Sterile Processing Tech

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Description

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and preparation of medical supplies, equipment, and instruments. This role ensures that all items are processed according to established standards to support safe patient care. The technician also manages inventory, collection, and distribution of required supplies throughout the facility.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that all policies, procedures, and practices in Sterile Processing comply with standards set by regulatory agencies (AAMI, Joint Commission, CDC, OSHA, etc.).
• Clean, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, and sterilize a wide variety of complex surgical instruments and instrument sets.
• Process specialized instrumentation including endoscopes (duodenoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, colonoscopes, etc.).
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize patient care equipment such as IV pumps, epidural pumps, SCDs, respiratory equipment, and other portable medical devices.
• Operate and maintain cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization equipment (ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, autoclaves, etc.).
• Perform thorough visual inspections and functional testing of instruments and equipment to ensure they are in proper working condition.
• Assemble and package instrument sets according to standardized checklists and preference cards.
• Accurately document all processing activities, biological and chemical monitoring results, and patient charges.
• Maintain proper inventory levels of sterile supplies and communicate needs to appropriate departments.
• Collect, transport, and distribute sterile and clean supplies to operating rooms, nursing units, outpatient departments, and other areas of the hospital.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of sterile processing areas and equipment.
• Follow strict infection control, sterile technique, and safety protocols at all times.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and sterilization process monitoring.
• Provide excellent customer service to all departments and respond promptly to urgent supply requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Surgical Services or Administration.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Previous sterile processing experience strongly preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) preferred. If not certified, must obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and surgical instrumentation preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and infection prevention practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated technical knowledge of sterile processing principles and best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and able to complete duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Basic mathematical and computer skills.
• Strong judgment, logic, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to safety principles and regulatory compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods (entire shift).
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling delicate instruments.
• Ability to maintain established productivity and quality standards.
• Visual acuity to inspect instruments for cleanliness and damage.