Sterile Processing Tech Trainee

Compensation

Salary Range: $24.25 - $24.25 per hour

The pay range above represents the lowest possible rate for the position and the highest possible rate. Factors that may be used to determine where newly hired employees will be placed in the pay range include the employee specific skills and qualifications, relevant years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Most often, a newly hired employee will be placed below the midpoint of the range.

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Responsibilities

Under the supervision of experienced Sterile Processing staff, the Sterile Processing Technician Trainee participates in a structured Sterile Processing Technician training program designed to develop the knowledge and technical skills required for the role. Learns and applies sterile processing principles, including instrument inspection, assembly, decontamination, sterilization, infection prevention practices, and department operations. Progresses toward competency through hands-on training, education, and demonstrated proficiency in sterile processing procedures. 

Qualifications

Position Overview:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a healthcare, customer service, or manufacturing; exposure to sterile processing
• Enrollment in or completion of a Sterile Processing Technician training program

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completes assigned educational materials, including Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) ST79 standards, department policies, and training modules, to develop foundational knowledge of sterile processing. Reviews in-house sterile processing materials with the Sterile Processing Department (SDP) Coordinator. 
• Learns and practices proper procedures for cleaning, decontaminating, inspecting, and disassembling surgical instruments and medical equipment under the guidance of experienced staff.
• Develops knowledge of surgical instruments and instrument sets, including proper inspection, assembly, identification, handling, and care.
• Learns proper sterilization documentation procedures, including recording sterilization logs, mechanical printouts, biological and chemical testing results, and lot label documentation under supervision.
• Learns the safe operation of sterilizers, instrument washers, and related equipment while following manufacturer instructions and department policies.
• Learns to prepare instruments and instrument trays for sterilisation using approved wrapping techniques, peel pouches, rigid containers, labeling requirements, and quality standards.
• Assists with routine testing and monitoring of sterilizers and instrument washers while learning to accurately maintain required records and documentation. 
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment consistent with department standards, infection prevention practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Responds appropriately to department phone calls and routine requests while providing excellent customer service.
• Learns and follows instrument tracking and recall procedures, including the application of lot labels to sterilized items.
• Demonstrates professionalism by adhering to department policies, dress code requirements, Standard Precautions, and organizational expectations.
• Learns and applies infection prevention and control principles during all assigned work activities.
• Assists with inventory management, stocking, organization, and supply replenishment under the direction of experienced staff.
• Participates in department meetings, educational activities, competency assessments, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates progressive development of knowledge, technical skills, and competency throughout the Sterile Processing Technician training program while performing assigned duties under appropriate supervision. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Overview

Nationally Recognized. Community Focused.

Community Memorial Healthcare is proud to earn the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades, placing Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide and one of only 13 hospitals in Southern California recognized for patient experience excellence. Extraordinary patient care begins with extraordinary teams.

View all of our awards and accreditations and learn more about us as you explore career opportunities with a team committed to compassionate, award-winning care.

Community Memorial Health System was established in 2005 when Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura merged with Ojai Valley Community Hospital. It is comprised of these two hospitals along with a network of primary and specialty care health centers serving various communities across west Ventura County. Our health system is a community-owned, not-for-profit organization. As such, we are not backed by a corporate or government entity, nor do we answer to shareholders. We depend on – and answer to – the communities we serve.

Community Memorial Healthcare Benefits

To help heal, comfort, and promote health for the communities we serve, Community Memorial Healthcare takes care of our community of employees so our local community can be cared for. That’s why we provide competitive benefits, along with great career choices, training, and leadership development. Our total rewards package provides benefits that support you and your family’s health and wellness in all aspects of life. From our top tier insurance plans to our employee assistance program, take advantage of what CMH has to offer so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind now and for years to come. CMH is here for you and your family every step of the way.

• Competitive Pay
• Shift Differentials
• In-House Registry Rates
• Fidelity 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Medical (EPO/PPO), Dental, & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program Available 24/7 (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Recognition programs
• Employee service recognition events
• Home, Retail, Travel & Entertainment Discounts
• National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week celebrations

Community Memorial Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. We strive to promote an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work in our community.

“We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled Employer”