Central Sterile Tech/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky Healthcare is seeking a Central Sterile Technician to support surgical services by preparing instrument trays, decontaminating used instruments, and maintaining sterility across the department. The role involves handling instruments, answering OR requests, and ensuring sanitary conditions in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualified candidates will have aseptic technique knowledge and be ready to obtain CRCST certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and universal precautions.
• Experience with OR instrumentation and instrument processing.
• Ability to read and follow manufacturer guidelines.
• CRCST certification preferred; certification within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and process surgical instrument trays.
• Decontaminate used instruments to maintain infection control.
• Answer unit phone calls and respond to OR requests.
• Maintain cleanliness of the department/workstation.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Universal precautions

OR instrumentation

Instruments processing

Education

CRCST certification

Tools

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

This position requires regularly lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); and intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time. Also involves risk of injuries from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste; radiation; burns; cuts/punctures; blood-borne or airborne pathogens; and recombinant DNA or viral vectors.

Shift

Day, evening/night or weekend shifts with some on-call, along with holiday and/or weekend requirements.

Job Summary

UK Healthcare is seeking a Central Sterile Tech to operate as one of the most important team members in a hospital’s arsenal – assisting our front-line workers during complex cases as well as those with high levels of acuity.

Our Central Sterile Techs are directly responsible for assembling and processing surgical instrument trays as well as decontaminating used instruments that assist in eliminating infections and maintaining supplies. The selected candidate will also be essential in answering unit phone calls, responding to OR requests, and maintaining cleanliness of the department/workstation.

Qualified candidates will have a good working knowledge of regulatory standards for universal precautions, sterilization methodologies, and regulatory standards for biological monitoring.

Applicants who possess the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) certification are eligible to be hired into a Central Sterile Tech/Certified/ UKHC position, which is a grade 7 ($17.50/hour – $27.31/hour).

Applicants who are not certified at time of hire are eligible to receive a pay increase and be moved into the Certified, grade 7 role once certification has been obtained and 90 days of successful employment have been completed.

All pay rates will be based on candidate’s experience. Certification is required for all new hires within 12 months of hire date.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of aseptic techniques following universal standard precautions; and knowledge of operating room instrumentation, processing technique, and equipment care. This person must adhere to UK Healthcare policies and must be able to read and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Central sterile experience preferred; current CRCST certification highly preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/05/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)?
  • Yes
  • No