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The Certified Surgical Technologist provides comprehensive intraoperative support, ensuring strict adherence to aseptic technique and infection prevention standards. Responsibilities also include sterile processing, equipment readiness, inventory management, and participation in quality assurance initiatives.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist and hold a current CST credential. A graduate degree from an accredited surgical technology program and current BLS certification are also required.
ROLE SUMMARY ABOUT THE COMPANY Rios Center for Plastic Surgery is a premier cosmetic surgery practice based in Edinburg and McAllen, Texas.
Founded by Dr.
Luis M.
Rios, Jr., a double board-certified plastic surgeon and past president of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, the center is known for delivering high standards of patient care in a state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility.
The practice offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic services and serves as a training site for aesthetic surgery fellows and residents.
Rios Center for Plastic Surgery is deeply committed to patient education, community ties, and maintaining a high-energy, respectful culture that prioritizes excellence and patient satisfaction.
About the Role
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is an integral perioperative team member at the Rios Center for Plastic Surgery, an AAAASF-accredited ambulatory plastic surgery center. This in-office role provides comprehensive intraoperative support to the surgeon and surgical team while ensuring strict adherence to aseptic technique, infection prevention standards, and regulatory compliance. In addition to traditional scrub responsibilities, this position includes oversight of sterile processing, equipment readiness, case preparation, inventory management, and participation in accreditation and quality assurance initiatives to ensure optimal surgical efficiency and patient safety.
This position is perfect for someone who
✅ Is meticulous and detail-oriented, with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and infection prevention ✅ Thrives under pressure and maintains composure during complex, lengthy procedures ✅ Naturally anticipates needs and stays one step ahead of the surgical team without being asked ✅ Works collaboratively and communicates clearly and concisely in a high-stakes environment ✅ Takes pride in their work and is motivated by continuous learning and mastery of surgical techniques ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES PREOPERATIVE & OR PREPARATION Creating and maintaining an uncompromisingly sterile environment is the foundation of patient safety and surgical success.
Any breach in sterile technique directly impacts patient outcomes and practice liability.
Perform daily OR readiness checks and terminal cleaning in accordance with facility policy Prepare and maintain the sterile field for cosmetic surgical procedures Assemble and prepare procedure-specific instrument trays and surgical supplies based on established facility protocols and surgeon standards Inspect instruments for cleanliness, function, and integrity prior to use Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, and draping while maintaining pressure injury prevention standards Gown and glove self and surgeon using aseptic technique INTRAOPERATIVE SURGICAL SUPPORT Anticipating and responding to the surgical team’s needs with speed and accuracy ensures smooth, efficient procedures and optimal surgical outcomes.
Benefits
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Time
Simple IRA Retirement Plan
Med Spa Employee Perks
This directly impacts OR utilization and patient safety.
Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique throughout all phases of the procedure Anticipate surgeon needs and pass instruments, sutures, implants, and specialty devices efficiently Provide manual assistance, including retraction, suction management, cutting sutures, and maintaining visualization of the surgical field Assist with wound closure per surgeon directive (e.g., suturing, stapling) Perform accurate sponge and sharp count in collaboration with circulating personnel Handle and label surgical specimens per pathology and facility protocols Maintain composure and adaptability during complex or extended procedures POSTOPERATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Proper postoperative procedures ensure patient safety, OR readiness for the next case, and accurate recordkeeping — all of which are essential to smooth practice operations.
Perform final sponge and sharp counts Assist with application of dressings and postoperative garments Assist with safe patient transfer to the recovery area Perform OR turnover and prepare room for subsequent cases STERILE PROCESSING & INSTRUMENT REPROCESSING Properly sterilized instruments are critical to preventing surgical site infections and ensuring OR readiness.
This work directly protects patient safety and practice operations.
Decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, package, and sterilize instruments and trays according to manufacturer IFUs, AORN guidelines, and AAAASF standards Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (e.g., steam sterilizers, immediate-use sterilization when compliant) Perform and document biological indicators, chemical indicators, and Bowie-Dick testing per policy Maintain accurate sterilization logs and load documentation for traceability Ensure proper storage of sterile supplies and maintenance of event-related sterility Maintain separation of clean and dirty workflows within the sterile processing area EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY MANAGEMENT Functioning equipment and well-managed inventory directly support uninterrupted surgical operations and patient safety.
Assist in inventory management, par level maintenance, and supply rotation (FIFO) Maintain implant documentation Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate service or repair as needed Maintain equipment maintenance logs and ensure readiness for use AAAASF COMPLIANCE & QUALITY SUPPORT Maintaining full regulatory compliance protects patients, staff, and the practice, and is essential to preserving the facility’s AAAASF accreditation.
Adhere to all AAAASF accreditation standards, OSHA regulations, HIPAA requirements, and infection control policies Participate in case readiness checks, documentation audits, and quality improvement initiatives Support preparation for AAAASF inspections, including maintenance of policies, logs, and emergency drill documentation Assist in monitoring environmental controls (temperature/humidity, when applicable) Support emergency preparedness activities and mock drills (e.g., MH, fire, code) Although the responsibilities outlined above will form the core focus of your role, please note that your hiring manager may assign additional relevant tasks as needed to align with the evolving objectives of your position and the overall goals of our business.
Role qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential (NBSTSA) Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program (CAAHEP or ABHES) Current BLS certification In-depth knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, and sterilization principles Ability to work effectively and collaboratively under high-pressure situations Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to patient safety Clear and concise communication within the surgical team Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and assist with patient positioning and transfers Ability to lift and move instrument trays and equipment Manual dexterity for handling surgical instruments Ability to work in-office in Edinburg/McAllen, Texas. NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS Experience in plastic or cosmetic surgery is highly desirable Experience assisting with wound closure and suturing under surgeon’s direction Experience with sterile processing and instrument reprocessing Familiarity with AAAASF, AORN, and infection control standards Experience in an ambulatory surgery or hospital OR setting Bilingual in English and Spanish ROLE SPECIFICATIONS Salary: $52,000 - $58,000 ($25 - $28/hr), based on experience. Role Type: Full-time Location: In-office, Edinburg/McAllen, Texas Schedule: Monday to Friday, aligned with operational hours + occasional flexibility based on consult demand
Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Med Spa Employee Perks, Simple IRA Retirement Plan RECRUITING PROCESS Application / Screening: When you apply for this position, we will ask you a short questionnaire to get to know you a little bit better and ask you for some additional inputs to see if you qualify for the position. Virtual Interview: This is a 45-60 min conversation where we further test your skills, learn about your previous working experiences, and evaluate culture fit to the role and company. Hiring Manager Final Interview/Skills Assessment: This is an in-person conversation with the position’s Hiring Manager (and potentially a few company team members) to get to know you better and to set the expectations and vision for the role. Depending on the role, candidates will have the opportunity to observe the day-to-day operation, get tested on their real skills, understand how the team works, and get exposure to the role in a real environment. Before a final decision gets done. The entire process usually takes anywhere between 2-7 weeks to complete depending on the seniority of the position. CONTACT US If you have any questions or run into any complications while submitting your application, please reach out to:
