Sterile Processing Technician - FT

Uvalde Memorial Hospital; Uvalde (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Uvalde Memorial Hospital is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to ensure instruments, supplies, and equipment are cleaned, sterilized, assembled, and ready for surgical teams. This role supports infection prevention and patient safety.

Key duties include decontamination, operating sterilization equipment, assembling trays, performing testing, and maintaining inventories. CRCST/CER certificates must be obtained within 18 months, with BLS required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• CRCST and CER certifications required within 18 months.
• BLS for Healthcare Providers certification required.
• Experience in sterile processing preferred.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques and infection control.

Responsibilities

• Receive, sort, and decontaminate used surgical instruments and equipment following established procedures.
• Operate decontamination equipment (ultrasonic washers, disinfectors, sterilizers) and monitor performance.
• Inspect instruments for damage, defects, and proper function prior to sterilization.
• Assemble instrument trays and surgical sets according to guidelines and case requirements.
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (autoclaves, gas sterilizers) to ensure proper sterilization.
• Perform and document biological and chemical testing to verify sterilization efficacy.
• Maintain sterile storage areas and ensure trays/instruments are labeled, organized, and stored correctly.
• Maintain inventory levels of instruments, supplies, and equipment to support surgical needs.
• Track and document use, sterilization cycles, and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
• Follow hospital policies and regulatory standards (AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission) and participate in audits/quality initiatives.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or compliance issues promptly.
• Work closely with surgical staff to ensure timely delivery of sterile instruments and supplies.
• Assist with training of new staff or students as needed.

Skills

Sterilization techniques

Infection control

Medical terminology

Operate equipment

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Uvalde Memorial Hospital is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to support safe, efficient surgical care by ensuring instruments, supplies, and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, assembled, and ready when our surgical teams need them. This role is essential to infection prevention and maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient safety.

What You’ll Do

• Receive, sort, and decontaminate used surgical instruments and equipment following established procedures
• Operate decontamination equipment (ultrasonic washers, disinfectors, sterilizers) and monitor performance
• Inspect instruments for damage, defects, and proper function prior to sterilization
• Assemble instrument trays and surgical sets according to guidelines and case requirements
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (autoclaves, gas sterilizers) to ensure proper sterilization
• Perform and document biological and chemical testing to verify sterilization efficacy
• Maintain sterile storage areas and ensure trays/instruments are labeled, organized, and stored correctly
• Maintain inventory levels of instruments, supplies, and equipment to support surgical needs
• Track and document use, sterilization cycles, and maintenance of instruments and equipment
• Follow hospital policies and regulatory standards (AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission) and participate in audits/quality initiatives
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or compliance issues promptly
• Work closely with surgical staff to ensure timely delivery of sterile instruments and supplies
• Assist with training of new staff or students as needed

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED Required.
• Licensure/Certification: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certifications through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) and Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) required within 18 months of hire.
• Licensure/Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers certification required.
• Experience: Previous experience in sterile processing or a related healthcare field preferred.
• Skills: Knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control practices, and medical terminology.
• Skills: Ability to operate and troubleshoot decontamination and sterilization equipment.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.