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Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Tennessee

Repair Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

This is an entry level job - we will train you! * In this position, you will perform surgical ... sterile processing, industrial sewing, and jewelry repair. Maintenance, construction, welding ...

... an entry-level clinical assistant who builds on sterile tech fundamentals to begin actively ... Take and process dental radiographs accurately and in compliance with state regulations and ...

... an entry-level clinical assistant who builds on sterile tech fundamentals to begin actively ... Take and process dental radiographs accurately and in compliance with state regulations and ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Sterile Processing information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$24

$39

How much do entry level sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing in Tennessee is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sterile processing technician?

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.

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.

What is an entry level sterile processing technician?

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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,903 per year, or $25 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech (Endo)- 3rd Shift- VUH- $5,000 Sign-On Bonus

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

CSP Endo Techs

Job Summary:

Assists all areas with the coordination of the daily patient surgical schedule with occasional guidance from the charge nurse, physician, or staff nurse. Ensures instrumentation is sterile and ready to use. Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes all flexible bronchoscopes, video scopes and related Endoscopy instruments for all areas within scope.
Shift Info:
10:30PM - 7:00AM
Monday - Friday

.

Sign-On Bonus Requirements

The sign-on bonus is not applicable to current VUMC staff or former staff who have worked for VUMC in the past twelve months. The sign-on bonus is only available for full-time positions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintains work environment in a safe, clean, orderly manner.

  • Performs, documents and monitors all quality control tools.

  • Receives and inventories departmental supplies, instrumentation and equipment.

  • Prepares instrumentation and equipment according to recommended procedures and techniques in preparation for high-level disinfection and sterilization to support all perioperative areas and clinics.

  • Operates all departmental equipment safely and effectively.

  • Scans instrumentation and assembles, according to prescribed procedures and techniques.

  • Provides technical support and assists in selecting instruments and equipment for Endoscopy Procedures for all Perioperative areas.

Technical Capabilities:

  • Environmental Sterility & Safety (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate environmental sterility and safety in practical applications of moderate difficulty.

  • Surgical Equipment Knowledge (Novice): Knowledge of the specific equipment and its performance criteria, capabilities and limitations. Able to use the equipment to accomplish basic tasks associated with the specific devices. May conduct remedial maintenance and preventive maintenance. Examples of this include Insulation Testing, Demagnetizing instrumentation, Air Pressure Testing etc.

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate the ability to maintain equipment, products, or systems in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Examples of this include performing variety qualification testing on different types of equipment (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)

  • Inventory Control (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate inventory control in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Ability to perform a variety of care and handling techniques to maintain the longevity and sterility of different types of containment devices.

  • Quality Assurance (Novice): Performs, documents and monitors all quality control tools. Ability to read, interpret and practically apply the various Manufacturer Instructions for Use. Possess a strong knowledge base of regulations and standards that govern sterile processing functions and operations.

  • Distinguishing skill set (Novice): Strong knowledge automatic endoscope preprocessors (AER), Various methods of manual HLD

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


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