Sterile Processing Technician Apprentice

Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to join the Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship program at Cleveland Clinic, where you can gain sought-after skills and the certification you need to achieve success in a family-sustaining career. In this program, you will earn while you learn.

Cleveland Clinic's Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship will provide you with the world's best experience in all areas of sterile processing. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from leading experts in the field. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will successfully complete The University of Akron program and take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician test.

This position includes a combination of on-site work hours and morning classes as part of the apprenticeship program. The apprentice will serve with our team at Mercy Hospital while also attending classes at The University of Akron. The apprenticeship will begin on August 31, 2026, with foundational skills classes taking place on September 1-4, 2026 at Bath Health and Wellness Center.

Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the University of Akron. Students must then report to Mercy Hospital until 5:30 p.m. Students will also work at Mercy Hospital on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Upon successful completion of The University of Akron program or earlier, apprentices will have the opportunity to fill a second shift opening at Mercy Hospital from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ?

The flat rate hourly pay for this position is $15.75.

In this apprenticeship, you will:

• Become familiar with all areas of sterile processing and portions of the Surgical Suite, including decontamination and sterilization of house table and operating room instrumentation, sterile storage, running, case cart picking, packing rooms and equipment testing.

• Become proficient in identifying and inspecting instrumentation to recognize missing or malfunctioning parts.

• Assist with collecting and cleaning instruments and equipment after use on patient procedures.

• Assist with wrapping or placing equipment or instruments needing sterilization in containers.

• Identify and use all methods of sterilization available in the Sterile Processing/OR department.

• Become familiar with SPD inventory processes and assist in maintaining an adequate inventory of instruments, equipment and supplies.

• Assist with department cleaning on a regular basis and with running equipment to ORs.

• Prepare for the Central Service Technician test.

What's in it for you:

• Paid, full-time position with the ability to advance to Certified Registered Central Service Technician after passing the exam

• Life-changing healthcare, retirement and paid time off

• Training on-site at Mercy Hospital

• Support and mentoring from experienced caregivers

• Nationally recognized credentials in a high-demand career - Certified Sterile Processing Technician

What you will need:

• Positivity, reliability, professionalism, initiative, respect, gratitude and integrity

• Desire to care for patients, be a part of a team and care for the community

• High School Diploma or GED

• Maintain good standing in the University of Akron Sterile Processing Certification program

Preferred qualifications for a caregiver in this role include:

• Sterile Processing or Surgical Technician experience

• Working knowledge of Operating Room instrumentation

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform duties while standing, sitting, stooping, and reaching for prolonged periods of time. Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 25 pounds on a continual basis; ability to push, pull, and navigate carts weighing up to 100 pounds.

• Possible exposure to biological and chemical contamination.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform basic functions of position day to day instrument counting, sorting and assembly. Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

• Must be able to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors to utilize color-coded systems used for instrument identification. All applicants will be required to be prescreened for color blindness by our Occupational Health Department.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $15.00

Maximum hourly: $150.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate's actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate's work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic's benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).

Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities