Scrub Technician job description.
A scrub technician assists surgeons during operations by preparing instruments, maintaining a sterile field, and passing tools during procedures. Working closely with the surgical team, they help ensure procedures run safely and efficiently in the operating room.
The Scrub Technician job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Scrub Technician Reports to: OR Nurse Manager or Surgical Services Director
A scrub technician assists surgeons during operations by preparing instruments, maintaining a sterile field, and passing tools during procedures. Working closely with the surgical team, they help ensure procedures run safely and efficiently in the operating room.
- Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment before procedures
- Set up the sterile field and verify instrument counts
- Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during operations
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
OR Nurse Manager or Surgical Services Director
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment before procedures
- Set up the sterile field and verify instrument counts
- Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during operations
- Maintain sterile technique throughout the procedure
- Assist with patient positioning and draping
- Perform instrument, sponge, and needle counts before and after surgery
- Clean and prepare the operating room for the next procedure
- Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia staff
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Completion of an accredited surgical technology program
- Current licensure/board certification as required by state and employer
- Knowledge of sterile technique and surgical instrumentation
- Ability to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced OR environment
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential
- Experience in a specific surgical specialty (e.g., orthopedics, cardiac)
- BLS certification
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Scrub Technician job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Scrub Technician job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (OR Nurse Manager or Surgical Services Director) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is certification required to work as a scrub technician?
- Requirements vary by state and employer; many require completion of an accredited program and current licensure or board certification as required locally.
- What is the difference between a scrub tech and a circulating nurse?
- A scrub technician works directly within the sterile field passing instruments, while a circulating nurse manages the broader OR environment and documentation outside the sterile field.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Surgical Technologist
A Surgical Technologist prepares operating rooms, instruments, and supplies for surgical procedures and assists the surgical team during operations.
Sterile Processing Technician
A sterile processing technician cleans, sterilizes, and prepares medical instruments and equipment for surgical and clinical use.
Medical Technician
A medical technician supports clinical staff by performing diagnostic tests, collecting specimens, and maintaining medical equipment in hospitals, labs, or clinics.
This Scrub Technician job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.