Educator, Sterile Processing - Full Time, Day

Mary Washington Healthcare•Fredericksburg, WA

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. The Educator works with department leadership and clinical partners to promote consistent practices, staff development, and safe, efficient operations. The position develops and delivers orientation, ongoing education, and skills training; maintains training materials, competency assessments, and education records; assesses staff knowledge and practical skills; and arranges follow-up training when needed. It supports initial and annual competency validation, onboarding, professional development, and certification preparation. The Educator also serves as a resource on department procedures, equipment use, instrument care, workflow, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, manufacturer instructions for use, and professional practice guidelines. The role collaborates with leadership, Operating Room teams, vendors, and other departments; communicates process and policy changes; and participates in audits, observations, and quality-improvement activities. It maintains current knowledge of Sterile Processing practices and follows infection prevention, safety, confidentiality, and organizational requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Current certification in Sterile Processing Technology (CRCST or equivalent) required.
At least three years of Sterile Processing experience, including demonstrated competency across major SPD functions.
Instrument identification knowledge 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.
Critical thinking and analytical skills; ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
Capacity to cope with difficult situations.
Ability to tolerate irregular hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to use arms and hands constantly; stand, walk, and sit frequently; and bend, stoop, and squat occasionally.
Ability to lift 35 lbs. and push and pull up to 20 lbs.
Auditory and visual skills, including color determination.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and work with potential exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens.

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 follow-up training.
Develop, coordinate, and maintain initial and annual competency validation programs.
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 improvement opportunities.
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 process or policy changes and help staff understand their impact on daily work.
Participate in audits, observations, and quality-improvement activities, and 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.