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Sterile Processing Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Apprentice information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sterile Processing Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of infection control, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, instrument tracking systems, and pursuing certification like the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often beneficial. Strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to communicate effectively with surgical and nursing teams set candidates apart. These skills ensure that surgical instruments are properly sterilized and available, directly impacting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

What are Sterile Processing Apprentices?

Sterile Processing Apprentices are entry-level healthcare workers who are training to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They work under the supervision of experienced sterile processing technicians and learn how to follow strict protocols to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing hands-on experience in instrument decontamination, assembly, and sterilization processes. This role is a critical part of the healthcare team and can lead to certification and advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Apprentice vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectSterile Processing ApprenticeSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsMay require entry-level certifications or on-the-job trainingOften requires certification such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in hospitals or surgical centersFull-time role in sterile processing departments
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sterilization and processing under supervisionPerforming sterilization, inspection, and distribution of surgical instruments

The main difference is that a Sterile Processing Apprentice is typically in a training or entry-level phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Sterile Processing Technician is a fully qualified professional responsible for sterilizing and managing surgical instruments independently.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Sterile Processing Apprentice?

As a Sterile Processing Apprentice, you'll be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment under supervision. You'll learn to operate specialized sterilization equipment, follow strict infection control protocols, and maintain accurate inventory records. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and provides valuable exposure to healthcare procedures, laying the foundation for advancement into certified sterile processing technician roles and beyond.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sterile Processing Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Respiratory Assistant or Respiratory Apprentice-PRN

Mary Washington Hospital (MediCorp Health System)

Fredericksburg, VA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Start the day excited to make a difference...end the day knowing you did. Come join our team.

Available to current students pursuing a respiratory care degree. Grow through your program with us! The Respiratory Assistant and Respiratory Apprentice roles at MWHC offer hands on opportunities to support and enhance your education.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities for Assistant:

  • Processes respiratory equipment for cleaning/sterilization after patient use; cleans, calibrates, and assembles equipment in preparation for the next patient.
  • Logs, delivers, and retrieves equipment sent to Sterile Processing for cleaning.
  • Inventories, documents, and verifies availability of all life support equipment and medical gases for department operation. Stocks respiratory care equipment to ensure appropriate par levels are available. Notifies leadership when additional inventory or equipment is needed.
  • Replaces and maintains equipment set-ups in assigned areas (i.e. emergency airway carts) according to department guidelines.
  • Maintains rental logs of vendor-supplied equipment and notifies leadership when the rentals are ready to be returned to the vendor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Essential Functions & Responsibilities for Apprentice:

  • Administers basic respiratory therapy tasks in accordance with required school validation. Processes respiratory equipment for cleaning/sterilization after patient use; cleans, calibrates, and assembles equipment in preparation for the next patient.
  • Logs, delivers, and retrieves equipment sent to Sterile Processing for cleaning.
  • Inventories, documents, and verifies availability of all life support equipment and medical gases for department operation. Stocks respiratory care equipment to ensure appropriate par levels are available. Notifies leadership when additional inventory or equipment is needed.
  • Assists ABG Lab supervisor in maintaining and troubleshooting ABG instruments. Replaces and maintains equipment set-ups in assigned areas (i.e. emergency airway carts, bronchoscopy carts) according to department guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for Respiratory Assistant:

  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.
  • Experience in a patient care setting preferred.

Qualifications for Respiratory Apprentice:

  • Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program in their 3rd semester or higher.
  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.
  • Experience in a patient care setting preferred.
    Employment Conditions:
  • Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care program leading to licensure as a Respiratory Therapist. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon maintaining active enrollment.
  • Must successfully complete departmental orientation within the first 90 days of hire or within the established orientation timeframe.

  • The Respiratory Apprentice role is intended solely for Associates actively progressing through a qualifying Respiratory Care program. Loss of enrollment status results in ineligibility to continue in the role.

    Upon graduation, the Associate no longer meets the qualifications for the Respiratory Apprentice role and must vacate the position. Associates seeking continued employment in a clinical capacity are expected to apply for a Respiratory Therapist position. Continued employment in the Respiratory Apprentice role after graduation is not permitted.


MWHC will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status (EOE). We are also committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices and comply with all applicable pay transparency and pay equity laws.


Required

Physical Requirements: Constant (67-100% of workday) walking, standing, use of arms and hands; frequent (34-66% of workday) bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting; ability to lift 35 lbs.; ability to push and pull 20 lbs.; auditory and visual skills to include color determination; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to reach above/overhead.

Mental Requirements: Possesses critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multi-task. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Capacity to cope with difficult situations. Ability to tolerate irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.

Environmental Requirements and Exposure Hazards: Potential risk of exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

*Clinical positions in Mary Washington Home Health and/or Hospice must also meet driving requirements.

"It is the policy of Mary Washington Healthcare to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or Associates."

Compensation Pay Range:

$16.07 - $25.00