Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship

At UK King's Daughters, we’re not just a healthcare facility — we’re a family of dedicated professionals who share a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. We’re more than just a place to work; we’re a place to grow, thrive, and contribute to our community.

Responsible for learning and assisting with the basic duties of sterile processing including the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment. Participates in hands‑on training and supervised practice to develop technical proficiency in sterile processing standards and infection prevention. Supports the Sterile Processing Department team in maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant work environment. Completes required apprenticeship program hours and prepares for certification to advance into a fully qualified sterile processing technician role.

• Learns and assists in the proper cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection of surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Participates in supervised assembly and packaging of instrument sets according to standardized procedures.
• Observes and supports sterilization processes while learning to operate autoclaves and other related equipment.
• Assists in maintaining accurate documentation of sterilization cycles, load contents, and quality assurance indicators.
• Follows established infection control and safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.
• Supports inventory management by learning proper handling, storage, and distribution of sterile and non‑sterile supplies.
• Identifies and reports damaged or missing instruments and equipment to supervising staff.
• Engages in training, mentorship, and evaluation activities as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area in accordance with department standards and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent and vocational/technical training in a designated technical area

No work experience required

N/A

• A. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 1. Never
• C. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs: 4. Regular (> 50% of the time)
• D. Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• E. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• G. Repetitive motion:
  3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• H. Working at heights above 4 feet:
  1. Never
• I. Working in confined spaces:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• K. Job-related travel:
  1. Never
• L. Loud noises:
  3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• M. Temperature extremes:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• N. Hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste:
  3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• O. Radiation:
  1. Never
• P. Burns:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• Q. Cuts/Punctures:
  3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
• R. Bloodborne/airborne pathogens:
  2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)
• S. Recombinant DNA or viral vectors:
  1. Never
• T. Combative/violent people:
  1. Never
• U. Animal handling (including carcasses): 1. Never
• V. Please specify other(s) and amount of exposure (i.e. Occasional, Intermittent or Regular): N/A

This position requires regular standing or walking with objects weighing up…