About the Role

Howard University Hospital is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Technician to join our Perioperative Services team. In this role, you will play a critical part in patient safety by ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are properly decontaminated, assembled, sterilized, and ready for use across the hospital. You will work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment supporting a Level 1 Trauma Center, where your attention to detail directly impacts the quality of care our patients receive.

What You'll Do

• Perform decontamination, assembly, sterilization, case cart preparation, instrument processing, and supply inventory duties in strict compliance with AORN, SGNA, AAMI, OSHA, Joint Commission, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Clean and operate decontamination and sterilization equipment, including steam autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and washer-disinfectors, per manufacturer and hospital guidelines.
• Process rigid and flexible endoscopes and power equipment per manufacturer specifications.
• Inspect, check, and assemble procedure trays and instrument sets for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare case carts for scheduled and add-on surgical cases.
• Receive, track, and return loaner instruments in accordance with departmental policy.
• Conduct daily biological indicator and verification tests, documenting results and escalating failures per protocol.
• Maintain inventory of peel packs and sterile supplies, restocking to par levels.
• Maintain accurate records of sterile processing functions to support Quality Assurance and regulatory standards.
• Report incidents, injuries, and equipment malfunctions to the Team Leader or manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Sterile Processing Technician certification required; candidates without current certification must obtain Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM), or equivalent certification through CBSPD, within one (1) year of hire.
• Knowledge of anatomy fundamentals, sterilization procedures, surgical procedures, and aseptic techniques.
• Working knowledge of medical and surgical terminology.
• Ability to operate steam autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and related equipment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous sterile processing experience (preferred).

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.47 – $31.16/hr, in accordance with the applicable CBA wage schedule and based on experience and qualifications.

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen's Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Tuition remission of up to two courses per semester
• Employee assistance program and wellness resources

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: In an effort to improve patient safety, Howard University Hospital (HUH) supports a Just Culture. This atmosphere of accountability promotes the identification of human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless behavior, with the goal of maintaining a culture for learning, safe systems, and well-managed behavioral choices.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital 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, disability, or protected veteran status.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Howard University Hospital complies with the DC Pay Transparency Act and provides a good-faith pay range for this position as listed above.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.