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Sterile Process Tech Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

MUSC

Sterile Processing Tech II

Columbia, SC · On-site

Summary The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under ... Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. Certifications: Must have one of the following ...

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Sterile Process Tech information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$25

$40

How much do sterile process tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile process tech in Columbia, SC is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $30.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile process tech?

Sterile Process Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians or Central Sterile Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and surgical centers. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring all surgical tools and devices are properly decontaminated and safe for use. Their work supports patient safety and allows medical teams to perform procedures efficiently. Sterile Process Techs must follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment to meet health and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile process tech?

To thrive as a Sterile Process Tech, you need knowledge of infection control, sterilization procedures, and medical terminology, usually supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Proficiency with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, inventory management systems, and tracking software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, prevent infections, and maintain smooth operations in healthcare facilities.

What are some common challenges sterile process techs face, and how can they be addressed?

Sterile Process Techs often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols, managing high workloads, and keeping up with evolving healthcare regulations. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes can impact patient safety. Effective communication with surgical teams and other departments helps ensure equipment is delivered on time and meets necessary standards. Continuous training and staying updated on best practices can help techs navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Sterile Process Tech vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Process TechSurgical Technologist
CertificationsTypically requires sterile processing certificationsRequires surgical technology certification (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, sterilization unitsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, sterilization companiesHospitals, surgical centers, clinics
Job FocusCleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments

While both roles involve working in healthcare settings with surgical instruments, Sterile Process Techs focus on sterilization and instrument preparation, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and are vital to surgical team operations, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How do I become a sterile process tech?

To become a sterile process technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in sterilization procedures and infection control. Many employers require certification such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or equivalent, and on-the-job training is common to develop skills with sterilization equipment and protocols.

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

Getting hired as a sterile process tech can be competitive, but having relevant certifications, such as Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), and experience with sterilization equipment improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with attention to detail, knowledge of infection control protocols, and the ability to work in fast-paced healthcare environments.

Is it worth becoming a sterile process tech?

A sterile process technician plays a critical role in healthcare by sterilizing and preparing medical equipment to ensure patient safety. The job offers steady employment, typically requires attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization procedures, and often involves certifications such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

What are popular job titles related to Sterile Process Tech jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Sterile Process Tech jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sterile Process Tech jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Sterile Process Tech jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Sterile Process Tech jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Sterile Process Tech job openings:

Sterile Process Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Process Tech job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,905 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech, Richland, FT Nights

Prisma Health

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs duties in decontamination, instrument preparation and assembly, and sterilization/disinfection of instruments and equipment.

  • Assembles, prepares, and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items following prescribed procedures.

  • Documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the appropriate tracking system.

Prisma Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 351 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

Performs duties in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps.

Essential Functions

  • All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health.Serve with compassion.Be the difference

  • Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.

  • Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets. Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly. Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues.

  • Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators. Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate. Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.

  • Documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.

  • Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing. Record results and maintains required records. Initiates recalls as required.

  • Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.

  • Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature. Reports equipment requiring repair as needed. Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.

  • Models Prisma Health behavior expectations. Assists with coaching, mentoring and training coworkers as assigned. Trains and assists with integration of new team members. Shares knowledge, ideas and expertise to support the team and the department.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

  • This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Minimum Requirements

  • Education - Completion of job-related coursework: Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.

  • Experience - No experience required.

In Lieu Of

  • In lieu of the education requirement only, will accept High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience in a hospital or clinical setting.

Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

  • Certification as either: CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association); OR CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician) from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) preferred

  • Applicants without sterile processing certification are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam. Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • NA

Work Shift

Night (United States of America)

Location

Richland

Facility

Richland Hospital

Department

Central Sterile

Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.

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