Sterilization Assistant - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Sterilization Assistant

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 complaint 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

Physical Demands

Work Environment

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.