ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Va Sterile Processing Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVa Sterile Processing JobsVa Sterile Processing Jobs in Tennessee

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 are popular job titles related to Va Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee?

For Va Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Va Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Va Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

Va Sterile Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Sterile Processing job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Johnson City, TN • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$32K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (MST) is assigned to Sterile Processing Service (SPS) and provides support for all matters of concern relating to procedures for the decontamination, high-level disinfection (HLD), and/or sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical instruments and equipment and storage of items reprocessed at James H Quillen Medical Center (JHQMC) facility with management of Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) and single use (disposable) medical devices.
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 - English Language Proficiency - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
  • Experience and/or Education -
    • Experience - Six months of experience that demonstrates the 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.
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).
  • Grandfather Provision. A Medical Supply Technician (MST) employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (May 28, 2014) 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 may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • Employees 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.
    • Employees 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 re-entry to the occupation.
Grade Determinations:
GS-03 Medical Supply Technician - Experience/Education Requirement: None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-04 Medical Supply Technician -
  • Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-04 you must meet one of the following experience or education requirements:
    • 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
    • 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 US. 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. AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
    • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
    • Basic knowledge of medical terminology to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
    • Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
    • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
GS-05 Medical Supply Technician -
  • Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-05 you must meet one of the following experience or education requirements:
    • Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Performing segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME); completing segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center; operating equipment involved in sterilization processes; preparing operating room case carts; OR
    • 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. AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
    • 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.
GS-06 Medical Supply Technician (Full Performance Level) -
  • Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-06 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing; Inspecting packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembling basic sets and trays used throughout a medical facility including those used in the operating room; preparing, loading, and operating sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule. AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
    • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
    • Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
    • Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation.
    • Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 3 to GS6.
Physical Requirements: In addition to management responsibilities performed in an administrative office, work can sometimes be performed in various settings: intake, decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation), out take 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 employee is subject to the possibility of exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals, slips, trips, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work required standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and and lifting packages occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds.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

Apply