This Trainee position is located at the Jerry L Pettis VA Medical Center in Loma Linda California. As a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), you'll help ensure reusable medical equipment ...
This Trainee position is located at the Jerry L Pettis VA Medical Center in Loma Linda California. As a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), you'll help ensure reusable medical equipment ...
Medical Supply Technician Sterile Processing (Technical Career Field Trainee (TCF)
Loma Linda, CA · On-site +1
$67K - $88K/yr
This Trainee position is located at the Jerry L Pettis VA Medical Center in Loma Linda California. As a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), you'll help ensure reusable medical equipment ...
Medical Supply Technician Sterile Processing (Technical Career Field Trainee (TCF)
Loma Linda, CA · On-site +1
$67K - $88K/yr
This Trainee position is located at the Jerry L Pettis VA Medical Center in Loma Linda California. As a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), you'll help ensure reusable medical equipment ...
Scientist I
Irvine, CA · On-site
As a trainee, the Scientist 1 must have the ability to assimilate and apply information rapidly ... Raw material, In-process and finished goods testing when thorough training has been completed.
Scientist I
Irvine, CA · On-site
As a trainee, the Scientist 1 must have the ability to assimilate and apply information rapidly ... Raw material, In-process and finished goods testing when thorough training has been completed.
As a trainee, the Scientist 1 must have the ability to assimilate and apply information rapidly ... Raw material, In-process and finished goods testing when thorough training has been completed.
As a trainee, the Scientist 1 must have the ability to assimilate and apply information rapidly ... Raw material, In-process and finished goods testing when thorough training has been completed.
Sterile Processing Trainee information
See Riverside, CA salary details
$14.29 - $17.14
7% of jobs
$17.14 - $19.99
15% of jobs
$20.71 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.99 - $22.84
12% of jobs
$22.84 - $25.69
11% of jobs
The median wage is $27.12 / hr.
$25.69 - $28.54
12% of jobs
$28.54 - $31.39
13% of jobs
$33.37 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$31.39 - $34.24
9% of jobs
$34.24 - $37.09
8% of jobs
$37.09 - $39.94
7% of jobs
$39.94 - $42.79
4% of jobs
$42.79 - $45.64
2% of jobs
$14
$28
$45
How much do sterile processing trainee jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing trainee in Riverside, CA is $28.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are Sterile Processing Trainees?
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 is the difference between Sterile Processing Trainee vs Sterile Processing Technician?
| Aspect | Sterile Processing Trainee | Sterile Processing Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Often in training, may not have full certification yet | Typically certified or eligible for certification (CBSPD or IAHCSMM) |
| Work Environment | Under supervision, learning procedures in hospitals or surgical centers | Performs sterilization and processing independently in healthcare settings |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting with sterilization tasks, learning protocols | Executing 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sterile Processing Trainee, and why are they important?
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 are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Sterile Processing Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Sterile Processing Trainee job openings:
Medical Supply Technician Sterile Processing (Technical Career Field Trainee (TCF)
Loma Linda, CA
$67K/yr
Other
Posted 7 days ago
Job description
The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This Trainee position is located at the Jerry L Pettis VA Medical Center in Loma Linda California. As a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), you'll help ensure reusable medical equipment is properly reprocessed, maintained, and ready for use across the facility.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
Preferred Experience: Completion of TMS Sterile Processing Training Modules (Must provide proof of completion with application).
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings throughout the facility, to include but not limited to decontamination, endoscope reprocessing, high-level disinfection, preparation (inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization) and sterile storage. The trainee may be required to work in a multitude of temperature variants. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday, with frequent bending, lifting of instrumentation. May require the ability to deliver loaded transport carts to the point of use. May require the ability to operate equipment, such as cart transport assist devices. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity, including the ability to differentiate color for interpretation of quality assurance tests, manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the trainee will be asked to rotate between carefully controlled clean environments and the contaminated area of decontamination. The trainee wears personal protective equipment, as appropriate for their area. This may include, but not limited to; hospital provided surgical attire, hair covers, beard covers, and appropriate shoe coverings. The trainee may be exposed to hazardous materials and loud noises within work areas. The trainee may be exposed to chemicals and chemical/ sterilant fumes, blood-borne pathogens, varied temperature and humidity levels, slip/trip/fall conditions related to wet environments, and sharp items. The trainee often works around body fluids, mucus, excretions, and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while disinfecting instruments, RME, and work surfaces.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
- Education: One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or
- Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
- English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
- Experience (must be clearly annotated on your resume): One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04)
- Examples of experience include but are not limited to:
- Performs segments of work pertaining to infection prevention; performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME).
- Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center.
- Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.
- Prepares operating room case carts.
- Examples of experience include but are not limited to:
- Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. (KSAs must be clearly annotated on your resume) In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
- Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
- Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
Preferred Experience: Completion of TMS Sterile Processing Training Modules (Must provide proof of completion with application).
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings throughout the facility, to include but not limited to decontamination, endoscope reprocessing, high-level disinfection, preparation (inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization) and sterile storage. The trainee may be required to work in a multitude of temperature variants. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday, with frequent bending, lifting of instrumentation. May require the ability to deliver loaded transport carts to the point of use. May require the ability to operate equipment, such as cart transport assist devices. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity, including the ability to differentiate color for interpretation of quality assurance tests, manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the trainee will be asked to rotate between carefully controlled clean environments and the contaminated area of decontamination. The trainee wears personal protective equipment, as appropriate for their area. This may include, but not limited to; hospital provided surgical attire, hair covers, beard covers, and appropriate shoe coverings. The trainee may be exposed to hazardous materials and loud noises within work areas. The trainee may be exposed to chemicals and chemical/ sterilant fumes, blood-borne pathogens, varied temperature and humidity levels, slip/trip/fall conditions related to wet environments, and sharp items. The trainee often works around body fluids, mucus, excretions, and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while disinfecting instruments, RME, and work surfaces.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER