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Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Tech 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Provides a continuous flow of sterile/reusable supplies, equipment and surgical instrumentation ... Follows a well established process to solve routine problems where solutions are clearly prescribed.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Sterile Processing Tech to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing, and storing medical instruments and ...

Overview Sterile Processing Tech PRN/OCC, Variable Hours & Shifts Fort Sanders Regional Overview: Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise ...

Sterile Processing Tech PRN/OCC, Variable Hours & Shifts Fort Sanders Regional Overview: Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with ...

Sterile Processing Coordinator

Murfreesboro, TN

$23.14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association preferred. * Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing ...

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Sterile Processing Tech information

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$12

$24

$39

How much do sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing tech 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?

A Sterile Processing Tech, also known as a Sterile Processing Technician or Central Service Technician, is a healthcare professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring all tools and equipment used in medical procedures are properly sanitized. Sterile Processing Techs work closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff to maintain a safe and sterile environment. Their duties also include inventory management, documentation, and following strict protocols to meet regulatory standards.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Tech, you need knowledge of infection control, instrument sterilization procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization monitoring systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and teamwork. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintain patient safety, prevent infections, and support efficient surgical operations.

What are some common challenges sterile processing techs face when handling surgical instruments, and how are they addressed?

Sterile Processing Techs often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of surgical instruments under tight time constraints and ensuring strict adherence to sterilization protocols. These challenges are typically addressed through meticulous organization, ongoing training on new equipment, and close communication with surgical teams to prioritize urgent cases. Many facilities also use advanced tracking systems to monitor instrument sets, which helps minimize errors and improve workflow efficiency. Collaboration with operating room staff is key to anticipating needs and preventing delays.

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

AspectSterile Processing TechSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPD, CBSPD, or IAHCSMM certificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile supply, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Primary ResponsibilitiesSterilizing, disinfecting, and managing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, preparing operating rooms

While both roles support surgical procedures, Sterile Processing Techs focus on sterilizing and maintaining surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and work in hospital settings, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

How do I become a sterile processing technician?

To become a sterile processing technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or certification in sterile processing. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of sterilization techniques, medical equipment, and safety protocols is essential; some employers prefer candidates with certification from organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

How much money do sterile processing techs make?

Sterile processing technicians typically earn an average annual salary between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work in healthcare environments, handling sterilization of surgical instruments and using specialized equipment. Salaries can increase with additional certifications or advanced roles.

Is being a sterile processing technician worth it?

Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in healthcare by sterilizing and preparing medical equipment, ensuring patient safety. The job typically offers stable employment, competitive pay, and opportunities for certification and skill development, making it a worthwhile career for those interested in healthcare support roles.

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

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

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,903 per year, or $25 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech- VCCOC

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 889 rated healthcare providers


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 of individuals 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 uniqueness is 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 VCCOC (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 may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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