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Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Minnesota

Abbott

Microbiologist I

Plymouth, MN

The Opportunity This is the entry level exempt position for Microbiology. This position involves ... Perform data analysis of sterilization processes; Develop and execute controlled access environment ...

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PRASAN M PARMAR DDS PC

Dental assistant

Sleepy Eye, MN

$30 - $32/hr

... sterilize instruments and treatment rooms, following rigorous infection control protocols ... Requirements Previous experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred but not required--entry level ...

PRASAN M PARMAR DDS PC

Dental assistant

Sleepy Eye, MN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

... sterilize instruments and treatment rooms, following rigorous infection control protocols ... Requirements Previous experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred but not required--entry level ...

Shirene Orandi DDS

Dental hygienist

Saint Paul, MN

$50 - $55/hr

... and process dental radiographs (X-rays) as needed Collaborate with dentists and team members to ... Open Dental Current Licensed Dental Hygienist credential in the state of Minnesota Entry-level ...

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All JobsSterile Processing JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Minnesota

Entry Level Sterile Processing information

Is sterile processing tech an entry level job?

Sterile processing technicians typically qualify for entry-level positions, as the role often requires minimal prior experience and can be learned on the job. Many employers provide training, and certifications such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) can enhance job prospects. Basic skills include attention to detail, knowledge of sterilization procedures, and familiarity with medical equipment cleaning tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, attention to detail, and basic understanding of infection control procedures. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required, along with certification such as the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These qualities ensure that all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly sterilized, supporting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

How to start a sterile processing career?

To start a sterile processing career, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a sterile processing training program or certification, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Gaining hands-on experience in a healthcare environment and understanding sterilization procedures, infection control, and the use of sterilization equipment are essential steps to entering this field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level sterile processing technicians, and how can I prepare for them?

As an entry-level sterile processing technician, you may encounter challenges such as keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, learning the intricacies of various medical instruments, and maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols. It's important to have strong attention to detail, as even small errors can impact patient safety. To prepare, familiarize yourself with infection control standards, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and stay organized to efficiently handle instrument trays and documentation. Working collaboratively with surgical teams and communicating proactively will also help you succeed in this essential healthcare role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sterile Processing vs Entry Level Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Sterile ProcessingEntry Level Surgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing Certification (e.g., CBSPD, IAHCSMM)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job DutiesCleaning, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

Entry Level Sterile Processing and Entry Level Surgical Technologist roles share certifications like CPR but differ in daily tasks and work environments. Sterile Processing focuses on instrument sterilization, while Surgical Technologists assist directly in surgeries. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, but they serve different functions within the surgical team.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing tech?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician can be competitive, but entry-level positions are often available for those with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant certifications, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), can improve job prospects, and familiarity with sterilization equipment and infection control procedures is beneficial.

Will sterile processing be replaced by AI?

Sterile processing technicians play a crucial role in cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments, and while AI and automation are increasingly used for inventory management and tracking, the core tasks require human oversight and manual skills. AI is unlikely to fully replace sterile processing jobs soon, but it may enhance efficiency and accuracy in certain aspects of the workflow. Certification and attention to safety standards remain essential for this role.

What are entry level sterile processing technicians?

Entry level sterile processing technicians are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They ensure that all tools are free from contaminants to prevent infection and maintain patient safety. These technicians typically work behind the scenes in sterile processing departments and follow strict protocols to handle instruments properly. Entry level positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is often provided, though certification can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings:
Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Minneapolis, MN

$42K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (MST) works within the Sterile Processing Service Line at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. In this position, the incumbent will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and reusable medical equipment decontamination and distribution support for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience and/or Education:
    • Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; -OR-
    • Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; -OR-
    • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None.
  • Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
  • Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
  • MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  • MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
  • English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j.
Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-3 (Entry Level):
Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-4 (Developmental Level):
Experience: Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting-
OR-
Education: Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
  1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
  3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
  4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
GS-05 (Developmental Level):
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
-OR-
Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
  3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-06 (Full Performance Level):
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
  4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
  5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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