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Palo Alto, California
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How to become a sterile processing technician?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a sterile processing technician.
Note: Given the growing interest in the medical field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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5 answers
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
228
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
This is an area I only cross paths with on rare occasions, and only one specific niche at that, so I'm not aware of the full range of paths into this career. However, I do know that while much sterilisation is done with chemicals, heat, and UV; some sterilisation instead uses irradiation with huge doses of gamma rays to kill off potential infectious contaminants. Working with a gamma irradiator facility for sterilisation can be a whole different set of knowledge to working with other systems - needing a good understanding of radiation protection - so I've heard of people that have gone into technician roles in that specific niche of sterilisation having come from Health Physics apprenticeships or similar entry-level nuclear backgrounds. I'm sure that won't be a common way of ending up in that sort of role, but possibly something else to be aware of.
Konstantine Ringor, MSN, RN, CPAN
10
Answers
Updated
Konstantine’s Answer
Imagine how your work affects every surgery. Through PeriAnesthesia, I've learned how important Sterile Processing Technicians are in preparing and sterilizing surgical equipment. Your labor keeps everything clean, safe, and ready for surgery, making you vital to healthcare.
Most Sterile Processing Technicians must finish a certification program, which can take months to a year. These programs teach sterilization, infection control, and surgical equipment management at community colleges and vocational schools. The CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) exam from IAHCSMM is usually required after the training.
Skill requires attention to detail to ensure all surgical equipment are sterile. Working in a fast-paced atmosphere requires time management. Understanding medical equipment and dealing with surgical teams are also important. If you follow precise protocols and like supporting patient care behind the scenes, this could be a wonderful fit!
-Konstantine, RN
Most Sterile Processing Technicians must finish a certification program, which can take months to a year. These programs teach sterilization, infection control, and surgical equipment management at community colleges and vocational schools. The CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) exam from IAHCSMM is usually required after the training.
Skill requires attention to detail to ensure all surgical equipment are sterile. Working in a fast-paced atmosphere requires time management. Understanding medical equipment and dealing with surgical teams are also important. If you follow precise protocols and like supporting patient care behind the scenes, this could be a wonderful fit!
-Konstantine, RN
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
27
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
From my experience, you can go to pharmacy tech vacational program or you can work for a compounding pharmacy and they will pay for you to get your license, diploma and certificate/diploma of completion. If they have a sterile department, they will give you a book to read, and train you to become a sterile tech.
Michelle M.
Actress
2315
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
This is a great inquiry.
I have never done this work, but when I was a social service case manager, one of the client success stories was of a client who went for this training and successfully obtained a career position in a hospital doing this work.
The client and I had an awesome rapport, so she shared a lot about it with me, showing me photos of various instruments that she had to learn as well as sharing her experience. She really enjoyed her training and did very well.
There's no information about what I will mention online, but one of the things I remember most in her conversations with me is The Blood Room. This may be at all or some hospitals, I do not know, but she said that as a technician, one must be in the blood room while working on certain things (it's the place where all blood goes from surgeries, etc.). She said that the odor is overwhelming, the worst odor ever, but she was able to tolerate it and she said some students couldn't. So I guess that there is an expectation that this career can have challenges and based on a person's tolerance threshold, can have a very successful career as my client did. The training can take from months to a year and my client took a county funded training for nine months. Her training made it possible for her to have a career as well as obtain an apartment on her own with no program or subsidy. Very much a success story !
A student can find out where to take training and certification by doing a search online for their town or city. Some colleges through Continuing Education programs offer this. Some colleges offer a four month diploma program in it. I would highly advise not doing this remotely online, even though it is offered remotely, because you really need to deal with tangible objects and be trained by an experienced person who can observe your progress and give the student feedback.
The student will learn many things. They will learn instrument identification and handling, sterilization methods, instrument assembly and disassembly, packaging and storage, quality control and assurance, infection control and prevention, medical terminology and communication skills. This is why I believe it is best done in person on site and for the longer duration trainings.
I wish anyone going into this field the best as it can be a very satisfying and rewarding career !
I have never done this work, but when I was a social service case manager, one of the client success stories was of a client who went for this training and successfully obtained a career position in a hospital doing this work.
The client and I had an awesome rapport, so she shared a lot about it with me, showing me photos of various instruments that she had to learn as well as sharing her experience. She really enjoyed her training and did very well.
There's no information about what I will mention online, but one of the things I remember most in her conversations with me is The Blood Room. This may be at all or some hospitals, I do not know, but she said that as a technician, one must be in the blood room while working on certain things (it's the place where all blood goes from surgeries, etc.). She said that the odor is overwhelming, the worst odor ever, but she was able to tolerate it and she said some students couldn't. So I guess that there is an expectation that this career can have challenges and based on a person's tolerance threshold, can have a very successful career as my client did. The training can take from months to a year and my client took a county funded training for nine months. Her training made it possible for her to have a career as well as obtain an apartment on her own with no program or subsidy. Very much a success story !
