Operating Room Jobs That Do Not Require a Degree or Experience

Operating Room Jobs Without a Degree

If you want to be part of the excitement and thrill that comes from working in an operating room, but aren't a registered nurse, don't worry! There are several careers available for people who are not RNs.

The roles for unlicensed individuals vary from one region to the next. However, there is always a need for housekeepers, transporters, supply specialists, runners, and turn-over teams in surgery. Many of these can be filled by people who lack degrees or prior experience. Here's why.

When you work in an operating room, you are required to learn specific skills that pertain to surgical environments. For this reason, nearly all OR jobs provide in-house training to employees during their orientation period (rendering degrees unnecessary in certain cases). The amount of training you receive depends entirely on the job description.

Like any career, education and experience are always preferred. However, as long as you are hard-working and self-motivated, exceptions can be made. After all, everyone has to start somewhere.

No Degree Required

In this article, we will briefly examine the roles of housekeepers, assistants, and central sterile supply techs. As we will see below, many of these jobs have opportunities for advancement and promotion. They also provide good compensation and benefits.

Depending on the facility's needs, some of these roles may be blurred. For example, housekeepers are sometimes required to do tech duties, while central sterile supply techs may need to open supplies or prepare for an upcoming case. Aides and assistants, however, usually have the most varied roles, as they cover many different duties.

Although these jobs do not require a degree, they definitely require some homework and self-study. After all, there is so much to learn and never enough time to learn it at work. Are you ready to learn more about these fascinating positions? Let's get started!

1. Operating Room Housekeepers

• Basic Duties: Responsible for cleaning the operating room in between surgeries. Also required to keep public spaces clean.
• Average Salary: $28,000 to $35,000 (as of 2024).
• Education and Knowledge: High school diploma or GED is preferred (but not always required).
• Prior Experience: Prior cleaning experience is preferred but not required.

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning the operating rooms in between surgeries. They also perform terminal cleaning of each room, following specific directions that are outlined in the hospital's policy and procedure manual.

In addition to sanitizing the operating rooms, housekeepers are also tasked with keeping public spaces clean and safe. This includes office areas, lounges, and locker rooms.

Other Duties

In the OR, housekeepers are sometimes asked to assist with other activities, such as holding an arm or leg while the nurse preps (washes) it with an antimicrobial solution. In some cases, they might have to open sterile supplies as well. While this may seem strange to some, in the operating room, everyone is expected to help out if they can. Housekeepers are no exception to this rule.

Basic Requirements

OR housekeepers require an orientation even if they have previous cleaning experience. Why? Because there are specific cleaning rules that must be followed. This helps ensure that the operating room is safe (and sterile) for patients and staff.

Although previous cleaning experience is definitely a plus, it's usually not required for this role. All of the basics will be covered in your orientation. You will also need to learn about several chemicals if you do not have experience with them. (This means there will be some homework.)

2. Operating Room Assistant

This job is known by several different titles. OR Assistants, OR Aides, and Perioperative Service Technicians are all operating room assistants. These individuals perform multiple roles in the hospital. Some of the most notable ones include the following:

• Transporter: These individuals are responsible for transporting patients from their rooms to the OR (and back again) once surgery and recovery are complete.
• Supply Aide: These workers are responsible for ordering and restocking supplies.
• Runner: These individuals help the circulating room nurse by bringing necessary items to the OR. They may also transport specimens and lab items to the appropriate areas.
• Positioning Assistant: Helps the nurse position the patient.
• Anesthesia Tech: Helps restock anesthesia carts and brings specific items for the anesthesia provider.
• Turn-Over Help: This final role is responsible for opening sterile supplies and assembling equipment for the operating room. After surgery, they remove dirty supplies and clean the room. This ensures that the OR is prepped and ready for the next patient.

Basic Requirements

Because an operating room assistant consists of multiple roles, the average salary for these jobs varies significantly. It's also worth noting that most of these jobs include a clause in their contracts that requires the employee to perform other tasks (as needed). Since many facilities are understaffed, this helps ensure that the OR and other departments are adequately covered.

Thankfully, the requirements for these positions aren't too rigid. In order to be considered, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, a basic knowledge of medical terminology, and CPR certification. In most cases, prior experience is listed as preferred; however, it's not required for many facilities.

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3. Central Sterile Processing Department Technician

• Basic Duties: Responsible for washing, disinfecting, and storing sterile supplies for each surgery.
• Average Salary: $40,000 to $50,000 (as of 2024).
• Education and Knowledge: High school diploma or GED. Many hospitals require CSPD technicians to have basic computer skills as well.
• Prior Experience: Preferred but not required.

The Central Sterile Processing Department (CSPD) technician is responsible for washing, disinfecting, sterilizing, and storing surgical instruments. In many facilities, they are also required to pick the sterile supplies for each surgery. Their meticulous work ensures that all instruments are safe and ready to use at a moment's notice. They also play a vital role in preventing infections and maintaining surgical efficiency.

Basic Requirements

As you might have guessed already, a CSPD technician is a busy job that requires fine finger skills, a good memory, good computer skills, and attention to detail. The ability to read, write, add, and subtract is also necessary.

Since this job takes place in the OR, interviewers are interested in employees who are team-oriented and possess good communication skills. In most cases, though, central sterile supply techs don't need any previous experience. There is even room for advancement as long, as you're willing to complete the necessary certifications.

Given their importance to hospitals, most CSPD employees can expect an annual salary of $40,000 to $50,000 a year. Additionally, the role offers job security and opportunities for specialization.

3 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Being Hired

Due to the lucrative nature of operating room careers, competition is often fierce. This can make it difficult to land a job (especially in larger facilities). Nevertheless, there are several things you can do to make yourself stand out from other applicants. Here are three ways to increase your chances of being hired in the OR.

1. Learn Medical Terminology

You need to learn medical terminology to understand what is being discussed in the OR. Managers will be impressed that you took the time to learn this. After all, it cuts down on what they need to teach you in orientation.

Even if you have never worked in an operating room, medical terminology is handy for several different jobs. This includes medical transcriptionists, medical assistants, and medical secretaries.

2. Get CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certifications

Learning CPR is a win (whether you need it for work or not). In Basic Life Support (BLS) classes, you will learn what to do when an emergency happens. In addition to CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, they also teach you how to recognize a stroke and heart attack.

Having these certifications is a huge plus for hospital applicants. Call your local fire station or hospital to ask about classes open to the public.

3. Focus on What You Can Do

When interviewing for an operating room position, it's important to discuss your excellent communication skills. Talk about how you are a team player and try to recall specific examples. This is essential, as ORs are team-oriented environments.

Above all else, be enthusiastic about working in a surgical setting. Listen well and show the interviewer you are confident! By highlighting these abilities, you will stand out as a strong candidate.

Does Experience Matter?

We've reached the end of our comprehensive guide! Before we close, though, it's important to look at one final aspect of hospital jobs: prior experience. As we'll see below, experience isn't always necessary for operating room positions. Here's why.

They All Say, "Experience Preferred"

Every single business prefers experience. However, if a job listing says "experience preferred" instead of "required," it means that a beginner may still have a chance.

Due to safety concerns, operating rooms must train every person they hire. The training time is called an orientation period. Even experienced people have to attend these sessions to learn how a specific OR works. For this reason, many hospitals are willing to provide additional training to beginners, as it's considered a minimal add-on.

The Right Attitude

Attitude and passion count for a lot in the operating room. You can teach anyone to do a good job, but if they do not have the right attitude, why bother? In many cases, it is easier to teach a self-motivated, enthusiastic learner who is able to follow directions and work independently than someone with experience who is lazy.

Your attitude is shown to the world every day and affects how you treat others. That is why the best attitude is positivity. When applying for a position, be positive in your speech and confident in how you carry yourself. If you show the interviewer that you are open to instruction and can listen, your chances of being hired increase dramatically.

Does Location Matter?

It depends. Usually, smaller facilities (outside large cities) are more open to hiring someone without experience. In many rural areas, finding candidates with relevant experience is a challenge due to the small number of applications they receive annually.

That doesn't mean a larger OR won't consider you. It simply means that your chances of getting hired are better in a smaller facility. If a hospital position lists prior experience as "preferred" (not required), then it is a good one to investigate.

Final Thoughts

In closing, housekeepers, OR assistants, and CSPD technicians are fulfilling careers for those eager to work in a hospital setting. If you lack a formal degree but are interested in assisting surgeons or ensuring the cleanliness (and sterility) of equipment, these jobs provide several opportunities for career growth and advancement. I hope this article has been helpful and informative. Thanks for reading!

