Sterile Processing Technician | Waukesha County Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 31-9093.00

Skills

Critical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingTroubleshooting

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyProduction and ProcessingPublic Safety and Security

Abilities

Near VisionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingPerceptual SpeedArm-Hand SteadinessManual Dexterity

Tasks

Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maint
Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
Record sterilizer test results.
Order medical supplies for healthcare facilities or laboratories.

Technology

Calendar and scheduling softwareData base user interface and query softwareMedical softwareElectronic mail softwareInventory management software

Tools

AeratorsAutomatic dryersBar code scannersBowie Dick test packsChemical sterilization indicatorsCleaning or sterilizing scrubbing brushesComputerized scope washersDesktop computersEquipment bar code readersEthylene oxide gas sterilizersGas sterilizersHeat-sealer machinesHot air sterilizersLaboratory glass flasksMedical examination protective gloves

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognitionIndependence

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium31-9093.00	Medical Equipment Preparers	title_inference	$46,490 median$67,070 top	+10.07%	760

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Diploma)

Steam autoclave loads and maintenance logs — operate equipment and maintain complete records of cycles, load contents, and routine maintenance in a central sterile unit with minimal oversight.
Multi-step instrument cleaning and decontamination workflows — perform routinely and efficiently across a variety of instrument types in a busy surgical services department.
Sterilizer biological and chemical indicator tests — conduct, interpret, and document results independently according to facility policy and accreditation standards.
Specialty surgical instrument trays and custom supply kits — organize and assemble accurately by referencing specialty preference cards in a sterile processing department.
Medical equipment and devices — examine systematically for wear, loose parts, and functional defects during scheduled inspection rounds in a clinical support area.
Inventory levels for medical instruments and supplies — monitor usage trends and initiate reorder requests through inventory management software before stock reaches critical levels.
Crash carts and emergency supply stations — restock and document completeness after each use in compliance with facility protocols and regulatory requirements.
Equipment deficiency reports — communicate clearly to supervisors and clinical staff using established incident reporting channels and electronic messaging systems.
Scheduling and workload prioritization tools — use calendar and time-accounting software to manage daily assignments and meet surgical case start times.
Sterilization and processing quality standards — apply critical thinking to identify non-conforming loads and escalate appropriately within a hospital sterile processing department.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.