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Sterile Processing Department Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

UVA Health

Sterile Processing Tech

Culpeper, VA

$19.29 - $29.46/hr

Documents cleaning process as required by department standards.Identifies appropriate method of sterilization required for various items and operates sterilizing equipment as required.Documents ...

Inova

Sterile Processing Tech 2

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22.76 - $37.10/hr

Assumes a leadership role within the department. Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare ... Sterile Processing Tech 2 Responsibilities: * Decontaminates instruments in a safe and appropriate ...

VHC Health

Sterile Processing Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.17 - $29.90/hr

You'll help maintain clean and organized department spaces, assist with deliveries, answer phones ... One year of sterile processing experience is preferred. Certification/Licensure: None. Additional ...

Inova Primary Care

Sterile Processing Tech 2

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Assumes a leadership role within the department. Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare ... Sterile Processing Tech 2 Responsibilities: * Decontaminates instruments in a safe and appropriate ...

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Sterile Processing Department information

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$13

$27

$43

How much do sterile processing department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing department in Virginia is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Sterile Processing Department?

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is a specialized area in hospitals and healthcare facilities responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment. Staff in this department ensure that all reusable medical devices are safe and free from harmful microorganisms before they are used in patient care or surgeries. The SPD plays a critical role in infection control, patient safety, and the smooth operation of surgical and procedural areas. Their work helps prevent healthcare-associated infections and supports the overall efficiency of medical services.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in the Sterile Processing Department?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Department Technician, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma and certification such as the CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and decontamination equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly sterilized and available, directly impacting patient safety and the efficiency of clinical operations.

What are common challenges faced in the Sterile Processing Department, and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Department (SPD) professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of surgical instruments, adhering to strict sterilization protocols, and staying updated with evolving industry standards. Time management and attention to detail are crucial, as any oversight can impact patient safety. Many facilities support staff with ongoing training, clear communication with surgical teams, and robust quality assurance processes to help manage these challenges and ensure a safe healthcare environment.

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

AspectSterile Processing DepartmentSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCBSPD, IAHCSMMCST (Certified Surgical Technologist)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing areas, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusSterilizing, disinfecting, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments
Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities

While both roles are essential in surgical settings, the Sterile Processing Department focuses on sterilizing and preparing instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and work in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing department?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician generally requires attention to detail, knowledge of sterilization procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), can improve job prospects, but entry-level positions are typically accessible with proper training and adherence to safety standards.

What does a sterile processing department do?

A sterile processing department is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments and medical equipment to ensure they are safe for patient use. Technicians in this department use specialized tools and follow strict protocols to prevent infections and ensure compliance with health standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia?

For Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Department jobs in Virginia are:

Sterile Processing Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Department job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,696 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Education Coordinator Sterile Processing Dept

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$18.37 - $36.74/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Education Coordinator SPD ensures that all Sterile Processing staff both internal and external to UVA are properly trained and operating within the guidelines set forth by various industry standards and regulations including, but not limited to IAHCSMM, CBSPD, AORN, The Joint Commission, FDA, DNV,CDC, OSHA, AAMI. Performs various educational duties under supervision and guidance from the operations leadership. Potential to support and work alongside all instrument processing solutions to include but not limited to continuous improvement.
• Staff Development: Provides training / development to SPD team members at main SPD and OPSC.
• Leadership / Professional Development: Provides leadership in professional development of SPD team members at main SPD and OPSC.
• Effectively works with hospital department SPD leadership to ensure employees are effectively trained on all required competency skill levels.
• Conducts sterile processing employee assessments of job performance to policy and standard work; identifies competency deficiencies and conducts effective training to eliminate gaps.
• Participates and assists in new hire orientation and on the job, training as directed by Manager or Supervisor.
• Completes and maintains training records, employee education files and documentation of competency skill level.
• Ensures employee training files and documentation of competency skill levels and certifications are up to date in the hospital files or database and accurately reflect the employees' job-related responsibilities.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of multi-specialty instrumentation and serves as a resource for staff in SPD.
• Provides re-education training and communication for performance issues found in the OR and instrumentation tray audits.
• Conducts employee assessments and trains to deficiencies noted.
• Aid in the on-going development of staff education by providing in-services to staff at a cadence determined by Manager.
• Adjust schedule to work with all employees on all shifts to ensure training needs are met and supported. Ability to work pre-arranged weekend, night, and evening hours.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent; Associate degree Preferred
Experience: 3+ years training experience required. 3+ years Sterile Processing experience required
Licensure: CRCST (IAHCSMM) or CSPDT (CBSPD) certification required. CER (IAHCSMM) or CFER (CBSPD) certification required within 6 months of hire date or promotion. CIS (IAHCSMM) or CSIS (CBSPD) certification required within 1 year of hire date or promotion. Must maintain certification by completing 12 Continuing Education Credit Hours each year, or more if required for a specific certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Job requires sitting for prolonged periods. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 50 - 100lbs. May be exposed to vibrations, humidity, cold, heat, noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
The pay range for this role is $18.37 - $36.74 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.
Job Profile
J1315 - Clinical Education Operations and Service 3
Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O3
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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