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Va Sterile Processing Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Va Sterile Processing information

What is a VA sterile processing technician?

VA Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Their work ensures that all surgical tools and devices are safe and free from contaminants, helping to prevent infections and support safe patient care. They play a crucial role in the operating room and other medical departments by maintaining strict standards of cleanliness and sterilization. These technicians must follow detailed protocols and often use specialized equipment to perform their duties. Working as a VA Sterile Processing Technician requires attention to detail, knowledge of infection control, and adherence to VA policies.

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

To thrive as a VA Sterile Processing Technician, you need knowledge of infection control, sterilization techniques, and medical device reprocessing, typically supported by a high school diploma and a Sterile Processing Technician certification (such as CRCST). Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, inventory management systems, and tracking software is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with healthcare staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent infections, maintain patient safety, and support efficient healthcare delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by VA sterile processing technicians, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

VA Sterile Processing Technicians often face the challenge of keeping up with a fast-paced workflow while maintaining strict adherence to infection control standards. New hires may initially find it demanding to learn the various types of surgical instruments and complex sterilization procedures required by VA protocols. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with surgical and nursing teams, and seek ongoing training. Leaning on experienced colleagues and utilizing available resources can also help new technicians build confidence and competence in their role.

What is the difference between Va Sterile Processing vs Central Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectVa Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCPR, Sterile Processing Certification
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs hospitals, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers
Employer & IndustryVeterans Affairs healthcare systemVarious healthcare facilities

Both roles involve sterilizing and processing surgical instruments, requiring similar certifications. Va Sterile Processing technicians work primarily within Veterans Affairs facilities, while Central Sterile Processing Technicians serve a broader range of healthcare settings. The core responsibilities and credentials overlap significantly, but the work environment and employer differ.

How to become a sterile processing technician?

To become a sterile processing technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a sterile processing training program or certification, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Employers often require knowledge of sterilization procedures, infection control, and the use of sterilization equipment, with on-the-job training available for new technicians.

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Va Sterile Processing jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Va Sterile Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Va Sterile Processing job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Wichita, KS โ€ข On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$41K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Wichita, Kansas is currently recruiting for a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing).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:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience and/or Education
    • (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
    • (2) 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
    • (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
  • Grandfathering Provision. A MEDICAL SUPPLY TECHNICIAN (STERILE PROCESSING) employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (05/28/2014) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the grandfathering provisions outlined in the OCC SERIES NAME qualification will apply. You can view the qualification standard at https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Grade Determinations:GS-3: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the GS-03 (Entry Level) Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) must meet the following requirements:
(a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Assignment. This is an entry level MST position. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision.
GS-4: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the GS-04 (Developmental Level) Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) must meet the following requirements:
(a) Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting;
or
(b) Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets. 3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
GS-5: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the GS-05 (Developmental Level) Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) must meet the following requirements:
(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level;
or
(b) 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.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regard to sterility. 3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-6: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the GS-06 (Full Performance Level) Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) must meet the following requirements:
(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
Preferred Experience: Steam sterilization, endoscope reprocessing, and decontamination experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.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