17 Sterilization Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Sterilization technicians are responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and dental offices.

Sterilization technicians must have excellent attention to detail and be able to follow instructions carefully. They must be able to work independently and be able to lift and move heavy equipment.

If you’re applying for a job as a sterilization technician, you may be asked to interview for the position. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your experience, your skills, and your knowledge of sterilization procedures. You may also be asked questions about your ability to lift and move heavy equipment.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to practice your responses.

Are you comfortable working with potentially dangerous chemicals?

Sterilization technicians often work with dangerous chemicals, so the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable working in this environment. Your answer should show that you understand the risks of working with these chemicals and have experience doing so safely.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable working with potentially dangerous chemicals because I’ve done it for several years now. In my last position, I was responsible for handling all sterilization procedures, including using hazardous materials like ethylene oxide gas. I always followed safety protocols when working with these chemicals, and I never had any accidents or injuries.”

What are some of the most important skills for a sterilization technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your most important skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “The two most important skills for me are attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Sterilization technicians need to make sure that all sterilization equipment is clean and ready for use. This means I must pay close attention to ensure everything is properly cleaned and sanitized. In addition, we also solve problems throughout the day. For example, if an item needs repair or replacement, I would need to troubleshoot the issue and find a solution.”

How would you handle a situation where a batch of equipment was not properly sterilized?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and whether you have the ability to learn from your mistakes. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and learn from them.

Example: “In my previous role as a sterilization technician, I was responsible for overseeing the sterilization of equipment before it went into storage. One day, I noticed that one batch of equipment had not been properly sterilized. I immediately notified my supervisor so we could address the issue. We found out that there was an error in our system where some batches were skipped over during the sterilization process. My supervisor and I worked together to ensure all equipment was properly sterilized.”

What is the proper procedure for handling hazardous waste in a medical setting?

Hazardous waste is a common concern in medical settings, and the interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of proper procedures for handling it. In your answer, explain how you would handle hazardous waste in the workplace and what steps you would take to ensure that you’re following all safety protocols.

Example: “In my previous role as a sterilization technician, I was responsible for disposing of any hazardous waste generated during the sterilization process. To do so, I first had to label the waste with its contents and date of disposal. Then, I placed the waste into a biohazard bag and stored it in a designated area until I could transport it to an outside facility for disposal.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to communicate effectively with a patient or their family.

Communication is an important skill for sterilization technicians to have. It’s vital that you can explain procedures and answer questions in a way that makes patients feel comfortable. When answering this question, try to think of a specific example from your previous experience where you had to communicate with a patient or their family about a procedure.

Example: “When I was working as a surgical technician, I once had to inform a patient’s family member that the surgery would be delayed due to inclement weather. The patient’s family members were understandably upset by the news, but I explained why it was necessary and assured them that we would do everything we could to get the patient into surgery as soon as possible.”

If a piece of equipment was damaged and needed to be replaced, how would you go about doing so?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you would handle a situation that may arise in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Example: “If I needed to replace equipment, I would first make sure that all of my coworkers were aware of what was going on so they could assist me if necessary. Then, I would contact the manufacturer or vendor for the piece of equipment to see if there is any way to get it replaced. If not, I would find another piece of equipment that we have in stock that can be used until the original piece can be fixed.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker improperly handling medical equipment?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to speak up when necessary. In your answer, try to show that you value the importance of following procedures and regulations in a medical setting.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker improperly handling medical equipment, I would first make sure they were aware of proper sterilization techniques. If they still didn’t follow procedure, I would report them to my supervisor so they could address the issue. It’s important for everyone working in healthcare to be aware of safety protocols.”

How well do you pay attention to detail?

Attention to detail is an important skill for sterilization technicians because they must ensure that all medical equipment and instruments are properly cleaned, disinfected and sterilized. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to pay attention to small details while working in a sterile environment. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you can follow instructions carefully and perform tasks with great care.

Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail. In my previous role as a surgical technician, I was responsible for making sure surgeons had everything they needed before entering the operating room. This included checking supplies, ensuring the patient’s chart was complete and verifying that the surgeon’s tools were clean and ready for use. Through this process, I learned how important it is to check every detail so patients receive safe and effective treatment.”

