OPT Sterile Processing Tech Jobs
Sterile Processing Tech jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in health sciences, biomedical technology, or related fields. Many hospital systems and surgical centers hire OPT workers, and roles in sterile processing align well with STEM-adjacent health programs that support a 24-month OPT extension.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: UCHealth UCHlth Yampa Valley Med Center, US:CO:Steamboat Springs
Department: YVMC Sterile Processing
Work Schedule: Full Time, 80.00 hours per pay period (2 weeks)
Shift: Days
Pay: $27.61 - $41.41 / hour. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
This position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote option
Summary:
Performs entry level core sterile processing functions.
Responsibilities:
- Instrument and equipment decontamination and cleaning following IFU's while having the ability to disassemble items before choosing appropriate cleaning method. Performs visual inspection of instruments and equipment prior to appropriate assembly and packaging of instruments or equipment.
- Performs appropriate sterilization of instrument and equipment based on IFUs while inspecting and ensuring all external indicators, filters and labels are appropriate.
- Performs routine cleaning and sterilizer testing, including biological monitoring, leak testing, and bowie dick tests as appropriate.
- Documents work performed utilizing instrument tracking software/paper documentation as required.
- Within scope of job, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take appropriate action.
Requirements:
- Minimum Required Education: High School diploma or GED.
- Minimum Experience: None required. Preferred: 3 months' certified experience.
- Required Licensure/Certification: Certified as a CSPDT (Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) from CBSPD or CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Employees are our number one asset.
UCHealth promotes a culture that invests in professional success and personal well-being through a comprehensive total rewards program.
Recognition
- Performance bonus: UCHealth offers a 3-Year Incentive Bonus to recognize employee contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, financial goals and tenure. The bonus accumulates annually each October and is paid out in October during the third year of employment.
- Performance-based pay increase: The Annual Merit Pay Increase recognizes work performance that meets or consistently exceeds performance standards documented through UCHealth's established evaluation process and accounts for increased experience, skills and cost of living.
- Market reviews: All UCHealth positions are reviewed annually to ensure UCHealth base pay aligns with market standards. Base pay rates are adjusted as needed to stay market competitive.
Health and well-being
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Access to 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
- Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
- Free Care.com membership.
- Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
- Time away from work: Paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence.
- Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options.
- Employer-provided short-term disability and long-term disability with a buy-up coverage option.
Retirement and savings
- 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
- Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available when enrolled in high-deductible (HD) medical plan.
Education and career growth
- UCHealth provides access to academic degrees and certificate programs to promote professional and personal growth.
- Up to 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees.
- Other programs may qualify for up to $10,000/year pre-paid by UCHealth or up to $5,250/year in the form of tuition reimbursement.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of virtual courses and seminars, and internal professional development opportunities.
- Employees have access to free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting their federal student loans for forgiveness.
Eligibility for some programs is based on an employee's scheduled work hours.
We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when the do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
Location: UCHealth UCHlth Yampa Valley Med Center, US:CO:Steamboat Springs
Department: YVMC Sterile Processing
Work Schedule: Full Time, 80.00 hours per pay period (2 weeks)
Shift: Days
Pay: $27.61 - $41.41 / hour. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
This position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote option
Summary:
Performs entry level core sterile processing functions.
Responsibilities:
- Instrument and equipment decontamination and cleaning following IFU's while having the ability to disassemble items before choosing appropriate cleaning method. Performs visual inspection of instruments and equipment prior to appropriate assembly and packaging of instruments or equipment.
- Performs appropriate sterilization of instrument and equipment based on IFUs while inspecting and ensuring all external indicators, filters and labels are appropriate.
- Performs routine cleaning and sterilizer testing, including biological monitoring, leak testing, and bowie dick tests as appropriate.
- Documents work performed utilizing instrument tracking software/paper documentation as required.
- Within scope of job, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take appropriate action.
Requirements:
- Minimum Required Education: High School diploma or GED.
- Minimum Experience: None required. Preferred: 3 months' certified experience.
- Required Licensure/Certification: Certified as a CSPDT (Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) from CBSPD or CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Employees are our number one asset.
UCHealth promotes a culture that invests in professional success and personal well-being through a comprehensive total rewards program.
