Surgical Technologist Internship Program
Developing talent like yours strengthens the future of healthcare in our community.
When we saw the Yuma area lacked short-term college programs to train specialized operating room team members, we knew we had to step in. Recruiting candidates from Phoenix, Tucson and Southern California proved challenging, but our human resources and surgical services leaders saw the potential within Yuma County’s own talented workforce. Their optimism and vision led to our Surgical Technologist Intern Program, a tuition-free, six-month program designed to cultivate and train exceptional surgical technologists right here at home.
For prospective participants, the Onvida Health Surgical Technologist Intern Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to launch a rewarding career in the operating room. It starts with scrubbing in on a few acute cases while undergoing continuous professional development guided by our expert team. This journey doesn’t just end with certification. It’s the beginning of a dynamic career trajectory. As interns gain experience and expertise, they transition to assisting surgeons in increasingly complex cases. This structured progression fosters personal growth and ensures the highest standards of patient safety and outcomes. By investing in our employees’ growth, we strengthen our commitment to delivering excellence in healthcare and enhance the community’s access to top-quality care.
Interested in joining the program?
Contact:
Chelsea Studer or Steven Branigan at 928-336-7525 or surgicaltechinternship@onvidahealth.org
What you learn as a Surgical Technologist Intern
- Surgical Conscience
- Aseptic Technique/Sterile Technique
- Scrubbing/Gowning/Gloving
- Care of/Handling of Instrumentation
- Instrumentation Set-Ups
- Maintaining a Sterile Field
- Anticipation of Surgical Needs
About Our Program
We’re committed to offering specialized training programs that open doors to exciting healthcare careers. Learn more about our Surgical Technologist Internship Program below.
6 Months
- The first 5-6 weeks are in a classroom. Interns start learning basic concepts about the OR in the first 2 weeks: sterile conscience, scrubbing, gowning, gloving, instrumentation, etc. Then we teach basic procedure set-ups.
- The next 5 months are spent doing clinical work where interns are scrubbing cases with a preceptor.
- Interns work Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 pm.
- Onvida Health does not require certification to apply but highly recommends it. Eligible applicants are then scheduled for an interview and an entrance exam. We require each applicant to take an exam to test their basic surgical anatomy/physiology knowledge.
- Interns are eligible to sit for a certification exam after a period of work experience (3 years). Once certified, they are eligible to increase their status on our ST ladder, which comes with an increase in pay. Many STs have gone on to become nurses, first assistants, etc.
- The internship program at Onvida Health runs Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 pm. The initial phase involves classroom instruction, covering fundamental concepts such as sterile technique, scrubbing, gowning, gloving and instrumentation. Interns progress to learning procedure set-ups, with daily homework assignments to reinforce learning.
- During the clinical phase, interns work alongside preceptors, scrubbing cases and studying assigned procedures. Weekly meetings provide opportunities for reflection and goal setting. Professional development opportunities include eligibility for certification exams after three years of work experience.
- Certified interns can advance their careers within the ST ladder at Onvida Health, with potential pathways to roles such as nurses or first assistants.
Application Process
Determining Internship Availability
The Surgical Services Director assesses department staffing needs to determine the number of interns needed. Internships are based on staffing requirements. Our goal is to transition successful interns to surgical technologists (STs).
To apply for the program, applicants must have completed Anatomy and Physiology I and II and have at least six months of work experience in a hospital or medical field.
Application Period
Application windows are opened throughout the year as needed. The application process is open for two weeks, during which interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Notifications are sent out via email and Onvida Health shares the opportunity on various communication channels. Interested candidates are encouraged to follow Onvida Health’s social media pages.
Application Review
The Director reviews all applications to ensure applicants meet the requirements, including completion of A&P I & II and relevant medical experience.
Interview and Entrance Exam
Eligible applicants undergo an interview and take an entrance exam to assess basic surgical anatomy and physiology knowledge.
Selection Process
Interns are chosen based on a combination of their interview performance and exam results.
Onboarding
Selected interns are onboarded as employees, marking the beginning of the internship program.
Future Certifications
After the internship, Surgical Technologists with three years of experience are eligible to sit for the certification exam if they pursue the on-the-job training route.
To Apply
To apply, email surgicaltechinternship@onvidahealth.org.
