Sterile Processing Tech

Cibola Hospital; Grants (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cibola Hospital is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Technician to ensure cleanliness, decontamination, inspection, and sterilization of a wide range of surgical instruments at our Grants, NM facility.

Responsibilities include processing endoscopes, maintaining equipment, documenting monitoring results, and supporting infection control initiatives. A high school diploma or GED is required, with CSPDT/CRCST preferred and certification within 18 months if not certified.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of sterile processing principles and best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; customer service oriented.
• Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment.
• Basic computer and math skills; English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (AAMI, Joint Commission, CDC, OSHA).
• Clean, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, and sterilize instruments and sets.
• Process endoscopes and specialized instrumentation.
• Sterilize patient care equipment and maintain sterilization equipment.
• Document processing activities, monitoring results, and charges.
• Maintain inventory and transport supplies to hospital areas.
• Follow infection control and safety protocols and participate in quality improvements.

Skills

Sterile processing

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

CSPDT/CRCST certification preferred

Job description

Description

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.