Surgical Technologist Trainee II

Accepting application for 2026/27 Program through April 17 - Apply today!

As a surgical technologist trainee, you will begin your new role completing an 11-month training program through the Dartmouth Health Career Institute (DHCI), where you'll gain the required education and hands-on skills experience to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). As a Dartmouth Health surgical technologist trainee, you will earn an hourly wage, and the organization will cover all tuition and learning expenses through the 11-month program. *

CSTs are highly skilled individuals who collaborate with surgeons, registered nurses, and other health care professionals to deliver high-quality care in an operating room environment and are responsible for adhering to principles of sterility. A CST assists in every aspect of the surgical setting, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. Duties may include creating and maintaining the sterile field, assisting the OR team with patient positioning, anticipating needs and passing instrumentation during the surgery, and handling and labeling specimens obtained during surgery.

We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Surgical Technologist Training Program, with only a limited number of available seats, through April 17, 2026.

If selected, pre-program employment for 2026/27 program begins in June 2026, working in the perioperative services department, which helps prepare trainees for their time in the classroom.

The training program dates are September 14, 2026, to August 20, 2027.

Upon successful completion of the training program and certification requirements, Dartmouth Health trainees will join the Dartmouth Health Perioperative Services Department as full-time CSTs, with a 2-year work commitment for the education and training opportunity provided.

Applicants at this time must have an associate’s degree or higher to be considered eligible for the 2026-27 cohort. Additional application and prerequisite courses are required. Visit the program page at DHCareerInstitute.org for all the details.

• The Surgical Technologist Training Program also offers a non-employee entry path. Accepted individuals can pay for tuition and all other expenses through the 11-month training program. Tuition is $8,000, and additional fees and expenses for required background checks, certification registrations, textbooks, and learning supplies total at least $1,500 throughout the program. Tuition is due quarterly before the start of the term. With this option, you do not earn an hourly wage, and you are not employed by the Dartmouth Health Perioperative Services Department upon program completion.
• Adheres to all D-H program requirements and standards in compliance with ARC-STSA/CAAHEP accreditation conditions
• Attends and actively participates in classes and labs to learn
• OR suite cleaning, preparation, use and maintenance of specialized equipment & supplies used for surgical procedures.
• Learns to maintain and use aseptic technique including sterilization, disinfection and disposal of contaminated material.
• Learns to clean, wraps and autoclaves instruments. Cares for supplies and equipment.
• Surgical instruments and the step-by-step sequences for surgical procedures.
• Handling of surgical specimens.
• Completes all necessary training pre-requisites prior to beginning clinical rotations
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills.
• Prepares for national certification exam.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Associate’s degree or higher at time of application
• Demonstrated strong communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well as a member of a team
• BLS Certification
• Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Registration for Medical Technicians within 60 days of hire.
• At end of training period, must take and pass the exams through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technician (CST).