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Va Sterile Processing Jobs in Michigan (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 Michigan are hiring for Va Sterile Processing jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Va Sterile Processing job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

The Supervisory MST functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for the direct day-to-day operations in Sterile Processing Service which includes Decontamination, Sterile Preparation, Sterile Storage, Endoscope Reprocessing, and Reusable Medical Devices (RMD)storage and use for the entire VA Detroit Healthcare System to include any CBOCs and specialty clinics.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.
  • English Language Proficiency: Medical Supply Technician's must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
  • 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.
  • 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. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
  • Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
  • MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  • MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Grade Determinations: GS-08 Supervisory Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
Experience
. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. This experience may include but is not limited to: Distribute and prioritize workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations. Assure an even workflow and distribution of the workload. Revise work schedules to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload. Assign work to staff based on experience and training needs. Monitor and report on the status of work. Ensure SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Review work in progress or spot check work not requiring review to ensure completed work meets supervisors' instructions on such things as work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines. Assess the quality and quantity of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material and instrumentation. Provide information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. Instruct employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to manage, interact and deal with individuals of varying backgrounds.
2. Ability to direct staff and manage tasks to be completed.
3. Ability to oversee and supervise all aspects of decontamination, preparation, sterilization, monitoring, and distribution of RME.
4. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory duties, including assigning, planning and evaluating work, recommending awards, approving leave, identifying training needs, and resolving staff issues.
Assignment. The Supervisory MST functions as a first-level supervisor responsible for the oversight of a group of MSTs, with administrative responsibility for planning and directing the work. Oversees attendance and leave, including approval of sick and annual leave and vacation schedules. Informs higher level management of anticipated vacancies or increases in workload. Recommends promotions, reassignments, recognition of superior performance, retention or release of probationary employees or other changes of assigned personnel. Holds corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management. Resolves informal complaints of employees and deals with union representatives on personnel matters. Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the organizational unit.
Preferred Experience: Leadership experience preferred. National Certification Preferred
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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-8.
Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation), gastrointestinal intestinal endoscope reprocessing hub, and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The work requires proper body mechanics when standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages/instrument trays (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.
On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019Education:

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript, either official or unofficial, must be submitted with your application for ALL degrees. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process. Transcripts must include the following information:

  • Your Name
  • Name of the college or university
  • Full address of the college or university
  • Degree Received
  • Date Conferred
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