Sterile Processing Tech Specialist
UHS
Summary
The Sterile Processing Specialist performs all duties of a Sterile Processing Technician while serving as an advanced subject matter expert for instrument reprocessing, sterilization monitoring, quality assurance, training, and workflow coordination. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant processing of surgical instruments, trays, medical devices, and supplies in accordance with AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, CDC, manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), and hospital policies. The Specialist assists with onboarding, competency validation, inventory management, and troubleshooting sterilization and instrument-related issues to support high-quality patient care throughout the hospital and surgical services departments.
Job description
General Responsibilities
- Prepares operating rooms for surgical procedures by ensuring required equipment, instruments, supplies, and specialty items are available and ready for use.
- Maintains a sterile environment throughout surgical procedures by applying aseptic technique, establishing and preserving the sterile field, and addressing breaks in sterility when identified.
- Assists the surgical team during procedures by anticipating surgeon needs, handling instruments and supplies, providing exposure of the operative site, and supporting tissue management and wound closure.
- Performs and documents sponge, needle, and instrument counts in accordance with established policies and initiates corrective action for count discrepancies.
- Safely prepares, labels, handles, and transfers medications and solutions on the sterile field according to physician orders and hospital protocols.
- Assists with patient safety measures including patient identification, surgical site verification, positioning, specimen handling, participation in time-outs, and adherence to infection prevention standards.
- Operates and maintains surgical equipment, sterilization systems, electrosurgical devices, and specialty instruments in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and facility policies.
- Supports efficient surgical department operations through case preparation, inventory management, supply ordering, preference card updates, equipment coordination, and turnover activities.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED equivalent required
- Minimum 3 years of sterile processing experience in an acute care hospital
- Experience with steam sterilization, low-temperature sterilization systems, and instrument tracking systems required
- BLS preferred
- Current CRCST certification required
- CIS or CER certification preferred
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) Matching
- Discounted Stock Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Student Loan Refinancing
- Employee Assistance Program
Company overview
Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating as a Fortune 300 corporation headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979, UHS has grown into a major healthcare enterprise with approximately 99,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $14 billion. The company operates through its subsidiaries, managing 29 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, and 60 outpatient and other facilities across 39 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. UHS provides comprehensive healthcare services including acute care, behavioral health treatment, cancer centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The company's strategy focuses on building or acquiring high-quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets and investing in advanced medical equipment and skilled personnel to become the leading healthcare provider in each community it serves. UHS is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UHS) and has established a strong reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.