A student can find out where to take training and certification by doing a search online for their town or city. Some colleges through Continuing Education programs offer this. Some colleges offer a four month diploma program in it. I would highly advise not doing this remotely online, even though it is offered remotely, because you really need to deal with tangible objects and be trained by an experienced person who can observe your progress and give the student feedback.
The student will learn many things. They will learn instrument identification and handling, sterilization methods, instrument assembly and disassembly, packaging and storage, quality control and assurance, infection control and prevention, medical terminology and communication skills. This is why I believe it is best done in person on site and for the longer duration trainings.
I wish anyone going into this field the best as it can be a very satisfying and rewarding career !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7219
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Career Village Office Hours Staff!
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Becoming a sterile processing technician (SPT) is an essential career path in the healthcare field, particularly in hospitals and surgical centers where maintaining sterile environments is crucial for patient safety. Below is a detailed guide on how to pursue this career.
1. Understanding the Role of a Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures. Their work ensures that all tools are free from contaminants, which is vital for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.
2. Educational Requirements
While some positions may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, most employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education. Here are the typical educational steps:
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum requirement.
Postsecondary Education: Many community colleges offer certificate programs specifically in sterile processing technology or surgical technology. These programs typically last from several months to two years and cover topics such as microbiology, infection control, and sterilization techniques.
3. Certification
Certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competency in the field. The following certifications are commonly pursued:
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): Offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), this certification requires passing an exam after completing an accredited program.
Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT): Offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), this certification also requires passing an exam.
To maintain certification, technicians must complete continuing education credits periodically.
4. Gaining Experience
Hands-on experience is critical in this field. Many educational programs include clinical rotations where students can practice their skills under supervision in real healthcare settings. After completing education and obtaining certification, aspiring SPTs may seek entry-level positions to gain further experience.
5. Skills Development
In addition to formal education and certification, certain skills are important for success as a sterile processing technician:
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that all instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized requires meticulous attention.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with various sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves) is essential.
Problem-Solving Skills: Technicians must be able to troubleshoot issues related to equipment or processes.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with other healthcare professionals is necessary for coordinating care.
6. Job Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
The demand for sterile processing technicians is expected to grow due to an increasing number of surgical procedures and heightened awareness of infection control practices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical equipment preparers, which includes SPTs, is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Advancement opportunities may include roles such as lead technician or supervisor within a sterile processing department or transitioning into related fields like surgical technology or management positions within healthcare facilities.
In summary, becoming a sterile processing technician involves completing relevant education, obtaining certification, gaining practical experience, developing key skills, and staying informed about industry trends.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary information, and employment statistics across various occupations including medical equipment preparers.
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM): Offers resources regarding certification processes for sterile processing technicians along with educational materials relevant to best practices in the field.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD): Focuses on certification standards for sterile processing professionals while providing guidelines on continuing education requirements necessary for maintaining credentials.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You All!
JC.
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Becoming a sterile processing technician (SPT) is an essential career path in the healthcare field, particularly in hospitals and surgical centers where maintaining sterile environments is crucial for patient safety. Below is a detailed guide on how to pursue this career.
1. Understanding the Role of a Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures. Their work ensures that all tools are free from contaminants, which is vital for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.
2. Educational Requirements
While some positions may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, most employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education. Here are the typical educational steps:
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum requirement.
Postsecondary Education: Many community colleges offer certificate programs specifically in sterile processing technology or surgical technology. These programs typically last from several months to two years and cover topics such as microbiology, infection control, and sterilization techniques.
3. Certification
Certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competency in the field. The following certifications are commonly pursued:
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): Offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), this certification requires passing an exam after completing an accredited program.
Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT): Offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), this certification also requires passing an exam.
To maintain certification, technicians must complete continuing education credits periodically.
4. Gaining Experience
Hands-on experience is critical in this field. Many educational programs include clinical rotations where students can practice their skills under supervision in real healthcare settings. After completing education and obtaining certification, aspiring SPTs may seek entry-level positions to gain further experience.
5. Skills Development
In addition to formal education and certification, certain skills are important for success as a sterile processing technician:
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that all instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized requires meticulous attention.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with various sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves) is essential.
Problem-Solving Skills: Technicians must be able to troubleshoot issues related to equipment or processes.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with other healthcare professionals is necessary for coordinating care.
6. Job Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
The demand for sterile processing technicians is expected to grow due to an increasing number of surgical procedures and heightened awareness of infection control practices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical equipment preparers, which includes SPTs, is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Advancement opportunities may include roles such as lead technician or supervisor within a sterile processing department or transitioning into related fields like surgical technology or management positions within healthcare facilities.
In summary, becoming a sterile processing technician involves completing relevant education, obtaining certification, gaining practical experience, developing key skills, and staying informed about industry trends.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary information, and employment statistics across various occupations including medical equipment preparers.
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM): Offers resources regarding certification processes for sterile processing technicians along with educational materials relevant to best practices in the field.
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD): Focuses on certification standards for sterile processing professionals while providing guidelines on continuing education requirements necessary for maintaining credentials.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You All!
JC.