Sterile Processing Technician (Full Time)

UnityPoint Health; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks a Sterile Processing Technician I to support the safe reprocessing of surgical instruments. You will perform decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution, ensuring traceability and adherence to infection-control standards.

The role emphasizes documentation, quality assurance, and ongoing professional development to align with best practices and organizational policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Writes, reads, comprehends, and speaks fluent English.
• Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email, and web browser.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate and prepare surgical instruments for cleaning.
• Inspect and assemble instrument sets to ensure proper functionality.
• Sterilize and store instruments according to policy and guidelines.

Skills

Fluent English

Basic computing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Email

Web browser

Job description

• Shift: Monday thru Friday Mid-shift/Evenings with Call
• Job ID: 186267

• Area of Interest: Patient Care
• FTE/Hours per pay period: 1.0
• Department: Sterile Processing
• Shift: Monday thru Friday Mid-shift/Evenings with Call
• Job ID: 186267

Overview

The Sterile Processing Technician I is responsible for the safe and effective reprocessing of surgical instruments and medical devices, including decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution. This role ensures compliance with infection control standards, manufacturer guidelines, and regulatory requirements to support patient safety and clinical operations. The technician maintains accurate documentation for traceability, participates in quality assurance initiatives, and engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and organizational policies.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

Decontamination

• Sorting and arranging soiled surgical instruments and equipment for proper cleaning procedures.
• Performing cleaning and washing procedures to remove gross soil from surgical instruments and equipment for safe handling.
• Detailed cleaning of complex instruments and equipment, such as Da Vinci robotics.
• Following proper cleaning procedures for delicate instruments and equipment, such as flexible endoscopes.

Inspection and Assembly

• Sort and inspect surgical instruments and equipment for cleanliness and any broken pieces.
• Test the functionality of surgical instruments and equipment to ensure they are in proper working condition.
• Assemble surgical instrument sets according to procedures.

Sterilization and Storage

• Sterilize surgical instruments via multiple methods that include and are not limited to steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
• Ensure items are sterilized according to proper procedure and guidelines as outlined in facility policy, AAMI/ANSI, and other accredited organizations.
• Ensure items are sorted and distributed to proper storage locations for future use.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Writes, reads, comprehends, and speaks fluent English.
• Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email, and web browser.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.