ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Coxhealth

Training Tech

Springfield, MO

$41K - $53K/yr

... Sterile Processing South Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Hours: 10pm-6:30am Work Shift: Night Shift ... Benefits | CoxHealth The Training Technician is an entry-level position responsible for learning ...

CoxHealth

Training Tech

Springfield, MO · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

... Sterile Processing South Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Hours: 10pm-6:30am Work Shift: Night Shift ... Benefits | CoxHealth The Training Technician is an entry-level position responsible for learning ...

CoxHealth

Training Tech

Springfield, MO · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

... Sterile Processing South Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Hours: 10pm-6:30am Work Shift: Night Shift ... Benefits | CoxHealth The Training Technician is an entry-level position responsible for learning ...

Mercy

Pharmacy Student - Mercy Pharmacy Fenton

Fenton, MO

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and compound sterile IV medications, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using ... Retrieve and process medication credits from patient care areas. * Check assigned areas for expired ...

Mercy

Pharmacy Student - Mercy Pharmacy Fenton

Fenton, MO · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and compound sterile IV medications, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using ... Retrieve and process medication credits from patient care areas. Check assigned areas for expired ...

Mercy

Pharmacy Student - Mercy Pharmacy Fenton

Fenton, MO · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and compound sterile IV medications, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using ... Retrieve and process medication credits from patient care areas. * Check assigned areas for expired ...

Mercy

Pharmacy Student - Mercy Pharmacy Fenton

Fenton, MO · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and compound sterile IV medications, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using ... Retrieve and process medication credits from patient care areas. * Check assigned areas for expired ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

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 Missouri? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Missouri? For Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Missouri 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 Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% 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

Saint Louis, MO

$45K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) position is located at the John Cochran Division, VA St. Louis Health Care System, St. Louis, MO. The incumbent will process a full range of Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) from simple surgical grade stainless steel to extremely complex devices that require knowledge of its identification, labeling, use, function, troubleshooting, testing, maintenance, and selection of accurate reprocessing methods (titanium, robotics, microsurgical, etc).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 have provisions listed in VA Handbook 5005.
  • 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.
  • Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  • English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, VA Handbook 5005.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
:Grade Determinations:
  • GS-03 (Entry Level)
    • Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
    • Assignment: This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
  • GS-04 (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:
      • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
      • Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
      • Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
      • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
    • Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
  • GS-05 (Expert experience wise)
    • 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:
      • Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
      • Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
      • Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
    • Assignment: This is a developmental level MST position. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex tasks and require direct supervision on new assignments.
  • 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:
      • Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
      • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
      • Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
      • Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
      • Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
    • Assignment: This is the full performance level for the occupation. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.
Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RME. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs.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

Apply