Sterile Processing Tech

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist in Houston is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician responsible for decontamination, assembly, inspection, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments. This role ensures timely delivery of sterile products while maintaining an excellent level of customer service.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and a Sterile Processing certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team are essential. Additional responsibilities include maintaining quality processes and managing department resources efficiently.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education required.
• Sterile Processing certification: CRCST or CSPDT necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination and assembly of surgical trays and instruments.
• Sterilize instruments and surgical trays as per guidelines.
• Communicate with healthcare teams regarding patient safety.

Skills

Competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job

Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English

Interpersonal and team-player skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Sterile Processing Technician position is responsible for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all ancillary departments. The role works in conjunction with OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays, and case carts while maintaining consistent workflow between OR and Central Service Sterile Processing with excellent customer service.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Qualifications

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent education (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education)
• Formal education through a Sterile Processing program preferred

Experience

• None

Licenses and Certifications

• Sterile Processing certification: CRCST or CSPDT

Skills and Abilities

• Competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, assessed through ongoing evaluations
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for essential functions affecting patient or employee safety
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers with customer‑service focus
• Independently performs job duties with ongoing competency assessments
• Follows Universal Precautions and wears appropriate protective attire
• Interpersonal and team‑player skills, ensuring excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, electronic instrument tracking system if applicable)
• Phone etiquette when responding to department inquiries
• Maintains patient and family privacy

Essential Functions

People Essential Functions

• Communicates with interprofessional health care team concerning patient safety, effective assignments, and shift handoffs using a structured format.
• Responds positively to assistance requests, fostering healthy relationships and contributing to work effort.
• Contributes to improvement of department scores for employee engagement through peer-to-peer accountability.

Service Essential Functions

• Performs decontamination and assembly of basic surgical trays, instrumentation, and equipment using established count sheets.
• Wraps or contains items appropriately based on size and type.
• Provides timely sterile products, trays, and case carts following guidance of experienced surgical techs and OR staff.
• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays per manufacturer instructions and institutional policies.
• Organizes workload, assists others, and performs additional tasks as needed, maintaining workflow and customer service.

Quality/ Safety Essential Functions

• Uses appropriate cleaning detergents and agents, reading directions and SDS sheets.
• Uses department equipment per manufacturer instructions and department policies.
• Visually inspects trays to ensure completion of quality process per AAMI standards.

Finance Essential Functions

• Manages time effectively, prioritizes daily tasks, cleans workstation at shift end, and minimizes overtime.
• Uses department resources efficiently to ensure completeness of trays, instruments, and equipment per count sheets without waste.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Understands and applies industry Sterile Processing standards (Steam, ETO, Low-Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide).
• Participates in department projects and Shared Governance committee; follows up on action items.
• Identifies learning needs, consults with experts, seeks continuing education, and updates My Development Plan.

Supplemental Requirements

Work Attire

• Uniform: Yes
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

On-Call

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (e.g., Disaster, Severe Weather Events) regardless of selection below.

• On Call: Yes

Travel

Travel specifications may vary by department.

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No