If you want to work in a hospital's surgical unit, consider becoming a sterile processing technician. These technicians mainly keep medical equipment clean to ensure it's safe for patients. Knowing the education, training, and licensing they need can lead you to become a better Sterile Processing Technician.

What Is A Sterile Processing Technician?

A sterile processing technician is a medical pro who cleans and sterilizes surgical equipment. They make sure the gear is clean and safe for patients. These techs also check the hospital's cleanliness tools and keep track of sterilization gear. They take care of their tools and schedule fixes when necessary.

They get surgical units ready for planned and urgent surgeries. Using special gear like autoclaves, they clean reusable surgical tools. These techs also check a hospital's cleanliness tools and keep track of sterilization gear. They look after their tools and plan fixes when necessary.

What Does A Sterile Processing Technician Do?

Sterile processing techs find and remove germs in medical settings, using techniques to clean surgical gear. They learn microbiologyand infection control to stay skilled in tool cleaning. They check contamination risks in surgery areas, helping the surgical team tackle challenges and keep patients safe.

Techs also handle storing and moving sterilized gear. A sterile processing technician cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes medical equipment for surgeries. They make sure the gear is clean and safe for patients.

What Skills Are Essential For Sterile Processing Technicians?

Sterile processing technicians need both soft and technical skills to do their jobs well, such as:

Collaboration:They work with surgical teams and medical staff to prepare equipment for procedures, ensuring everything is on time for smooth surgeries.

Communication:Techs stay in touch with medical teams, giving updates, scheduling equipment repairs, and preparing surgical units for operations.

Attention to Detail:As they prepare medical equipment for safe use in surgery, they rely on careful attention to ensure they complete each sterilization step.

Problem-Solving:In emergencies, they assess risks, decide how to use sterilization gear, and allocate resources when preparing an operating room for a scheduled procedure.

Basic Healthcare Skills:In hospitals, techs usually need essential life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

How To Become A Sterile Processing Technician In 7 Steps

Complete high school

Most employers ask for a high school diploma or equivalent to become a sterile processing technician. You can take biology, chemistry, and medicine classes during high school to prepare for this career. While in high school, look into sterile processing technician programs nearby. Depending on their enrollment process, some programs allow you to apply before graduating high school.

Choose a sterile processing technician program

You can discover sterile processing technician programs at community colleges, training schools, and online. Your education can vary from ten weeks to two years, depending on your selected program. To figure out the best fit for you, contact the institution. You might ask if you can attend a class, interview professors, and talk to students for their insights on the program.

Speak with an adviser

Before signing up for a program, create a list of questions and set up a meeting with an adviser. They can provide information about the field, discuss courses, and share scheduling details. Advisers are also valuable in assisting potential technicians with obtaining financial aid, which can support you in pursuing your career goals while managing your finances.

Enroll in a program

To join your preferred program, you must fulfill specific requirements for acceptance. For instance, some programs may ask candidates to take an entrance exam to assess their basic problem-solving skills and ability to handle coursework. Once you pass the entrance exam, you'll likely cover topics such as:

• Infection control and prevention
• Decontamination and sterilization
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Using and storing surgical instruments
• Inventory management
• Microbiology
• Medical and surgical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology

Complete an internship

You can seek an internship during your education or after finishing the program. Clinical internships let you practice the skills you've learned in real-world situations. Some sterile processing technician interns might even get a job offer for permanent employment based on their performance.

Prepare to earn a certification

Before aiming for a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification, look into your state's guidelines to ensure the credentials match your career goals. Check if there are prerequisites, like work experience, that you need to fulfill. Some sterile processing technician programs offer chances to gain experience through paid or volunteer work. Record your fieldwork hours to provide evidence to the accrediting body when you're ready to take the certification exam.

Select and pass a certification exam

Two primary bodies certify sterile processing technicians:

• (IAHCSMM) The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management
• The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

Both organizations have a certification exam that mandates a certain amount of work experience. Typically, certifications are valid for approximately five years.

The IAHCSMM exam necessitates candidates to have 400 hours of practical experience in these areas:

• Decontamination
• Preparing and packaging instruments
• Sterilization and disinfection
• Storage and distribution
• Quality assurance processes
• Equipment use, maintenance, and management

The prerequisites for the CBSPD exam differ based on your experience and education. Candidates usually meet one of the following requirements:

• Completing 12 months of full-time work as a sterile processing technician
• Finishing six months of full-time experience in a clinical healthcare role and devoting six months to technician responsibilities
• Passing a sterile processing technician course with a grade of at least 70%
• Working for 12 months in healthcare product sales related to sterile processing equipment

What Are The Average Salary And Job Outlook For Sterile Processing Technicians?

Sterile processing technicians earn an average national salary of $74,898 annually, from $57,113 to $98,221 annually. In addition to their yearly wages, they may receive benefits like employer contributions to 401(k) plans, health insurance, and paid time off.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for surgical assistants and technologists, which includes sterile processing technicians, is expected to grow by 6% until 2031, aligning with the average overall job growth rate.