Do you have experience using hazardous waste disposal procedures?

Sterilization technicians may be responsible for disposing of hazardous waste, so the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience with this process. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge and understanding of how to dispose of hazardous materials in a safe way.

Example: “I’ve worked with hazardous waste disposal procedures before, but I always ensure that my team members are aware of proper disposal methods as well. In my last position, I was tasked with disposing of expired chemicals and other hazardous materials. We had a designated area where we stored these items until they could be transported to an outside facility for disposal.”

When is it appropriate to seek outside assistance for a medical issue?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to recognize when you need help and how you go about getting it. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can identify a problem, seek out assistance and then return to work once the issue is resolved.

Example: “If I have any questions or concerns about a patient’s condition, I always speak with my supervisor first. If they are unable to provide an answer, we will discuss whether it would be appropriate for me to consult another member of the medical team. For example, if I am unsure of what course of treatment to take, I will ask my supervisor or other members of the medical staff to assist me in making a decision.”

We want to improve our processes to ensure patient safety. What ideas do you have for improving our sterilization procedures?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any ideas for improving the sterilization process. They want to know that you are willing to make improvements and help their organization grow. In your answer, explain how you would improve processes in a way that ensures patient safety while also making it more efficient.

Example: “I think one of the best ways we can improve our sterilization procedures is by implementing an automated system. This would allow us to reduce human error and ensure that all equipment is properly cleaned and ready for use. I’ve worked with similar systems before, so I am confident that I could implement it here as well.”

Describe your experience with operating medical equipment.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with sterilization equipment and how you use it. Use examples from your previous job or a time when you used medical equipment in a non-professional setting.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for operating the autoclave machine that sterilized instruments and other medical supplies. I also operated the gamma radiation unit that sterilized larger items like surgical tables and gurneys. In my free time, I volunteered at a local hospital where I learned how to operate many different types of medical equipment including CT scanners and MRI machines.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you a good candidate for the job. You may also want to mention any unique or interesting experiences you have had in previous roles.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a sterilization technician. In my last role, I helped develop new sterilization techniques that saved the hospital money while still maintaining patient safety. This experience makes me confident that I can help your facility do the same.”

Which medical fields have you worked in?

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your experience and skills. You can answer this question by listing the medical field you worked in, what kind of work you did and how long you were employed there.

Example: “I have worked as a sterilization technician for five years now. Before that, I was a nurse’s aide at a hospital where I assisted nurses with patient care. I also volunteered at a local hospital to gain experience working in sterile environments.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of this job?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you value in your work and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand the responsibilities of this job, but it can also be a chance to talk about some of your skills or experiences that are relevant to the position.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of this job is safety. Sterilization technicians need to follow all protocols for sterilizing equipment and handling chemicals safely. I am always conscious of my own safety when working with these materials, and I have extensive training in proper procedures for handling hazardous waste.”

How often do you perform routine checks on equipment and machinery?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your attention to detail and how you ensure the safety of patients. Your answer should include a specific example of when you performed routine checks on equipment or machinery, along with what you checked for and how you ensured it was safe to use.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to perform routine checks on all sterilization equipment at least once per week. During these weekly checks, I would inspect each piece of equipment for any damage or defects that could cause problems during sterilization procedures. If I found any issues, I reported them to my supervisor so they could be repaired before we used the equipment again.”

There is a piece of equipment that needs to be repaired, but the parts aren’t expected to arrive for a few days. What do you do?

This question is designed to test your problem-solving skills. It’s important for sterilization technicians to be able to solve problems on their own, as they may not always have a supervisor or manager nearby to help them. In your answer, explain how you would approach this situation and what steps you would take to ensure the equipment was repaired in time.

Example: “If I were faced with this situation, I would first check if there are any spare parts that can be used until the new ones arrive. If not, I would contact my supervisor immediately so we could discuss our options. We would then decide whether it would be better to wait for the parts or find another piece of equipment to use temporarily.”