A compelling surgical tech resume is the ticket to your next exciting job in the fast-paced world of healthcare.

As a surgical technologist, you provide vital support for surgeons, helping them perform operations smoothly and flawlessly. Before you can work your way to the operating room, you need to impress potential employers.

In this article, you will learn how to create an impressive surgical technologist resume including what skills to include, the best format, and actionable tips to make your resume stand out.

Surgical tech resume examples

Certified surgical tech resume sample

Certified surgical technologist resume template

Certified Surgical Technologist Resume
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Resume for certified surgical technologists | Plain text

Jane Smith, CST

Address: Orlando, FL

Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: jane.smith@email.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmithcst

Resume Summary

Certified Surgical Technologist with 5 years of experience assisting in general, OB-GYN, and orthopedic surgeries. Skilled in preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and supporting surgical teams with precision and efficiency. Dedicated to ensuring patient safety and maintaining sterile environments.

Professional Experience

Certified Surgical Technologist

AdventHealth Orlando

August 2020 – Present

  • Assist in over 300 surgical procedures including appendectomies, C-sections, and hip replacements.
  • Prepare and maintain sterile operating environments, ensuring all surgical tools and equipment were properly sanitized.
  • Collaborate with surgical teams to ensure a smooth flow of procedures, including instrument hand-offs and patient positioning.
  • Train and mentor 5 new surgical tech hires, improving team efficiency by 15%.

Surgical Technologist Intern

Orlando Health

June 2019 – July 2020

  • Gained hands-on experience assisting in basic surgical procedures and learned critical instrument sterilization techniques.
  • Worked with senior surgical staff to prepare operating rooms for various surgeries, following strict aseptic procedures.

Education

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Valencia College – Orlando, FL

Graduated May 2019

  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – NBSTSA, Issued June 2019
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified – American Heart Association, Issued May 2019

Skills

  • Instrument sterilization
  • Patient positioning
  • Aseptic technique
  • Operating room setup
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Strong sides of this surgical tech resume example:

  • Mentoring and training new hires shows leadership and team-building skills.
  • CST and BLS certifications are prominently featured, which strengthens credibility.
  • Specific numbers (e.g., assisted in over 300 procedures) make accomplishments more impactful.
How to properly format a resume for a surgical tech?
  • Font choice can affect readability. Keep to clean, simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Body text should be 10-12 points and headings a bit larger, 14 to 16.
  • Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides to create enough white space.
  • Space the sections of your document equally.
  • Use single-spaced or 1.15 line spacing for the body text.
  • A surgical technologist resume should be one page long if you have fewer than 10 years of experience.

To ensure your application remains clean, professional, and easy to read, consider using an AI resume builder.

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Neuro surgical tech resume example

Sample neuro surgical tech resume

Edwin Howard

Address: Phoenix, AZ

Phone: (602) 987-6543 | Email: edwinhoward@email.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edwinhoward

Resume Summary

Experienced Neuro Surgical Technologist with 8 years of experience assisting in complex brain and spinal surgeries. Strong knowledge of neurosurgical instruments and procedures. Proficient in handling high-pressure situations in the operating room.

Professional Experience

Neuro Surgical Technologist

Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital – Phoenix, AZ

July 2018 – Present

  • Assist in over 400 neurosurgeries, including brain tumor resections, spinal fusions, and aneurysm repairs.
  • Handle specialized neurosurgical instruments such as micro-scissors, retractors, and drills with precision.
  • Prepare operating rooms with MRI-compatible equipment and ensured all neurosurgical devices were sterile and functional.
  • Develop efficient methods to reduce surgery prep time by 10%, improving surgical throughput.

Surgical Technologist

Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix, AZ

June 2016 – June 2018

  • Provided support during spinal surgeries and craniotomies, adhering to strict neurosurgical protocols.
  • Sterilized instruments, assisted in patient draping, and communicated effectively with neurosurgeons and nurses to ensure smooth procedures.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Pima Medical Institute – Phoenix, AZ

Graduated May 2016

  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – NBSTSA, Issued July 2016
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certified – American Heart Association, Issued April 2016

Skills

  • Neurosurgical instruments
  • Operating room setup
  • Patient safety
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Critical thinking
  • Stress management

Here are a few reasons why this example of a surg tech resume will impress recruiters:

  • Focus on neurosurgery showcases deep expertise in a highly specialized field.
  • Strong emphasis is on knowledge of neurosurgical instruments and specialized tools.
  • Reduced surgery prep time by 10% demonstrates efficiency and contribution to the team's productivity.
Should I choose a surgical tech resume objective or summary?

