Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST)
Location: Bethesda, MD
Job Type: Federal
Company: Decypher
Category: Medical Services
Job Description Apply Now
Are you ready to play a crucial role in supporting healthcare excellence, ensuring patient safety, and making a difference in the lives of service members, veterans, and their families? Decypher is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST) to join our team. As a Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST), you will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of surgical instruments and medical devices, directly impacting the quality of care delivered across clinical settings. Decypher has partnered with the Defense Health Agency since 2008 to deliver expert healthcare services, technology, and management solutions nationwide. Our mission is to provide and support high-quality care for those who have served our country, and as a Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST), you will be at the heart of this mission.
As a Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST), you will be responsible for receiving, inspecting, decontaminating, and sterilizing a wide variety of reusable medical devices and surgical instruments. You will utilize specialized cleaning methods and advanced sterilization processes to ensure all equipment is safe, sterile, and ready for use in patient care. Your keen attention to detail, sound judgment, and expertise in aseptic techniques will be essential to the daily operations of clinical departments, including the Main Operating Room, Labor and Delivery, wards, and outpatient clinics. The role requires adherence to industry best practices and compliance with instructions for use, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Your day-to-day will center around the management of sterile inventory, from the decontamination and inspection of instruments to the assembly, labeling, packaging, and storage of surgical sets and specialty trays. You will monitor sterilization effectiveness, verify the integrity and functionality of all equipment, and respond to both routine and emergency supply requests. Your knowledge of microbiology, aseptic principles, and operation of cleaning and sterilizing equipment will allow you to identify and resolve potential issues quickly and efficiently.
In this vital role, your contributions ensure that clinical teams can deliver exceptional care without interruption. The Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST) position requires a commitment to excellence, reliability, and continuous learning. Decypher values your expertise and provides a collaborative, supportive work environment where your skills are recognized and your impact is truly meaningful. If you are passionate about supporting healthcare delivery and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive difference every day.
Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST) - Summary- Responsible for ensuring proper decontamination, sterilization, assembly, and distribution of medical and surgical equipment.
- Supports clinical operations by maintaining high standards for infection prevention and patient safety.
- Works closely with surgical, ward, and outpatient clinic staff to fulfill supply needs.
- Plays a key role in the healthcare delivery process for service members, veterans, and their families.
- Receive, disassemble, and inspect reusable medical devices and surgical instruments for cleanliness and function.
- Determine and apply appropriate methods for decontamination and sterilization, including the use of ultrasonic cleaners and washer-disinfectors.
- Remove contaminants such as blood, tissue, and fluids using prescribed cleaning procedures.
- Assemble and prepare specialty trays and instrument sets for sterilization, referencing inventory sheets as needed.
- Select suitable wrapping and packaging materials for various devices and instruments.
- Operate and monitor sterilizers including gravity displacement, hydrogen peroxide (STERRAD and V-Pro), ethylene oxide (EO), and steam processes.
- Label and seal sterilized items with correct sterilization tape and documentation.
- Conduct sterilizer monitoring using graphs, computer panels, Bowie Dick, and spore challenge (biological) tests.
- Verify integrity of sterilized items, stock and store sterile supplies in designated storage areas.
- Fulfill routine, special, and emergency instrument and supply requests for clinical departments.
- Complete case cart requisitions accurately for the Main Operating Room and other clinical areas.
- Apply knowledge of microbiology, aseptic techniques, and medical terminology in all aspects of work.
- Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits plan including health coverage, paid time off, and retirement options.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within Decypher.
- Collaborative, inclusive work environment with a mission-driven culture.
- Completion of a central sterile supply training course required.
- Valid certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
- Minimum of two years' experience as a Sterile Processing Technician within the last four years.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Highly detail-oriented and committed to following strict procedures and safety protocols.
- Strong knowledge of aseptic principles, sterilization processes, and equipment operation.
- Ability to work efficiently in both routine and high-pressure, emergency situations.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Team player with a collaborative approach to supporting clinical staff and patient care initiatives.
- Driven by a sense of mission and dedication to supporting the health of service members, veterans, and their families.
- Evening work schedule; flexibility and weekend rotation may be required to meet operational needs.
- Position offers the chance to work in a dynamic healthcare environment, supporting military and veteran communities.
- Decypher is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce (M/F/D/V).
- If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in healthcare and meet the required qualifications, we invite you to apply for the Sterile Processing Technician (CRCST) role by clicking the job application button today.