Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to join the Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship program at Cleveland Clinic, where you can gain sought-after skills and the certification you need to achieve success in a family-sustaining career. In this program, you will earn while you learn.
Cleveland Clinic’s Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship will provide you with the world’s best experience in all areas of sterile processing. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from leading experts in the field. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will successfully complete The University of Akron program and take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician test.
This position includes a combination of on-site work hours and morning classes as part of the apprenticeship program. The apprentice will serve with our team at Mercy Hospital while also attending classes at The University of Akron. The apprenticeship will begin on February 2, 2026, with classes at The University of Akron beginning on February 9, 2026 and running through April 22, 2026.
Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the University of Akron. Students must then report to Mercy Hospital until 5:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, you will work at Mercy Hospital from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Upon successful completion of the SPD exam, or before, apprentices will have the opportunity to fill a second shift opening at Mercy Hospital.
The flat rate hourly pay for this position is $15.75.
In this apprenticeship, you will:
Become familiar with all areas of sterile processing and portions of the Surgical Suite, including decontamination and sterilization of house table and operating room instrumentation, sterile storage, running, case cart picking, packing rooms and equipment testing.
Become proficient in identifying and inspecting instrumentation to recognize missing or malfunctioning parts.
Assist with collecting and cleaning instruments and equipment after use on patient procedures.
Assist with wrapping or placing equipment or instruments needing sterilization in containers.
Identify and use all methods of sterilization available in the Sterile Processing/OR department.
Become familiar with SPD inventory processes and assist in maintaining an adequate inventory of instruments, equipment and supplies.
Assist with department cleaning on a regular basis and with running equipment to ORs.
Prepare for the Central Service Technician test.
What’s in it for you:
Paid, full-time position with the ability to advance to Certified Registered Central Service Technician after passing the exam
Life-changing healthcare, retirement and paid time off
Training on-site at Mercy Hospital
Support and mentoring from experienced caregivers
Nationally recognized credentials in a high-demand career - Certified Sterile Processing Technician
What you will need:
Positivity, reliability, professionalism, initiative, respect, gratitude and integrity
Desire to care for patients, be a part of a team and care for the community
High School Diploma or GED
Maintain good standing in the University of Akron Sterile Processing Certification program
Preferred qualifications for a caregiver in this role include:
Sterile Processing or Surgical Technician experience
Working knowledge of Operating Room instrumentation
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform duties while standing, sitting, stooping, and reaching for prolonged periods of time. Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing 25 pounds on a continual basis; ability to push, pull, and navigate carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
Possible exposure to biological and chemical contamination.
Manual dexterity sufficient to perform basic functions of position day to day instrument counting, sorting and assembly. Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
Must be able to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors to utilize color-coded systems used for instrument identification. All applicants will be required to be prescreened for color blindness by our Occupational Health Department.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required
The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.
Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.
Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.
Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.
Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities