Choosing a career in healthcare can be rewarding for many reasons, including job stability, personal fulfillment, and the ability to have a direct impact on patient care.
One role that is often overlooked but is critical to the healthcare system is that of a sterile processing technician (SPT).
Think back to every doctor’s appointment or dental procedure you’ve done.
Did you even think about where those sterilized tools came from?
Sterile processing technicians work tirelessly behind the scenes to clean and sterilize surgical instruments and medical equipment.
We know the job is important, but is it a good career choice?
Let’s explore the possibilities.
Job Responsibilities of a Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in protecting patients from debris, bacteria, and viruses that can be harbored on medical equipment.
Cleaning equipment requires much more than soap and water.
A day in the life of a sterile processing tech includes cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments and equipment.
They work with high-tech sterilization machines, follow strict infection control protocols, and ensure that instruments are properly stored and tracked through various computer systems.
Personal Skills Required for Sterile Processing Techs
Beyond the basics of understanding processes, a sterile processing technician must be able to work calmly under pressure, focus on detail-oriented tasks, stay organized even when dealing with intricate tools, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment without being tempted to cut corners.
An ideal sterile processing technician can work seamlessly with everyone, from the top-ranking surgeon at a hospital to the CEO to the janitorial staff or interns.
The job will also require interacting with body fluids and organic materials after surgery.
If you can’t stand the sight of blood, this might not be the best position for you, or the best industry, for that matter.
Education Requirement of Sterile Processing Techs
One of the most appealing parts of making a career out of sterile processing is the limited education required to get a foot in the door.
Some positions hire those as young as 16, provided they have a high school equivalent degree.
Even if you get a job with a high school diploma, there’s a good chance you’ll get support from your healthcare management to study for and achieve certification in sterile processing.
Those who get the maximum training and education in sterile processing will find that it doesn’t take more than one or two years (at most) to acquire the skills needed to enter the workforce.
Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
While sterile processing technician is an entry-level role, there are numerous opportunities for advancement.
Experienced technicians can move into supervisory or managerial positions within the sterile processing department, overseeing other technicians and ensuring compliance with sterilization protocols.
For those interested in furthering their careers, pursuing additional certifications or continuing education can open doors to specialized roles, such as Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) or Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER).
Consider Your Career Goals
Some of the benefits of becoming a sterile processing technician include potential flexible hours.
For example, some hospitals will work techs for four 10-hour days, giving three days off work each week.
If you’re looking for a job that can be done at odd hours, like on weekends or late evenings, this job offers positions around the clock.
This can be a benefit for those with childcare issues or who attend school during the day and need to work at night.
A sterile processing technician is also a way to “dip your toe in the healthcare pool.”
That means you can get experience in a healthcare setting and see various jobs in a unique position.
That could inspire you to move forward in the healthcare industry.
It might make you want to pursue research.
You might also realize you’d rather have a patient-facing position in the field.
Job Satisfaction and Personal Fulfillment
One of the key reasons why being a sterile processing technician is a good career choice is the sense of fulfillment it provides.
Sterile processing technicians know their daily work saves lives and keeps patients safe.
While they may not interact directly with patients, their work behind the scenes has a direct impact on patient outcomes.
For individuals who take pride in their attention to detail and enjoy contributing to patient care in a supportive capacity, this role can be highly rewarding.
In fact, I’ve read dozens of forums about people working in this position.
The complaints are rarely about job satisfaction based on the skills used.
Most naysayers have issues with management or colleagues.
Overall, being a sterile processing technician comes with minimal educational requirements, lower education costs, versatile workplace options, and a highly rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cons of becoming a sterile processing technician?
The perceived “cons” of a sterile processing tech’s job are usually things that entry-level workers didn’t expect in the trade.
This includes the high level of stress that can be experienced.
On the surface, it might seem like a position with strict cleaning and sterilization guidelines would be pretty straightforward.
However, in places like emergency rooms and surgery centers, the workload can build up quickly.
Quality can’t be skipped, but time is of the essence.
Some other reported drawbacks are the time spent standing, which can be up to eight hours at a time; repeated tasks, which can lead to boredom or muscle strain; and odd hours, like working overnight or weekends.
What is the next step after becoming a sterile processing technician?
For those who hold the basic certification for a sterile processing tech, there are several more layers of accreditation to achieve.
- Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS): Expands your expertise in surgical instruments, making you more valuable in operating room settings.
- Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL): Prepares you for leadership and management roles in sterile processing departments.
- Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER): Specializes in the reprocessing of endoscopic instruments, which is in demand in certain healthcare settings.
You’ll also notice in any Reddit forum about the topic that many techs want to go on to be traveling sterile processing experts.
This means more pay and a chance to explore unique areas.
Beyond that, the next step would be to become a surgical technician.
Which sterile processing certification is best?
There are two basic levels of certification for sterile processing technicians (SPTs).
The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
This certification requires passing an exam and completing 400 hours of hands-on experience.
A Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
This also involves passing an exam but has slightly different experience requirements.
Generally, just one of these certifications is needed.
Check with local job listings or listings in your preferred area to see which one is most commonly requested.
In most cases, either one works just fine.