FAQ

Is hospital housekeeping a hard job?

Yes! As with most operating room jobs, a housekeeper role can be physically demanding. It requires attention to detail, long hours, and repetitive tasks. In spite of this, it's also one of the most rewarding careers in the OR, as you are responsible for the cleanliness (and safety) of each room. This helps ensure that surgical procedures go smoothly for patients.

How much do operating room assistants make in the United States?

The annual salary for an operating room assistant depends on your specific role and location. However, most workers can expect a salary range of $26,000 to $52,000 a year. It's also worth noting that additional training (or certifications) can increase your take-home pay significantly.

What is a CSPDT certification?

A CSPDT certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate competency in sterile processing techniques, infection control, and medical terminology. This certificate also proves that technicians are capable of processing and distributing medical instruments/equipment.

Additional Resources

• Indeed Editorial Team. "How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician." 10 December 2023. Indeed Career Guide. Accessed: 14 June 2024. Web.
• Mascali, Martina. "Your Guide to Hospital Jobs Requiring No Experience." Monster. Accessed: 10 June 2024. Web.
• Slyter, Kirsten. "Operating Room Jobs: Who's Who in the OR?" 26 April 2021. Rasmussen University. Accessed: 13 June 2024. Web.
• White, Sarah. "5 Jobs in Surgery Without Becoming a Surgeon." Monster. Accessed: 11 June 2024. Web.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2020 Kari Poulsen

Comments

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on March 29, 2020:

Thanks, Mitara. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Mitara N from South Africa on March 25, 2020:

A real eye opener

What an insightful and brilliant article,

Thank you for sharing

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on March 03, 2020:

Nell, most people do not realize that ORs will train people. Thanks!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on March 03, 2020:

Peggy, it's that hands-on training that is an advantage for non-licensed people. We always started people in the same area, central sterile.

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on February 26, 2020:

How interesting! I would never have though that there would be jobs within the hospital Operating rooms without qualifications. This is great advice. Shared.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on February 25, 2020:

There is a lot of hands-on training to work in the OR, even as a registered nurse. The place I worked, they started all new OR nurses in the area where the instruments were sterilized. It was the perfect place to learn the names of all the instruments. That information is invaluable once assisting a surgeon at the OR table.

This is good information for people to know who may not have degrees but wish to work in the medical field, specifically, the operating room.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 01, 2020:

Thank you, Dora! I hope more people become interested now that they know they do not need experience. If you like it, the OR is the best place to be.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on January 31, 2020:

Very helpful, Kari. A person who is interested has all their questions answered. Even someone who never considered it might become interested after reading your article. Good job!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 28, 2020:

People often overlook OR jobs because they do not have experience or a degree. But not all jobs require these things. But, one must be an enthusiastic learner. Thanks Linda!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 28, 2020:

FlourishAnyway, These individuals are necessary for an OR to run smoothly. Thanks for reading.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on January 27, 2020:

This is an informative article, Kari. I knew that the jobs that you've described needed to be performed, but I didn't know about the different careers that people could choose.

Elaina Baker from USA on January 27, 2020:

I’m glad you highlighted people who often hold roles that seem “invisible,” sadly. They help it all run smoothly.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 27, 2020:

Thank you Bill! I'll tell you what nurses thank God for. All the others who help hold the whole works together.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 27, 2020:

Eric, I believe the people behind the scenes make a huge difference. Even though many don't think of them when they think OR.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 27, 2020:

It is easy to look up online. They are listed in the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thanks for stopping by Doris!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 27, 2020:

Pam, there are more than people think. Everyone knows about the doctors and nurses, but the others are nameless but indispensable cogs in the wheel of the OR.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on January 27, 2020:

No, I do not want to work in an operating room LOL but thank God people do, and thank God there are those who are caring and compassionate. Let's just sum this up: thank God for nurses!

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on January 26, 2020:

Thank the good lord for giving us these people. Dad surgeon, mom and sister and nephew all qualifed with the degrees in the area. To a one they sing the praises of those that make it all work.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on January 26, 2020:

That is very interesting to know. As a youngster, I had no interest in the medical field, but as a single mom, this information might have caused me to change my path. It would be interesting to know the salary ranges, but today it probably is easy to look that up online.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on January 26, 2020:

As a RN i spent some time in the OR but never really worked there. There are more jobs for people without some type of medical degree than I would have guessed.