Recognition
- Performance bonus: UCHealth offers a 3-Year Incentive Bonus to recognize employee contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, financial goals and tenure. The bonus accumulates annually each October and is paid out in October during the third year of employment.
- Performance-based pay increase: The Annual Merit Pay Increase recognizes work performance that meets or consistently exceeds performance standards documented through UCHealth's established evaluation process and accounts for increased experience, skills and cost of living.
- Market reviews: All UCHealth positions are reviewed annually to ensure UCHealth base pay aligns with market standards. Base pay rates are adjusted as needed to stay market competitive.
Health and well-being
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Access to 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
- Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
- Free Care.com membership.
- Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
- Time away from work: Paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence.
- Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options.
- Employer-provided short-term disability and long-term disability with a buy-up coverage option.
Retirement and savings
- 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
- Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available when enrolled in high-deductible (HD) medical plan.
Education and career growth
- UCHealth provides access to academic degrees and certificate programs to promote professional and personal growth.
- Up to 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees.
- Other programs may qualify for up to $10,000/year pre-paid by UCHealth or up to $5,250/year in the form of tuition reimbursement.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of virtual courses and seminars, and internal professional development opportunities.
- Employees have access to free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting their federal student loans for forgiveness.
Eligibility for some programs is based on an employee's scheduled work hours.
We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when the do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Sterile Processing Tech
Target large hospital systems first
Academic medical centers and large health systems like Kaiser, HCA, and VA hospitals have dedicated HR infrastructure for work authorization. They're far more likely to have processed OPT paperwork before and won't treat your status as an unknown risk.
Lead with your certification, not your visa status
CRCST or CSPDT certification from IAHCSMM or CBSPD signals professional readiness before visa questions arise. Certified candidates get screened in faster, which means you're negotiating from a position of demonstrated competence rather than explaining your OPT timeline upfront.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
Employers can hire you up to 90 days before your OPT start date. Starting the application process early gives hospitals time to run background checks and onboarding, which in healthcare can take four to six weeks longer than in other industries.
Know your EAD card renewal window
Your EAD is your proof of work authorization. Apply for renewal at least 180 days before it expires. Healthcare employers are especially cautious about employment authorization gaps because they face separate compliance obligations under Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Sterile processing roles don't typically qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations, so have an honest conversation early. Some employers will sponsor an EB-3 green card for long-term techs instead. Knowing the pathway before you accept avoids a difficult conversation 11 months into your OPT.
Document your decontamination and sterilization experience precisely
OPT requires employment directly related to your degree. Keep records showing how each role connects to your field of study. For sterile processing, tie your tasks explicitly to your program's coursework in microbiology, infection control, or health sciences to support any future status extension.
Sterile Processing Tech OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Sterile Processing Tech job qualify for F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a related field such as health sciences, biomedical technology, surgical technology, or a similar program. The job must be directly related to your major. If you studied biology, microbiology, or clinical laboratory science, sterile processing work typically qualifies. You'll need to document the connection between your coursework and your job duties clearly.
Do Sterile Processing Tech jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Sterile processing roles can qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your degree appears on the official DHS STEM designated degree program list. Degrees in biomedical engineering, health informatics, or biological sciences often qualify. A general health sciences degree may not. Check your exact program CIP code against the STEM list before planning your timeline around an extension.
Where can I find Sterile Processing Tech jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and surfaces sterile processing roles at employers open to work authorization. General job boards don't filter by sponsorship willingness, which means you can spend weeks applying to jobs that will screen you out at the offer stage. Migrate Mate removes that friction.
Will a Sterile Processing Tech employer sponsor an H-1B visa after OPT?
Most sterile processing roles don't qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because the position typically doesn't require a specific bachelor's degree as a minimum entry requirement. Some employers do sponsor EB-3 green cards for long-term technicians, particularly in unionized hospital systems. Raise this question during the offer stage so you understand your long-term options before committing.
Can I work full time as a Sterile Processing Tech on OPT?
Yes. Post-completion OPT permits full-time employment, and sterile processing departments almost universally hire for full-time shift positions. Pre-completion OPT limits you to 20 hours per week while school is in session, which rarely works with hospital scheduling demands. Most techs begin their OPT employment after graduation when full-time hours are permitted without restriction.