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Sterile Processing Trainee Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Trainee information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$29

$46

How much do sterile processing trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing trainee in Portland, OR is $29.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $35.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile processing trainee?

Sterile Processing Trainees are entry-level healthcare workers who learn to clean, disinfect, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and other medical procedures. They work under the supervision of experienced sterile processing technicians and follow strict protocols to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. Trainees gain hands-on experience in decontamination, packaging, and sterilization processes, and may eventually pursue certification to advance in their careers.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Trainee, you need a basic understanding of infection control, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and certification such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often beneficial. Strong organization, communication, and teamwork skills are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. These abilities are essential for maintaining sterile environments, preventing infections, and supporting patient care in healthcare facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a sterile processing trainee, and how can they be overcome?

Sterile Processing Trainees often encounter challenges like mastering strict sterilization protocols, adapting to a fast-paced environment, and ensuring attention to detail with every instrument processed. These challenges can be addressed by seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, participating actively in on-the-job training, and consistently reviewing procedure manuals. Staying organized and asking questions when unsure helps reduce errors, while regular feedback from supervisors can support steady improvement and confidence in the role.

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

AspectSterile Processing TraineeSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsOften in training, may not have full certification yetTypically certified or eligible for certification (CBSPD or IAHCSMM)
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, learning procedures in hospitals or surgical centersPerforms sterilization and processing independently in healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sterilization tasks, learning protocolsExecuting sterilization, inspecting instruments, maintaining logs

The main difference between a Sterile Processing Trainee and a Sterile Processing Technician is experience and certification level. Trainees are in training, often supervised, while technicians are fully qualified to perform sterilization tasks independently. Both roles are essential in healthcare environments focused on patient safety and infection control.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Sterile Processing Trainee jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Sterile Processing Trainee job openings:

$26.63 - $28.38/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:

Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization

Dental Supervisor - Posting #27235

Hourly Rate: $26.63 - $28.38 (depending on experience)

Position Summary:

Full-time Dental Supervisor position available for our Battle Ground Dental Clinic. The Dental Supervisor will coordinate patient flow and supervise the Dental Assistants and Dental Receptionists. Must also be able to coordinate patient scheduling and be able to triage patients. Knowledgeable of the proper sterilization methods, OSHA regulations, dental insurance programs, and dental procedure codes is necessary for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Must be able to organize and coordinate patient scheduling in order to maintain an efficient and

productive patient flow. Must be able to triage patients, coordinate dental appointments, coordinate the daily activities that pertain to patient flow, and communicated accurately with dental patients.

  • A Dental Supervisor must be knowledgeable of the proper sterilization methods and OSHA

regulations. The Dental Supervisor must be able to utilize the Sterilization Room to process instruments through the proper sterilization process.

  • Must be able to supervise the dental assistants and dental receptionists, and be able to

communicate and guide the Dental Providers. The Dental Supervisor must be able to verbal

counsel and give disciplinary actions as required. Dental Supervisors must be able to participate

in the training of new employees and dental trainees.

  • Must be knowledgeable about dental insurance programs and dental procedure codes in order

to make corrections on the encounter forms or be able to answer questions regarding costs of

treatment. Must be able to operate the Misys systems or whatever computer systems currently

used at Sea Mar Community Health Center. The Dental Supervisor must complete the assignments that pertain to the Quality Improvement activities of the dental department and of

Sea Mar Community Health Centers following the current QI Department Calendar (example,

chart audits and patient surveys, and health and safety activities). 

  • Must be able to keep provider production at goal expectations, and keep production daily

reports. The Dental Supervisor must be able to make community relationships to help build the

dental clinic (headstart programs, ECAP programs). Must be able to communicate with Regional

Coordinator, Dental Director, on any issues clearly and effectively.

Education and/or Qualifications:

  • Current DA registration from Washington State required.

  • Must have completed basic courses in dental assisting and office management at an academic institution, such as a Technical Institute or its equivalent.

  • Minimum of three years working experience in a dental office may be considered in lieu of education.

  • Must be current in Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or comply within one month of

employment.

  • Must be able to communicate, read, write in English and have the ability to read and interpret common written materials about dentistry.

  • Experience with EPIC desirable.

  • Must have High School diploma or equivalent.

  • Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Russian is preferred but not required

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Prescription coverage

  • Life Insurance

  • Long Term Disability

  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

  • Paid-time-off starting at 27 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.

We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. 

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, complete the online application and click SUBMIT or APPLY NOW. If you have any questions regarding the position, email Zachary Forsyth, HCA, at zacharyforsyth@seamarchc.org.

Sea Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted 12/24/2024

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org.  You may also apply thru our Career page at https://www.seamar.org/jobs-general.html

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