Sterile Processing Apprentice

MUSC Health; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) is seeking an Apprentice Sterile Processing Technician Apprentice. You will learn cleaning, decontamination, and preparation of surgical instruments under close supervision, serving as a training support for certification paths.

Schedule is 7:00am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday. This full-time role offers hands-on growth toward CRCST certification within 6 months, with dedicated pre-certification training and alignment to the Sterile Processing Department.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and high school graduate or equivalent.
• Enrollment or completion of approved Sterile Processing Technician Certification Preparation course.
• Within 12 weeks, complete the certification course.
• Within 14 weeks, complete 400 hours of paid preceptor-led training.
• Within 6 months, pass CRCST certification exam.
• Healthcare experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic infection prevention knowledge or willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Learn and demonstrate competency with cleaning, decontamination, and preparation of surgical instruments and equipment under close supervision.
• Receive training and act as support for individuals pursuing sterile processing certification.
• Collaborate with SPD team to ensure instrument readiness and quality control.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Sterile Processing Technician Certification Prep enrollment/completion

CRCST exam within 6 months

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Apprentice Sterile Processing Technician Apprentice reports to the SPD educator until completion of an approved pre-certification course and receiving confirmation of a department assignment. The Apprentice Sterile Processing Technician is an entry-level role responsible for learning and demonstrating competency with the cleaning, decontamination, and preparation of surgical instruments and equipment under close supervision. This position serves as a training and support role for individuals pursuing certification in sterile processing.

Work Schedule

Work Schedule: 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday - Friday

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC005242 CHS - Sterile Processing Administrative

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-20

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Education and Work Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Graduation from a high school or GED equivalency program required.
• Enrollment or completion of an approved Sterile Processing Technician Certification Preparation course.
• Within 12 weeks, the incumbent is required to have completed an approved Sterile Processing Technician Certification course.
• Within 14 weeks, the incumbent is required to have completed 400 hours of paid preceptor-led pre-certification training and competency validation.
• Within 6 months of completing the required 400 hours, the incumbent is required to successfully pass the CRCST certification exam.
• Previous experience in healthcare, environmental services, or related field preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic knowledge of infection prevention, aseptic techniques, or willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Physical Requirements

1) (C) Continuous – 6-8 hours per shift; 2) (F) Frequent – 2-6 hours per shift; 3) (I) Infrequent – 0-2 hours per shift Ability to perform job functions while standing. (C). Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (C) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (I) Ability to work indoors. (C) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (I) Ability to work from elevated areas. (F) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (F) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (I) Ability to bend at the waist. (C) Ability to twist at the waist. (F) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (F) Ability to perform “pinching” operations. (F) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to reach overhead. (F) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (C) Ability to fully use both legs. (C) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (F) Ability to reach in all directions. (C) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (I) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (I) Ability to lift from 36” to overhead 25 lbs. (I) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (F) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannot assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain vision 20/40 corrected. (C) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (C) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (C) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (C) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (C) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (C) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (C) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (C) Ability to work rotating shifts. (F) Ability to work overtime as required. (F) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (C) *Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (C) (Selected Positions) *

Additional Job Description

Education and Work Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Graduation from a high school or GED equivalency program required.
• Enrollment or completion of an approved Sterile Processing Technician Certification Preparation course.
• Within 12 weeks, the incumbent is required to have completed an approved Sterile Processing Technician Certification course.
• Within 14 weeks, the incumbent is required to have completed 400 hours of paid preceptor-led pre-certification training and competency validation.
• Within 6 months of completing the required 400 hours, the incumbent is required to successfully pass the CRCST certification exam.
• Previous experience in healthcare, environmental services, or related field preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic knowledge of infection prevention, aseptic techniques, or willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees