ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sterile Processing Tech 1 Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tekgo, Inc.

Sterile Processing Tech Travel

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$1.3K - $1.5K/wk

Job Summary:We are seeking a detail-oriented Sterile Processing Tech to join our team ... Minimum of one year of related work experience. * Excellent communication and organizational skills.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSterile Processing Tech 1 JobsSterile Processing Tech 1 Jobs in Tennessee

Sterile Processing Tech 1 information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$24

$39

How much do sterile processing tech 1 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing tech 1 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 is a sterile processing tech 1?

A Sterile Processing Tech 1, also known as a Sterile Processing Technician, is a healthcare professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment. They play a vital role in preventing infections by ensuring that surgical tools and devices are properly sanitized and ready for use in medical procedures. This entry-level position typically works in hospitals, clinics, or surgical centers, following strict protocols to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Techs work closely with surgical staff and are essential to patient safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile processing tech 1?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Tech 1, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma and, in some cases, a CRCST certification. Familiarity with autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, and inventory management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that surgical instruments are processed safely and efficiently, directly impacting patient safety and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a sterile processing tech 1, and how can they be managed effectively?

Sterile Processing Tech 1 professionals often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols, managing high workloads during peak surgical hours, and staying updated with evolving equipment technologies. Effective time management, attention to detail, and ongoing training are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Working closely with surgical teams and communicating proactively can also help ensure that instrument processing aligns with surgical schedules and quality standards.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Tech 1 vs Sterile Processing Tech 2?

AspectSterile Processing Tech 1Sterile Processing Tech 2
CertificationsBasic certification (CBSPD or IAHCSMM)Same as Tech 1, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settings in hospitals or clinicsMore independent, handling complex instruments
ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing, and packaging instrumentsSupervising Techs, quality checks, troubleshooting

The main difference between Sterile Processing Tech 1 and Tech 2 lies in experience and responsibilities. Tech 2 roles typically require more experience and involve supervisory duties, while Tech 1 positions focus on foundational tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable healthcare environments.

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

Getting hired as a sterile processing tech can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM and experience with sterilization equipment can improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

What are popular job titles related to Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs in Tennessee?

For Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Sterile Processing Tech 1 job openings:

Sterile Processing Tech 1 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Tech 1 job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,903 per year, or $25 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech 1

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Vanderbilt Healthexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

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 VUH (2nd)

Job Summary:

Provides a continuous flow of sterile/reusable supplies, equipment and surgical instrumentation which require centralized collection, disinfection, inspection, assembly, preparation, sterilization and monitoring to hospital areas with occasional guidance. Provides these services through knowledge and implementation of regulatory guidelines and designated policies and procedures.
Shift Info:
2:30pm-11pm

.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintains work environment in a safe, clean, orderly manner.
  • Receives, cleans and decontaminates supplies and equipment with departmental policies.
  • 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 sterilization
  • Operates all departmental equipment safely and effectively
  • Scans instrumentation and assembles, according to prescribed procedures and techniques.
  • The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.


TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

  • Environmental Sterility & Safety (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate environmental sterility and safety in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
  • Equipment Maintenance (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate the ability to maintain equipment, products, or systems in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Assures that parts inventory is sufficient.
  • 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.
  • Inventory Control (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate inventory control in practical applications of moderate difficulty.

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 clearly defines tasks and methods described in detail to achieve standardized solutions that impact own performance with regular guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Follows a well established process to solve routine problems where solutions are clearly prescribed. * Breadth of Knowledge: Has basic job knowledge of systems and procedures that are common to own job. * Team Interaction: Individually contributes to the team.

Core Capabilities :

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. Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. 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.

What Vanderbilt University Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply