Sterile Processing Tech - University Orthopaedic Surgery Center

Entertimeonline; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and mentorship

Strong collaboration with surgeons

Modern, well-equipped facilities

Flexible scheduling (FT/PT)

Job summary

Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic is seeking a dependable Sterile Processing Technician to join our surgical team. The role focuses on decontaminating, sterilizing, and preparing instruments for use, supporting a Level 1 Trauma Center environment.

The ideal candidate has CSFA and CST background with at least one year of surgical assisting experience, strong infection-control knowledge, and a commitment to safety and quality in a fast-paced OR setting.

Qualifications

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification required.
• Surgical Technologist background (CST) preferred.
• Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting program.
• Minimum 1 year surgical assisting experience.
• Current BLS certification.
• Able to obtain Tennessee state licensure upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons during orthopaedic procedures, including trauma cases at Level 1 Trauma Center.
• Prepare, set up, and clean up for surgical procedures.
• Maintain instrument trays and monitor sterilization processes.
• Support OR turnover and patient transfers as needed.
• Ensure supplies, instruments, and implants are available for cases.
• Communicate supply needs and changes to the coordinator.

Skills

CSFA certification

Surgical Technologist CST

CAAHEP-accredited program

Surgical assisting experience

BLS certification

Tennessee licensure readiness

OR safety knowledge

Team communication

on-call readiness

Education

CSFA NBSTSA certification

CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program

Job description

• Location 1600 Accelerator Way,Knoxville, TN, 37920,United States
• Employee Type Non-Exempt FT

Contact information

Description

University Orthopaedic Surgery Center is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician to join our surgical team. This position plays an essential role in patient safety and surgical operations by ensuring instruments and medical equipment are properly decontaminated, prepared, sterilized, inspected, and available for use.

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for caring for surgical instruments throughout each phase of the sterilization process while following established infection-control practices, safety requirements, and manufacturers' instructions for use (IFUs). This role also maintains instrument trays, monitors sterilization processes, manages sterile supplies, and helps ensure the Sterile Processing area remains organized and ready to support surgical procedures.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, dependable, and attentive to detail, with a strong commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards in a fast-paced surgical environment.

What You’ll Do

• Assist surgeons during highly specialized orthopaedic procedures, including orthopaedic trauma cases at a Level 1 Trauma Center.
• Work closely with surgeons and other members of the operating room team to support safe procedures and optimal patient outcomes.
• Perform assigned surgical procedures as a Surgical First Assistant and/or Scrub Tech.
• Plan, prepare, set up, and clean up for assigned surgical procedures.
• Ensure necessary supplies, instruments, and implants are available for assigned cases.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical equipment and instrumentation and safely operate specialized equipment, including tourniquets, drills, saws, and other devices.
• Maintain instrument and equipment integrity and follow appropriate point-of-use techniques.
• Assist with operating room turnover and terminal cleaning.
• Assist the operating room team with safely transferring patients to and from the operating table.
• Properly position patients for surgical procedures using appropriate positioning aids to protect nerves, bony prominences, and circulation.
• Assist with skin preparation and surgical draping according to surgeon protocols.
• Provide visualization of the operative site through tissue and material manipulation, retraction, sponging, suctioning, and irrigation.
• Assist with closure of skin planes and appropriate dressing placement, including splints and immobilizers.
• Obtain diagnostic studies for surgical reference as needed.
• Use supplies appropriately and in a cost-effective manner.
• Communicate necessary preference-card changes and supply needs to the appropriate coordinator.
• Assist with daily surgical assignments and other operating room responsibilities as needed.
• Participate in required on-call coverage, including weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
• Meet required on-call response times or remain within the required proximity to the facility while on call.

What We're Looking For

Current Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) .

Surgical Technologist (CST) background/certification as applicable to the position.

Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting program .

At least one year of surgical assisting experience .

Current BLS certification .

Ability to obtain required Tennessee state licensure upon hire.

Ability to successfully complete required hospital credentialing.

Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, sterile technique, and operating room safety.

Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with surgeons and other members of the surgical team.

Ability to remain composed and responsive in a fast-paced surgical and Level 1 Trauma Center environment.

Flexibility and dependability to meet required on-call responsibilities and response times.

Preferred Experience

Previous orthopaedic surgical experience .

Experience assisting with complex orthopaedic procedures.

Experience working in a hospital, trauma center, or other high-acuity surgical environment.

Why Join KOC?

At Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic , you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced orthopaedic surgeons while supporting highly specialized procedures at the region's only Academic and Level 1 Trauma Center.

KOC offers:

• Full-time and part-time scheduling with flexibility.
• Training and mentorship in orthopaedics.
• Strong collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons.
• Modern, well-equipped facilities in a trusted clinical setting.