Educator, Sterile Processing - Full Time, Day
About The Position
The Sterile Processing Educator develops, coordinates, and evaluates education and training for Sterile Processing staff. The role supports staff competency in cleaning, inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilizing, storing, and distributing reusable medical devices and instrument sets. Working with department leadership and clinical partners, the Educator promotes consistent practices, supports staff development, and contributes to safe, efficient operations. The position develops and delivers staff orientation, ongoing education, and skills training; creates and maintains training materials, lesson plans, competency assessments, and education records; and assesses staff knowledge and practical skills to identify learning needs and arrange follow-up training. The Educator develops and maintains initial and annual competency validation programs and provides education on department procedures, equipment use, instrument care, workflow, documentation, applicable regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, manufacturer instructions for use, and professional practice guidelines. The Educator collaborates with leadership to identify trends and knowledge gaps, supports onboarding and professional development, communicates process and policy changes, and participates in audits and quality-improvement activities. The role also coordinates instrument-related education and process needs with Operating Room teams, vendors, and other departments; maintains current knowledge of Sterile Processing practices; and follows infection prevention, safety, confidentiality, and organizational requirements.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Current Sterile Processing Technology certification (CRCST or equivalent) required.
- Minimum of three years of Sterile Processing experience, including demonstrated competency across major SPD functions.
- Instrument identification and knowledge of decontamination, assembly, and sterilization workflows.
- Experience delivering training, coaching staff, or validating competencies.
- Experience supporting quality improvement, audits, or development of departmental training programs.
- Ability to use arms and hands constantly; stand, walk, and sit frequently; and bend, stoop, and squat occasionally.
- Ability to lift 35 pounds and push and pull up to 20 pounds.
- Auditory and visual skills, including color determination.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills; ability to multitask, communicate effectively, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and cope with difficult situations.
- Ability to tolerate irregular hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
- Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s degree or formal education in Sterile Processing, healthcare, education, or a related field.
- Relevant educator or advanced Sterile Processing certification.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver orientation, ongoing education, and skills training for Sterile Processing staff.
- Create and maintain training materials, lesson plans, competency assessments, and education records.
- Assess staff knowledge and practical skills, identify learning needs, and arrange appropriate follow-up training.
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain initial and annual competency validation programs for Sterile Processing staff.
- Educate staff on department procedures, equipment use, instrument care, workflow, and documentation in collaboration with leadership.
- Serve as an educational resource regarding regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, manufacturer instructions for use, and professional practice guidelines.
- Collaborate with department leadership to identify trends, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with onboarding and training plans for new hires, students, and staff learning new responsibilities.
- Promote professional development and support staff preparation for certification and recertification requirements.
- Communicate relevant process or policy changes and help staff understand their impact on daily work.
- Participate in audits, observations, and quality-improvement activities; help develop education in response to findings.
- Coordinate with Operating Room teams, vendors, and other departments on instrument-related education and process needs.
- Maintain current knowledge of Sterile Processing practices and share relevant updates with leadership.
- Follow infection prevention, safety, confidentiality, and organizational requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
