How Hard Is It to Become a Sterile Processing Technician?

The first thing to know when becoming a sterile processing technician is that the word “clean” will never be the same again.

Sterile processing technicians must know specific details about how to disassemble, clean, sterile, and reassemble critical surgical or medical tools.

It goes far beyond some soap and water.

You’d think a job with so much responsibility, especially when viruses or bacteria can gather in those tools and lead to patient illnesses, would require a lot of education.

However, being a sterile processing technician is one of the easiest to obtain in the healthcare field outside the cafeteria.

Even though there are a lot of easy components, it will take hard work.

Educational Requirement of Sterile Processing Technicians

Most sterile processing tech jobs won’t require a college degree.

In fact, some can start their education in the field through an entry-level assistant position.

If math, science, chemistry, and computers are easy for you, the job will be easier.

The harder part comes when you’re studying for a certification or in sterile processing classes in addition to full-time work.

The CRCST certification requires 400 hours of hands-on experience in the previous five years or the next six months.

That equals 10 weeks of work.

After you pass the certification, you don’t have to re-certify for another five years.

However, if you have a job that requires certification to continue working past the one-year mark, you could be without a job if you don’t pass the exam in time.

Hands-On Training Isn’t Always Easy

While the career path to becoming a sterile processing technician requires internship-level or entry-level experience, the learning curve can be intense for some.

Hands-on training for a sterile processing technician can seem straightforward and helpful, but it can become challenging if you struggle with feedback or retaining information.

The training involves learning complex sterilization processes, handling various surgical instruments, and following strict safety protocols.

If you’re not receptive to constructive criticism or have difficulty keeping up with the detailed instructions, you might feel burned out quickly.

Mistakes are taken seriously, and the ability to quickly adapt and improve is essential.

I find it most helpful to consider that every time a sterilization process is underway, my mother is the next person who will be on the operating table.

Success in this field depends on staying focused, applying feedback effectively, and consistently remembering and following protocols under pressure.

How Hard Is It to Deal With Medical Tools?

Sterile processing technicians handle tools that come out of surgery, which means those tools can sometimes be messy or unpleasant.

Instruments may have traces of blood, tissue, or bodily fluids, which must be carefully cleaned before sterilization.

The work isn’t usually “gory,” but technicians may encounter various medical debris.

You’ll need to have a bit of an iron stomach to handle some of the organic material you’ll come across.

Although the tools themselves don’t usually have a strong odor, the cleaning process can involve disinfectants and chemicals that might have strong smells.

You shouldn’t have to worry about your safety, as proper protective equipment (PPE) is always used, and strict protocols ensure that everything is handled safely and efficiently.

Speaking of PEE for Sterile Processing Technicians

The PPE required for a sterile processing tech role is another aspect you might not realize until you’re in the hospital setting.

Especially during those formative 10 weeks of training and hands-on experience, wearing personal protective equipment can be physically demanding and uncomfortable.

If you thought wearing a mask during COVID-19 was hard, consider that a sterile processing technician routinely wears gowns, gloves, masks, and face shields, all designed to protect against exposure to contaminants and chemicals.

The gear can feel restrictive, hot, and cumbersome, especially during long shifts, making movement and breathing more difficult.

To make it easier, it’s important to take short breaks when possible, stay hydrated, and ensure the PPE fits properly.

Adjusting and selecting the right sizes can reduce discomfort, and over time, most technicians adapt to wearing PPE as part of their routine for safety.

The good news is that most healthcare settings will provide PPE for you, saving you money and providing sterilized clothing to work in during your shift.

Attention to Detail Requirements Can be Hard

Sterile processing technicians need to follow strict procedures to keep instruments clean and safe for use.

You’ll be amazed at how many different tools there are that can have hidden compartments, delicate parts, and challenging assembly.

The protocols for cleaning and sterilizing come from the manufacturer, healthcare setting, and regulatory agencies, making attention to detail and knowledge of steps for sterilization super important.

Mistakes can have serious health consequences, adding pressure to the role.

If you’re prone to rushing through tasks or looking for a way to cut corners to get a job done, the patience and hyper-focus required for a sterile processing technician might make the job harder for you.