Sterile Processing Technician Program

The Workforce Solutions, Training, and Teamwork (STAT) Sterile Processing Technician Program features a series of free, educational training and support services for those ages 18 and older. This program prepares its participants with the education and hands-on learning necessary to be sterile processing technicians. These medical professionals ensure that all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly cleaned, assembled, sterilized and maintained to support safe and efficient surgical procedures. The goal of the program is to meet industry needs by rapidly transforming a group of unemployed and underemployed entry-level Rhode Islanders into prepared, well-qualified healthcare professionals. 

Program graduates will have opportunities to secure employment at Lifespan after program completion and have access to a variety of benefits. Employment at Lifespan may allow you to advance over time to higher levels of education and employment in the high-demand healthcare industry. 

Upcoming Information Sessions

Recruitment is currently closed for this program. Please check back for updates.

More about the Sterile Processing Technician Program

Each cohort of students complete a free program consisting of: 

• Classroom training 
• Hands on experience at a Lifespan affiliate
• Structured work-readiness training and workshops to build employability skills
• The possibility of employment upon successful completion of the program

Watch a Video

Learn more about sterile processing from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (myhspa.org), including watching a video called "What Is Sterile Processing?"

Job Responsibilities

Work Area Maintenance:

• Set up and clean work area at the beginning, end, and as needed each shift.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Infection Control: 

• Follow infection control practices and utilize approved personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Handling Contaminated Items:
  • Receive soiled, used, and/or contaminated equipment, surgical instruments, scopes, and supplies.
  • Document receipt of items per department procedures.
  • Disassemble items as needed before cleaning.
  • Identify and tag items in need of repair.

Cleaning and Decontamination:

• Use manual cleaning tools (e.g., instrument brushes, enzymatic detergent) for decontamination.
• Operate automated cleaning equipment (e.g., instrument washers, cart washers, sonics, AERs) per instructions for use (IFUs).
• Properly load and unload cleaning equipment.

Assembly and Packaging:

• Document tray assembly using instrument tracking software.
• Inspect and assemble all equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets.
• Verify items are functional and free of debris.
• Select and utilize appropriate packaging methods and internal indicators.
• Ensure all external indicators and labels are securely affixed to items.

Sterilization and High-Level Disinfection:

• Follow IFUs to select appropriate sterilization and disinfection methods.
• Perform routine sterilizer testing and document results.
• Inspect packages to ensure all indicators, filters, and labels are correctly applied.
• Remove and inspect items from sterilizer to preserve package integrity.
• Perform flexible scope cleaning and select appropriate high-level disinfection methods.

Inventory Management and Case Cart Build:

• Use patient-specific pick lists to gather surgical instruments and disposable supplies.
• Inspect items for package integrity and expiration dates.
• Modify picking orders based on changes in the OR schedule.
• Respond to service requests from the OR and procedural areas.

Equipment Preventive Maintenance (PM):

• Perform routine maintenance on sterilizers, washers, and other SPD equipment.
• Check and clean sterilizer strainers, door gaskets, washer arms, and instrument washers. 

Program Completion Requirements

• Attendance is mandatory. Students who miss workshops, internship, or class could be subject to dismissal from the program.
• A certificate will be awarded to those candidates who have successfully completed the program.
• High School Diploma or GED with the ability to read. 
• All students must obtain their CRCST certification though HSPA (or its equivalent through CBSPD) within 12 months of hire. 
• Required to work in a sterile environment and regularly exposed to cuts and punctures from surgical instruments and equipment, burns from autoclaves, anesthesia gases, and odors and communicable diseases from patients.