If I want to be a sterile processing tech, where should I begin?
I am interested in health care, but don't have the time, or grades, to do a Nursing Program. #nurse #tech #hospital-and-health-care #processing #sterile #career-details
2 answers
Elle Colombel, CSM
Elle’s Answer
Hi, Clare. First, I would encourage you to determine what you would like to do. If nursing is your passion, I wouldn't give up so easily. There are plenty of paths to get you where you want to be. You can start out as a CNA or LPN and then further your education working toward your RN slowly under the guidance of a school counselor to ensure your success. If you've decided that Sterile Processing is definitely the path you'd like to follow there are many trade schools and community colleges that offer the certification. Here's a link to a fact sheet that will provide more detailed information https://www.trade-schools.net/health-care/sterile-processing.asp#article-content
Good luck and know whatever you decide to pursue now is a stepping stone to many future paths. Always keep your options for growth open.
Thank you, Laura. This is really helpful.
Clare
I would encourage you to go to your local hospitals and apply for a job in the sterile processing department, even before you become a tech. Many hospitals have programs to help you pay for your schooling and this will also help you determine if this is the work you truly want to do.
It's most important that you get your foot in the door, so even if you start with a different position, you will qualify for the hospital's educational assistance programs after a certain time of employment.
Best of luck with your career!
Michael Beamer
Leo’s Answer
First , look up which facilities have that position available, and read thier requirements.
That's going to give you the first heads up as to what you need , what you have or don't have. If you still have questions, see if they have a recruiter, if not reach the HR department, they will definitely have all the info.
I say that cause you may luck out and some places hire with no certification, or require you to obtain it in a later time frame.
Find out who local to you offers that course for certification.
I live in Dallas, Texas and the community college offers it at two semesters at about $700( not including books and test fees. I recommend community college, it will be the most economical route, and if any other school tells you it's an associates and will cost in the thousands, please be wary and possibly avoid it. $700 is not a bad deal, being that the start off pay should be above $12, as of today 8/6/18 indeed has a start pay of $16. (Travel pay is much higher once you obtain experience!)
And always check if the facility or company has tuition assistance, reimbursement, or of they have an agreement to a nursing school!
Some places will pay for quite a bit of school, provided it's directly related to the health care field and that they can employ you into. But your next logical direct step is to be a surgical tech,(you already know instrumentation!!!!) I am a CST and for me it's demanding, fun hard and sometimes thankless. So good luck and that should give you a healthy start.
Leo recommends the following next steps: