Sterilization Assistant - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Sterilization Assistant - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

The Veterinary Sterilization Assistant plays a vital support role on the veterinary team by ensuring that all surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies are thoroughly cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for use. The Sterilization Assistant is responsible for performing proper cleaning and sterilization of surgical instrumentation for the Animal Health Institute (Companion Animal Clinic, Mobile Animal Clinic, Large Animal Clinic and Diagnostic Pathology Center) and second year surgery lab. Collaborating closely with technicians, veterinarians and students, the Sterilization Assistant is responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infection control, assembling and organizing surgical packs, and operating sterilization equipment such as autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills are critical, as this position directly contributes to patient safety and the overall efficiency of the Animal Health Institute. This position reports directly to the Animal Health Institute Operations Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Clean, decontaminate, and disinfect surgical instruments and equipment following established protocols.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment such as autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and washers.
• Assemble, wrap, and label surgical packs, instrument trays, and individual items for sterilization.
• Monitor sterilization cycles, including documentation of biological and chemical indicators, to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and signs of wear or damage; report and remove damaged instruments from circulation.
• Maintain an organized sterile storage area and ensure proper stock rotation to prevent contamination and expiration of supplies.
• Restock surgical suites and treatment areas with sterile instruments and materials as needed.
• Regularly inspect all clinics for expired sterilized items that require re-processing to remain in compliance with sterilization standards as outlined in established protocols.
• Follow infection control and biohazard handling procedures to maintain a safe and sanitary work environment.
• Communicate effectively with veterinary technicians, surgeons, and support staff to ensure surgical needs are met.
• Support other hospital operations as needed, including laundry (surgical and non-surgical), basic equipment maintenance, or preparation of non-sterile supplies.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

This position involves frequent interaction with veterinary faculty, staff, and students; therefore, the individual must be able to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, a professional demeanor, and the ability to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. Responsibilities include interacting effectively with vendors, learning and adhering to proper biohazard protocols, handling contaminated equipment safely, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining familiarity with OSHA guidelines and safety standards.

General Knowledge

Education and / or Experience

High School diploma or GED is required. Must have at least 1-3 years of relevant surgical sterilization experience (or equivalent) with the operation of sterilization equipment and packing of instruments. Experience working in a team and customer service-oriented environment and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Ability to learn StringSoft Electronic medical records system.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time. The employee is regularly required to walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and smell. The employee is frequently required to stand, use hands to handle or feel, react with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20 / 40 in one eye, close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. A current rabies vaccination or documented protective titer against rabies is required. Working around live animals is necessary on a regular basis.

Animal allergies statement : No inhibiting allergies to animals, dander, or dust.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to work near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to vibrations, toxic and caustic chemicals and fumes / airborne particles.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short / long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child / dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday's, sick / flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82 / ). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.