Sterile Processing Technician Associate

Highmark Health • Erie, PA

4d

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician Associate decontaminates, cleans, assembles, sterilizes, and distributes surgical instruments and equipment. The role ensures that instrumentation and equipment are properly processed and available for procedural and patient care areas in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Working under direct supervision, the associate learns and applies sterile processing principles to help maintain a safe and effective healthcare environment.

Employees must follow safety and infection control protocols, use required personal protective equipment, protect confidential information, and comply with HIPAA, information security requirements, the Code of Business Conduct, and applicable laws and company policies. The description notes that duties may not be limited to those listed and may include other assigned or requested work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• For sterile processing technicians hired after December 29, 2020: pass a nationally accredited central service exam within 18 months of hire and maintain CRCST or CSPDT certification.
• An active Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery Certified (TSC) credential meets the stated certification requirement.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety and infection control policies, procedures, and protocols, and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Receive and sort contaminated instruments and equipment from various departments.
• Disassemble instruments and clean them using appropriate cleaning agents and equipment.
• Inspect cleaned instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and damage.
• Assemble instrument sets according to established count sheets and tray lists.
• Wrap or package instruments and sets for sterilization.
• Monitor sterilization cycles and interpret printouts to ensure proper sterilization parameters were met.
• Operate and maintain automated washing and decontamination equipment.
• Load and operate appropriate sterilization equipment.
• Document sterilization cycles and maintain accurate records.
• Deliver sterile items to requesting departments in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED