Sterile Processing Technician

About the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Since 1897, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has shaped talented students into outstanding dental professionals. Through challenging clinical education, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to service, Ostrow provides future oral health professionals with the skills they need to excel. We are committed to maintaining an environment of excellence and eminence, and this commitment shines through in all that we do. About the Role The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is seeking a skilled Sterile Processing Technician to join our team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and clinical care by cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments, bur blocks, handpieces, cassettes, and equipment. You will help maintain smooth clinical operations by preparing instrument packs, managing inventory, and supporting compliance with infection control standards. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a leading dental school that values collaboration, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence. Key Responsibilities Clean, disinfect, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU). Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washers, sterilizers, and handpiece maintenance systems. Inspect, assemble, and prepare instruments for sterilization, identifying items needing repair or replacement. Dispense and receive instruments using our electronic health record inventory tracking system. Conduct Bowie-Dick and biological indicator tests to validate sterilization processes, maintaining accurate records for compliance. Perform weekly washer verification testing and maintain documentation. Maintain inventory levels of sterile instruments and supplies, replacing barcodes as needed. Follow infection control, PPE, and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Specialized technical training in sterile processing preferred. 1–2 years of experience in sterile processing, preferably in a dental or clinical environment. Working knowledge of sterilization techniques and equipment. Experience with sterilizers, washers, and handpiece maintenance systems. One of the following certifications is required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) Certified Surgical Technician (CST) Candidates with 10+ years of sterile processing experience may substitute for certification. Why Join Us This role directly supports USC’s mission of excellence in education and patient care by ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed clinically and academically. You’ll be joining a collaborative team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where your contributions have a meaningful impact every day. The hourly rate range for this position is $21.03 - $21.50. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Specialized/technical training Minimum Experience: 1 year Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Skills: Working knowledge of sterilization techniques and equipment in a clinical environmen Experience with sterilizers, washers, and Lubricare maintenance system. Preferred Experience: 2 years USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: Keck Medicine of USC is the University of Southern California’s medical enterprise, one of only two university-based medical systems in the Los Angeles area. Keck Medicine combines academic excellence, world-class research and state-of-the-art facilities to provide highly specialized care for some of the most acute patients in the country. Our internationally renowned physicians and scientists provide world-class patient care at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital and more than 100 unique clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Tulare and Ventura counties. Keck Medical Center of USC, which includes Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, is among the top 50 hospitals in the country in 8 specialties, as well as the top three hospitals in metro Los Angeles and top 10 hospitals in California, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings. Application Help & Benefits If you need help during the application process, see our application help. For more information about our benefits, see What We Offer. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!