If you are an expert in surgical tech with some experience under your belt, a resume summary might be an optimal option for you.

Surgical tech resume summary sample:

Surgical technologist for more than five years, assisted in many complex surgeries, including cardiovascular, and orthopedic surgeries. Proficient in sterilizing equipment, preparing operating rooms, and providing crucial support to surgical teams.

An objective is generally appropriate for entry-level candidates and for people switching careers.

  • Summarize your career goals in 1–2 sentences and explain how they relate to the role you’re applying for.

Surgical tech resume objective example:

CST seeking to join a dynamic surgical team. Prepared to use hands-on clinical training and keen organizational skills to support the efficient completion of surgical procedures.

Cardiovascular surgical tech resume template

Cardiovascular surgical tech resume sample

Cardiovascular Surgical Technician Resume
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Resume for a surgical tech | Text version

Mario McCreary

Address: Houston, TX

Phone: (713) 555-7890 | Email: mariomccreary@gmail.com

Resume Summary

Dedicated Cardiovascular Surgical Technician with 7 years of experience supporting surgeons in open-heart, valve replacement, and bypass surgeries. Expertise in handling cardiovascular instruments and assisting in critical, time-sensitive procedures.

Professional Experience

Cardiovascular Surgical Technician

Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center – Houston, TX

April 2019 – Present

  • Assist in over 250 cardiovascular surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), valve replacements, and aortic aneurysm repairs.
  • Manage the setup and sterilization of heart-lung machines, catheters, and stents for cardiovascular procedures.
  • Support surgical teams by anticipating surgeon needs during high-risk, time-sensitive operations.
  • Help reduce post-operative infections by ensuring strict adherence to sterilization protocols.

Surgical Technician

Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute – Houston, TX

January 2017 – March 2019

  • Assisted in cardiac catheterizations and pacemaker implantations, collaborating closely with cardiovascular surgeons and anesthesiologists.
  • Ensured seamless operation of the surgical suite by preparing all necessary instruments and supplies for cardiac procedures.

Education

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Houston Community College

Graduated December 2016

  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – NBSTSA, Issued January 2017
  • CPR Certified – American Red Cross, Issued December 2016

Skills

  • Cardiovascular instruments
  • Operating room sterilization
  • Heart-lung machine preparation
  • Surgical teamwork
  • High-pressure decision-making
  • Instrument sterilization

This sample surgical tech resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Cardiovascular specialization is critical for heart surgeries.
  • Reduced post-operative infections by ensuring strict adherence to sterilization, showcasing attention to detail.
  • The resume demonstrates an ability to work in close collaboration with cardiovascular surgeons during time-sensitive surgeries.
How to showcase your surgical tech resume skills?

The skills section is critical because it allows employers to quickly see if you have the necessary abilities to succeed in the surgical tech role.

  • Hard skills are learned through training and experience. For a surgical technologist, these might include sterilization techniques, knowledge of instruments, and patient care skills.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that make you a good employee. These include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Surgical tech hard skills:

  • Instrument sterilization
  • Operating room preparation
  • Handling surgical instruments
  • Assisting during surgery
  • Patient positioning
  • Aseptic techniques
  • Knowledge of surgical procedures
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • CPR certification
  • Knowledge of infection control protocols

Soft skills for a surgical tech:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Adaptability
  • Stress management
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Compassion
  • Decision-making

Orthopedic surgical tech resume example

Sample orthopedic surgical tech resume

Michael Davis

Address: Denver, CO

Phone: (303) 111-2233 | Email: michael.davis@email.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaeldavisorthotech

Resume Summary

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist with 5 years of experience assisting in total joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and fracture repairs. Proficient in preparing and managing orthopedic surgical instruments and maintaining sterile environments.

Professional Experience

Orthopedic Surgical Technologist

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital – Denver, CO

May 2021 – Present

  • Assist in over 150 orthopedic surgeries including knee and hip replacements, ACL repairs, and shoulder arthroscopies.
  • Manage orthopedic surgical instruments such as bone saws, drills, and fixation devices.
  • Work closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure smooth procedures, reducing surgery times by 10%.
  • Ensure strict adherence to sterile techniques, contributing to low post-operative infection rates.

Surgical Technologist

Denver Health

June 2019 – April 2021

  • Assisted in trauma surgeries, including fracture repairs and dislocations.
  • Prepared and maintained sterile environments in high-traffic orthopedic operating rooms.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Community College of Denver

Graduated May 2019

  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – NBSTSA, Issued June 2019
  • First Aid/CPR Certified – American Red Cross, Issued May 2019

Skills

  • Orthopedic surgery instruments
  • Joint replacement procedures
  • Fracture repair assistance
  • Operating room preparation
  • Patient positioning
  • Critical thinking

Why is this surgical technician resume sample effective?

  • It demonstrates the ability to reduce surgery times by 10%, which highlights efficiency and problem-solving.
  • The document shows proficiency in managing orthopedic-specific instruments such as bone saws and fixation devices.
  • Experience in trauma surgery settings adds versatility and preparedness for emergency situations.
What educational credentials should I add to my surgical technologist resume?

The education section is an important part resume because all surgical tech job postings require a certificate or associate degree in technology as a minimum. Some states require surgical techs to be licensed or certified, which you must list here as well.

  • Indicate the name of a degree or certification, the institution where you received it, and the year of your graduation.
  • If you are certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or hold CPR certification, add this information as well.
  • List any honors or other awards that will add to your credibility if you graduated magna or summa cum laude.

Entry-level surgical tech resume sample

Beginner surgical technician resume template

Surgical Technology Student Resume
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Resume for a surgical technologist | Sample text

Sophia Martinez

Address: Miami, FL

Phone: (305) 444-5566 | Email: sophia.martinez@email.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiamartinezstudent

Objective

Enthusiastic Surgical Technology student seeking to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Eager to apply knowledge of sterilization techniques, instrument handling, and patient care to assist surgical teams and contribute to efficient operating room management.

Education

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Miami Dade College

Expected Graduation: May 2025

  • Completed 300 hours of clinical rotations, observing and assisting in general, orthopedic, and cardiovascular surgeries.
  • Coursework includes anatomy, surgical techniques, sterile processing, and pharmacology.

Clinical Experience

Surgical Technologist Intern

Jackson Memorial Hospital – Miami, FL

September 2024 – Present

  • Observe and assist in various surgical procedures, including appendectomies, knee arthroscopies, and coronary stent placements.
  • Assist in maintaining a sterile field, sterilizing instruments, and preparing the operating room.
  • Communicate with surgical teams to ensure all necessary equipment was available and functioning.

Skills

  • Instrument sterilization
  • Operating room setup
  • Patient care
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Basic CPR (Certified September 2022)

This example of a surgical technologist resume is strong for several reasons:

  • It demonstrates a solid educational foundation with relevant courses such as anatomy, pharmacology, and surgical techniques.
  • Clear objective statement with an eagerness to apply knowledge and gain experience in surgical settings.
  • The focus is on essential skills like instrument sterilization, communication, and operating room setup.
How to organize the experience section in a surgical technician resume?
  • List your professional experience in reverse chronological order (starting with your most recent job) and include relevant details about your role in each position.
  • Be clear about your role in the organization.
  • Highlight the full name of the hospital, clinic, or other medical facility.
  • Mention the city and state.
  • Be specific about the time frame (month and year) you worked there.
  • Use bullet points to describe your duties, starting each with an action verb.

If applicable, mention specific accomplishments, such as successfully assisting in complex surgeries.

Cover letter for surgical tech

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies a resume or CV. It serves as an introduction to the HR, highlighting your qualifications, skills, and interest in the occupation.

A cover letter includes the following sections:

  • Header. Includes your name, contact information, and the date.
  • Greeting. A polite salutation addressed to the employer.
  • Introduction. A brief statement where you outline the position you're applying for and how you learned about the job.
  • Body. This section highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
  • Conclusion. A closing paragraph where you express your interest in an interview and provide a call to action. It’s polite to thank the reader for their time.
  • Signature. A polite sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely," or "Best regards,") followed by your name.

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Surgical tech cover letter example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Surgical Technologist position at ChristianaCare. With my surgical technology certification and hands-on clinical experience, I am confident in my ability to provide excellent support to your team.

I completed my Surgical Technology certification through the Delaware Technical Community College, where I gained valuable experience during my clinical rotations. I assisted in various procedures, from routine surgeries to more complex operations, and became skilled in maintaining sterile environments, handling surgical instruments, and working collaboratively with surgeons and nursing staff. My attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to stay composed in fast-paced environments make me a strong fit for this role.

ChristianaCare's commitment to patient care and its reputation for medical excellence inspire me, and I am eager to contribute to your team’s continued success. I would be honored to apply my skills in such a well-regarded organization and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss how I can be an asset to your team.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Reyes

Conclusion

The best surgical tech resumes combine educational background, technical expertise, relevant experience, and soft skills to make a great impression on prospective employers.

By highlighting your certification and clinical experience, including blood draw and phlebotomy, your application can help you stand out from the competition.

A goal of your resume is to demonstrate why you are the best candidate to refine your chances of landing an interview.

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