Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Reston, VA

Howard University Hospital | Washington, DC

Role Summary

As a Surgical Technologist II at Howard University Hospital, you will be an integral member of our Operating Room team — an allied health professional supporting surgeons, anesthesia, and perioperative nursing in the delivery of safe, sterile, patient-centered surgical care. As a Level II tech, you will demonstrate advanced critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, function proficiently in the first-scrub role across the majority of surgical procedures, and apply intermediate-level knowledge of surgical techniques, equipment, and instrumentation, including in emergency situations.

If you are an experienced Certified Surgical Technologist who takes pride in sterile technique, anticipates the surgeon’s next move, and wants to grow your career at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers, this is your opportunity to make a difference where it matters most.

What You’ll Do

Case Setup & Sterile Field

• Review preference cards and ensure all supplies, instruments, equipment, positioning aids, and other items needed for each scheduled procedure are available and ready in the room; collaborate with Service Line Coordinators and the OR Manager to maintain preference card accuracy
• Perform preoperative duties including donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE), performing the surgical scrub, gowning and gloving, setting up the sterile back table and Mayo stand, and labeling medications and solutions
• Perform initial instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the circulating nurse; assist team members with gowning and gloving; establish and maintain the sterile field
• Participate in surgical site and patient verification during the time-out procedure; secure tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories

Intraoperative Support

• Anticipate and prepare additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies throughout the procedure; measure and pass medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions
• Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon; apply electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders as directed
• Perform intraoperative sponge and needle counts per policy; assist in basic troubleshooting of instrument or equipment malfunctions during surgery
• Prepare dressings prior to closure; perform initial gross cleaning of instruments to be sent to SPD, including pre-cleaning and flushing of lumen instruments and rigid and flexible endoscopes
• Prepare and pass off specimens as appropriate; assist with room turnover and preparation for the next patient

Safety, Environment & Compliance

• Monitor the room for traffic control, proper attire, and safety violations throughout each procedure
• Collaborate with the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to maintain instruments in good working order through appropriate handling and timely identification of needed repairs
• Follow lock out / tag out procedures for malfunctioning equipment; report to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, or designee
• Identify and report unsafe environmental conditions to management or designee; participate in maintaining the environment of care
• Perform patient transport duties as needed throughout the perioperative stay
• Promote adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, Howard University Code of Ethics, Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)–accredited Surgical Technology program
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) required; Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification will also be accepted
• Minimum two (2) years of work experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology relevant to surgical patient care
• Expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique
• Ability to operate surgical equipment and devices, anticipate procedural needs, and problem-solve in real time during surgery
• Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to follow verbal and written instructions and adhere to hospital and departmental policies

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $25.12 – $40.19/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.