Sterile Processing Apprentice (HMH Ambition Academy)
About The Position
The Hackensack Meridian Health Ambition Academy offers recent high school graduates a direct path to a high-demand healthcare career, serving as a powerful alternative to attending college. Participants receive paid, hands-on training, and professional guidance as a Sterile Processing Apprentice at one of our top-ranked medical centers. Once the apprentices complete their respective programs, they will be eligible to apply for permanent positions within our statewide network. The Sterile Processing Apprenticeship class will be held in Neptune. You must be a current high school senior who is graduating in June 2026 to be eligible for the HMH Ambition Academy. The Sterile Processing Apprentice is responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting, processing, and sterilization of surgical instrumentation, patient care equipment and reusable medical/surgical items. This position also assembles Case Carts for the Operating Room (OR).
Requirements
- High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
- All applicants will be required to participate in Hackensack Meridian Health's Sterile Processing Technician Apprentice training program.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
- National Certification: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPDT) to be obtained within 9 months of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Participation in a Sterile Processing Course, or 1 year experience in instrument processing preferred.
Responsibilities
- Receives, sorts, disinfects, processes, assembles or sterilizes both patient care equipment and surgical instruments according to established departmental policies and guidelines following instructions for use.
- Understands all detergents and disinfectants used to process items. Implements both Universal Precautions and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.).
- Operates and loads sterilizers (Steam and Hydrogen Peroxide) and assures biological tests and Bowie Dick tests are correctly performed, incubated, read and recorded.
- Ensures sterilization records are completed correctly by recording all items processed, making sure the correct label/load gun is used, reading and interpreting chemical integrator per load, observing and initialing all computerized print outs for accuracy.
- Adheres to correct use of computerized instrument count sheets, and utilizes tracking system throughout reprocessing.
- Prepares case carts for delivery to room by using doctor's preference information to assemble required instruments, and special equipment.
- Communicates with OR team members and provides customer service to all units requiring Sterile Processing services.
- Lifts a minimum of 30 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 50 lbs. and stands length of shift.
- Ability to work with bioburden and grossly contaminated items on a regular basis.
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
- Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior
Benefits
- Competitive benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.
- Performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions (for some jobs)
- Shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts (for certain positions)
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
