hire a surgical tech. If you graduated recently, sit for the CST exam as soon as you're eligible. Certified candidates move through hiring far faster than those still awaiting credentials.
Target hospital systems with established OPT hiring history
Large hospital systems and academic medical centers hire international graduates more regularly than small private clinics. Their HR teams understand OPT work authorization and are less likely to reject your application over visa status questions during screening.
Address your OPT status early and clearly
When a recruiter asks about work authorization, state that you have OPT authorization and are eligible to work without employer sponsorship right now. Framing it as immediate eligibility removes hesitation before it becomes a barrier to moving forward.
Highlight your clinical rotations by specialty and setting
U.S. employers want to know which surgical specialties you scrubbed in during training. List orthopedics, cardiovascular, neurosurgery, or general surgery specifically on your resume. Matching your clinical background to open positions increases your callback rate significantly.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not earlier
Surgical tech roles can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship if the employer treats the position as a specialty occupation. Raise the sponsorship question after you have an offer. Bringing it up during interviews shifts focus away from your qualifications and slows momentum.
Use your OPT period to build a case for long-term sponsorship
Employers are more willing to sponsor visa extensions for staff who have already proven themselves. Perform well, take on additional responsibilities, and document your contributions. A strong track record makes the sponsorship conversation much easier after your first year.
Certified Surgical Technologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Certified Surgical Technologist on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your field of study without any action from your employer. For surgical tech graduates, a position as a Certified Surgical Technologist qualifies as a valid OPT job. Your employer does not file any petition or pay any government fees during your OPT period.
Does the Certified Surgical Technologist role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
No. Surgical technology programs are classified under CIP code 51.0909, which is not on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. That means your OPT authorization is capped at 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is important if you want to remain in the U.S. long-term.
Can a Certified Surgical Technologist role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It can, but it requires careful employer documentation. USCIS evaluates whether the specific position requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field as a minimum requirement. Some surgical tech roles meet this threshold, particularly in academic medical centers or specialty surgical programs. An immigration attorney can assess whether your specific job offer is structured to support an H-1B petition.
Where can I find Certified Surgical Technologist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists surgical tech positions with visa sponsorship and OPT-friendly employers. Filtering by role and authorization type helps you focus on employers who have already hired international candidates, saving time compared to applying broadly and encountering rejections based on work authorization status.
What happens if my Certified Surgical Technologist job ends before my OPT expires?
You have a 60-day grace period after your OPT employment ends to find new employment, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the U.S. Unemployment during OPT also counts against a 90-day limit built into your authorization period. Finding a new qualifying position quickly is essential to staying in valid status and preserving your remaining OPT time.