The Sterile Processing Technician (SPD/CSR Tech) is an essential member of the Surgical Services team responsible for the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments, procedural trays, equipment, and supplies used throughout the hospital.
The Sterile Processing Technician helps ensure that instrumentation and equipment are available, properly processed, and ready for safe patient use in accordance with hospital policies, manufacturers' instructions for use (IFUs), infection prevention standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and knowledgeable in infection prevention, sterilization practices, surgical instrumentation, and the proper handling of reusable medical devices.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician, Central Service Technician, or related healthcare training program preferred.
Certification
One of the following certifications is required:
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA); or
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
Experience
- Previous experience in Sterile Processing, Central Sterile, Central Supply, Surgical Services, or an Operating Room environment preferred.
- Previous acute-care hospital experience preferred.
- Experience with surgical instrumentation, instrument assembly, decontamination, sterilization, and sterile storage strongly preferred.
- Experience processing instrumentation for multiple surgical specialties is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of sterile processing and infection prevention principles.
- Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and basic surgical terminology.
- Understanding of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, and sterile storage procedures.
- Knowledge of steam sterilization and other sterilization methods used within the facility.
- Ability to identify and properly assemble surgical instruments and instrument sets.
- Ability to follow manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs).
- Understanding of sterilization monitoring, including mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
- Ability to accurately follow count sheets, department procedures, and written instructions.
- Ability to recognize damaged, malfunctioning, or improperly cleaned instrumentation.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize urgent instrumentation and supply needs.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with Surgical Services and other clinical departments.
- Basic computer skills and ability to utilize instrument-tracking or hospital information systems as applicable.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.