The Sterile Processing Education Specialist is responsible for overseeing the education and certification
for all Sterile Processing Technicians and Equipment Reprocessors at their respective location(s). The
Sterile Processing Education Specialist will help ensure that standards of operation are in compliance
with the standards set by all regulatory agencies.
Education activities include department orientation, initial training of sterile processing staff, certification
training, ongoing education for recertification, mandatory training and vendor in-services.
The Sterile Processing Education Specialist requires wide-ranging knowledge of ever-changing
instrumentation, equipment and techniques. An extensive Sterile Processing skill set is required for
success in this position. The Sterile Processing Education Specialist is responsible for their continued
education in the field of sterile processing operations and equipment through education, literature and
seminars. The incumbent will provide instructions and/or in-services on new products, procedures and
equipment to ensure the best possible support for our customers and the highest possible care for our
patients.
Essential Job Functions
• Responsible for the standardized, effective, and efficient education of the Sterile Processing
Department (SPD) staff at all SPD location(s).
• Ensure that the policies, procedures and practices comply with the standards established by all
regulatory agencies.
• Specific areas of educational oversight include surgical instrumentation, scope reprocessing, etc.
Created By: Alyssa Carson November 08, 2024 Version: 2
• Will provide educational support for all Operating Room service lines.
• Educates on the cleaning, decontamination, inspection and assembly of a high variety of complex
surgical instruments and instrument sets.
• Educates on the operation of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of Sterile Processing standards, techniques, instrumentation and equipment through participation in professional organizations and attendance at relevant continuing education programs and conferences.
• Assists in establishing and updating standards of supplies, chemicals and materials used in the area of responsibility.
• Develops professional and ethical relationships with staff, customers and vendors through communication and collaboration.
• Interacts closely with the Surgical Services, Infection Control, Risk Management and Safety departments to identify and mitigate potential patient safety issues.
• Assists in the implementation of new technologies that are used in the Sterile Processing area, as well as new instrumentation used for many types of surgical procedures.
• Maintains records in their area of responsibility to keep abreast of performance and achievement of departmental goals.
• Follows-up on recalls if any items do not meet the standards for sterilization. This includes verifying that autoclave cycles are complete; previewing the findings of microbiological spore tests with infectious disease staff; notifying all using departments of possible contamination of the items on the affected load; maintains appropriate documentation of actions taken to comply with
regulatory agencies.
• Ensures the database of the instrument tracking system is maintained and accurate.
• Initiates and develops programs that incorporate continuous improvement. Reviews processes, identifies opportunities for       improvement and affects change.
• May assist management with the following items: participating in interviewing, helping staff work through issues, etc.