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Sterile Processing Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TNBR Careers

Sterile Processing Trainer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$44K - $66K/yr

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Associates degree Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) credential Minimum ...

Honorhealth

... Sterile Processing Department. * Actively participates as a member of the health care team to ... Associates in Surgical Technology Preferred EXPERIENCE * >10 months in surgical technician ...

Ascension

Operating Room Nurse Board Runner

Nashville, TN · On-site

$36 - $49/hr

... Sterile Processing Association preferred. Education: * High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 ...

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Sterile Processing Associate information

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How much do sterile processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing associate in Tennessee is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Sterile Processing Associates, and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while handling a high volume of instruments and adhering to rigorous sterilization protocols. Working in a fast-paced environment, they must stay organized to prevent errors and cross-contamination. Effective communication with surgical teams and adaptability to changing priorities are essential for managing these pressures. Regular training and staying updated on the latest safety standards also help associates perform confidently and efficiently.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Associate vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing AssociateSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusDecontaminating, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

While both roles work in healthcare settings and require knowledge of sterile techniques, Sterile Processing Associates focus on sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists actively assist during surgeries. Both roles are essential for patient safety and operate in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and certifications differ.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Associate, you need a strong understanding of infection control, instrument sterilization, and medical terminology, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and certification such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with clinical teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining patient safety and supporting smooth surgical and medical operations.

What are Sterile Processing Associates?

Sterile Processing Associates are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and clinics. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by ensuring that all surgical tools and devices are properly sanitized and safe for patient use. Their duties also include inventory management, equipment inspection, and following strict protocols to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Associates work closely with surgical teams to ensure that procedures run smoothly and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:
Sterile Processing Associate jobs near you
Sterile Processing Coordinator

Sterile Processing Coordinator

Ascension

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,027 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We Are Hiring

Location: Murfreesboro, TN

Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford

Department: Sterile Processing 

Schedule: Full-Time | Days

What You Will Do

  • Orchestrate the daily operations of the sterile processing department by managing shift scheduling, resource allocation, and specialized service line tasks to ensure surgical readiness.

  • Serve as a primary technical and functional expert, providing hands-on support and guidance to staff to maintain the highest standards of instrument decontamination and sterilization.

  • Champion clinical safety and compliance by monitoring work progress and conducting regular audits to ensure all activities align with rigorous institutional policies and procedures.

  • Optimize team performance by overseeing the orientation and training of new associates and providing meaningful input into the ongoing evaluation of staff development.

  • Ensure departmental reliability by managing essential supplies and maintaining a consistent focus on quality assurance to protect patient safety throughout the surgical cycle.

What You Will Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association preferred.
  • Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) preferred.

Education:

  • High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
Additional Preferences
  • Previous experience in Sterile Processing.
Why Join Our Team

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)Various health insurance options & wellness plansRetirement benefits including employer match plansLong-term & short-term disabilityEmployee assistance programs (EAP)Parental leave & adoption assistanceTuition reimbursementWays to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US

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