Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship (Full Time)

KDMC Ashland Hospital Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

KDMC Ashland Hospital Corporation is seeking an entry‑level Sterile Processing Apprentice in Ashland, KY. You will learn to decontaminate, clean, assemble, and sterilize surgical instruments while following infection control standards.

You will participate in hands‑on training, documentation, and inventory tasks as you prepare for certification and advancement within Sterile Processing.

Qualifications

• Learning basic sterile processing duties and infection control.
• Developing proficiency in decontamination, cleaning and packaging.
• Supporting documentation and inventory processes.

Responsibilities

• Learns proper cleaning, decontamination and disinfection of instruments and equipment.
• Participates in supervised assembly and packaging of instrument sets.
• Observes sterilization processes and learns autoclave operation.
• Maintains documentation of sterilization cycles and load contents.
• Follows infection control and safety protocols to protect patients.
• Supports inventory handling and distribution of sterile supplies.
• Reports damaged or missing items to staff.
• Engages in apprenticeship training and evaluations.

Skills

Sterile processing basics

Documentation

Infection control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational/technical training

Job description

At UK King's Daughters, we’re not just a healthcare facility — we’re a family of dedicated professionals who share a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. We’re more than just a place to work; we’re a place to grow, thrive, and contribute to our community.

Job Summary

Responsible for learning and assisting with the basic duties of sterile processing including the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment. Participates in hands‑on training and supervised practice to develop technical proficiency in sterile processing standards and infection prevention. Supports the Sterile Processing Department team in maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant work environment. Completes required apprenticeship program hours and prepares for certification to advance into a fully qualified sterile processing technician role.

Essential Functions

• Learns and assists in the proper cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection of surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Participates in supervised assembly and packaging of instrument sets according to standardized procedures.
• Observes and supports sterilization processes while learning to operate autoclaves and other related equipment.
• Assists in maintaining accurate documentation of sterilization cycles, load contents, and quality assurance indicators.
• Follows established infection control and safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.
• Supports inventory management by learning proper handling, storage, and distribution of sterile and non‑sterile supplies.
• Identifies and reports damaged or missing instruments and equipment to supervising staff.
• Engages in training, mentorship, and evaluation activities as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area in accordance with department standards and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent and vocational/technical training in a designated technical area

Experience Requirement

No work experience required

Certifications & Licensures

N/A

Working Conditions

• A. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 1. Never
• C. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs: 4. Regular (> 50% of the time)
• D. Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• E. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• G. Repetitive motion: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• H. Working at heights above 4 feet: 1. Never
• I. Working in confined spaces: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• K. Job-related travel: 1. Never
• L. Loud noises: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• M. Temperature extremes: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• N. Hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• O. Radiation: 1. Never
• P. Burns: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• Q. Cuts/Punctures: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• R. Bloodborne/airborne pathogens: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• S. Recombinant DNA or viral vectors: 1. Never
• T. Combative/violent people: 1. Never
• U. Animal handling (including carcasses): 1. Never
• V. Please specify other(s) and amount of exposure (i.e. Occasional, Intermittent or Regular): N/A

Physical Demands

This position requires regular standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; intermittent lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; intermittent standing or walking with objects up to 25 pounds; and performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as equipment handling or cleaning). The role also includes intermittent risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; intermittent exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste; intermittent exposure to loud noises and cuts/punctures; and occasional sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time. There is also some occasional exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; working in confined spaces; temperature extremes; burns; and bloodborne or airborne pathogens.

Department

Department: Sterile Processing Department Shift: Flex (United States of America) Time Type: Full time Address: 2201 Lexington Avenue City, State: Ashland, Kentucky

Our growth is creating opportunities! Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it!

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful.