Sterile Processing Technician – Instrument Sterilization & QA

Northwestern Medicine; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Lifecycle benefits

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine seeks a Sterile Processing Tech to support the surgical services team. The role involves cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing instruments, stocking and distributing equipment, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include preparing case carts, maintaining logs, and handling biohazardous waste while following aseptic procedures. Requires certification within 2 years and basic computer skills; high school diploma or GED preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or 2 years related equivalent experience AND must obtain GED within 1 year of start date AND
• Sterile processing certification -National (CBSPD) or International (IAHCSMM) Certification within 2 years of start date AND
• Basic computer skills

Responsibilities

• Cleans, disinfects, decontaminates and sterilizes medical instruments and equipment using appropriate methods, substances and equipment.
• Receives, stocks, packages and distributes medical instruments and equipment.
• Performs and documents required quality assurance testing and inspection on stock. Inventories and reorders supplies.
• Properly disposes of biohazardous substances, chemicals, medical waste and unusable equipment and supplies.
• Disassemble, decontaminate, assemble, sterilize, and store procedure trays, instruments, medical equipment, and supplies according to prescribed procedure and aseptic technique.
• Follows preference sheet to accurately dispense instruments and supplies to surgery and patient care areas.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of the Tray Tracking computer system in assigned areas of the department.
• Inspects sorts and processes surgical instrumentation in accordance to policy and procedures.
• Reports and isolates damaged and missing items to Resource Coordinator and Manager.
• Assembles and organizes surgical instrument sets according to instrument count sheets.
• Maintains logs, prepares, checks and records test results. Approves or refuses materials from Sterilizer based on test results. Reports to management any adverse results.
• Prepares and delivers accurate and timely case carts for use in surgical procedures.
• Checks and reprocesses any expired items.
• Accurately prepares and labels items for the appropriate method of sterilization.
• Dispenses and delivers materials via dumbwaiter, tube system, elevator and/or handcarts
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

Northwestern Medicine seeks a Sterile Processing Tech to support the surgical services team. The role involves cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing instruments, stocking and distributing equipment, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include preparing case carts, maintaining logs, and handling biohazardous waste while following aseptic procedures. Requires certification within 2 years and basic computer skills; high school diploma or GED preferred.