DEFINITION/PRIMARY FUNCTION
- The duties of a sterile processing technician/aide include but may not be limited to cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling tools, machines, and equipment required for surgery, exams, and other medical procedures. Technicians typically will retrieve these items from the operating room and manually clean them with detergents. They may use special equipment for sterilization such as autoclaves, gas plasma sterilizers, and ozone sterilizers. Once cleaned, technicians must ensure they utilize sterile practices to transport the instruments and store them. The United States FDA, JCAHO, and AORN have set forth guidelines for transporting and storing equipment that technicians must follow. The technician/aide is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, this includes monitoring equipment and taking action when troubleshooting signals a red flag.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)
Experience:
Education and Training:
- High School graduate or equivalent (GED).
- Technical education related to healthcare is preferred.
License, Certification & Registration:
- CRCST/CSPDT/CBSPD – Registered CRCST or CSPDT or CBSPD within two years of hire.
Other Requirements:
- Demonstrated ability to function in high-stress situations, manual dexterity capable of adjusting to changes, procedures, work requirements, scheduling, and personnel.
- Knowledge of Surgical instruments and sterile technique preferred.