Sterile Processing Technician

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment used in an Orthopedic Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). This role ensures compliance with infection prevention standards, maintains instrument inventory, and supports efficient surgical operations through accurate preparation and processing of orthopedic instrumentation, including total joint sets.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of sterile processing experience in a hospital, surgery center, or related healthcare setting.
• Orthopedic instrument processing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with complex instrument trays, power equipment, and total joint instrumentation preferred.

Required Licensure and Certification

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of sterile processing principles, aseptic technique, infection prevention practices, and instrument sterilization standards.
• Knowledge of orthopedic surgical instrumentation, implants, power equipment, and total joint systems preferred.
• Ability to inspect, identify, assemble, and troubleshoot complex instrument sets.
• Ability to operate sterilization equipment and perform required biological, chemical, and mechanical testing.
• Ability to maintain accurate sterilization records and documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with physicians, clinical staff, vendors, and team members.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow policies, manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), and safety procedures.
• Demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to patient safety.
• Participates in continuing education and maintains competency in sterile processing practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sterile processing workflows during facility startup.
• Collaborate with clinical leadership, physicians, vendors, and infection prevention personnel to establish best practices for instrument reprocessing and sterilization.
• Build, organize, and standardize orthopedic instrument sets, including total joint, spine, sports medicine, and trauma instrumentation.
• Develop and maintain instrument count sheets, tray configurations, and assembly instructions.
• Coordinate the acquisition, inspection, inventory management, and organization of new instrumentation, equipment, and sterile processing supplies.
• Establish instrument tracking processes and documentation systems to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Maintain all sterilization records, biological monitoring logs, equipment maintenance records, quality assurance documentation, and competency records.
• Lead infection prevention and control initiatives related to instrument reprocessing, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and environmental safety.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable accrediting and regulatory requirements, including AAAHC, CMS, OSHA, AORN, AAMI, and manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs).
• Develop and implement quality assurance and performance improvement measures to monitor sterilization effectiveness and department performance.
• Conduct audits of sterilization processes, instrument assembly accuracy, documentation, and infection prevention practices.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacement of instrumentation and sterile processing equipment.
• Manage loaner instrumentation processes, ensuring complete compliance with facility policies and manufacturer guidelines.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and competency validation of sterile processing personnel.
• Serve as a resource for operating room staff regarding instrument availability, processing requirements, troubleshooting, and inventory management.
• Support efficient operating room throughput by ensuring appropriate instrument availability and readiness for all scheduled procedures.
• Participate in regulatory surveys, inspections, and accreditation activities, including preparation of required documentation and corrective action plans.

• Decontaminate, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, and distribute surgical instruments and equipment.
• Assist with case cart preparation and turnover support as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe sterile processing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.
• Ability to handle repetitive motions and work in a fast-paced surgical setting.
• Ability to distinguish colors and identify instrument integrity and cleanliness.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient surgical care through the delivery of properly processed instruments and sterile supplies for all orthopedic procedures.

ange as needs evolve.