Sterile Processing Technician

Highmark Health•Erie, PA

About The Position

This role is responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and equipment. It ensures surgical instrumentation and equipment are properly processed and available for use in procedural and patient care areas, in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. The role applies sterile processing principles to help maintain a safe and effective healthcare environment and ensure quality standards are maintained. Employees are expected to comply with ethical and legal standards, company policies, confidentiality requirements, HIPAA, data security guidelines, and the company’s Code of Business Conduct. The company prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected status under applicable law.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience with sterile processing.
CRCST or CSPDT certification at hire. This certification requirement does not apply to Sterile Processing Technicians employed by a healthcare facility on or before 12/29/2020.
An active CST or TSC certification held by a Surgical Technologist meets the certification requirement.
Incumbents in the role as of 8/24/25 who do not meet the minimum job requirements have 18 months from their original hire date to obtain them; otherwise, they will be moved to another role.

Responsibilities

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 verify that sterilization parameters were met.
Follow safety and infection control policies, procedures, and protocols, and use personal protective equipment as required.
Operate and maintain automated washing and decontamination equipment and troubleshoot minor issues.
Load and operate sterilization equipment and troubleshoot minor issues as needed.
Document sterilization cycles and maintain accurate records.
Deliver sterile items to requesting departments in a timely manner and prioritize urgent requests.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Assist in training new employees on department procedures and equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Comply with applicable laws, company policies, training requirements, HIPAA, and information security requirements.