Sterile processing technicians are an essential part of healthcare institutions. They are also known as central processing techs, instrument techs, or medical equipment preparers.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties:
They clean surgical equipment and supplies as well as operate, clean, and maintain sterilizing machines. They also stock surgical tools and help to organize equipment before surgeries. They keep a check on the records of surgical procedures. They play a crucial role in inspecting the suppliers by making sure they are up-to-date and useable.
Educational Requirements of Sterile Processing Technician:
It is essential to have a high school diploma or GED. Some places will hire you and give you on-job training where no certification is required. But, mostly, certification is preferred as it can increase your job prospects and income
How to become certified SP Tech?
You can become certified by enrolling in the sterile processing technicians program offered by the Stellar Career College in Modesto, California. You’ll get hands-on training and prepare for the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution’s (CBSPD) Sterile Processing (SPD) certification exam. You can then appear in the exam and will be certified once you pass it.
Advantages To Become a SP Tech:
- If you don’t like interacting with patients directly or you are an introvert, then this is the perfect job for you as you are not actually involved with the patients but just work on the surgical instruments.
- It is a fast paced job as your shift will go by quickly.
- You will always have room for advancement as you can get upper-level jobs related to management, operating room tech, and nursing.
Disadvantages To Become a SP Tech:
- There is a lot of physical exertion as you might be asked to push heavy carts or pick up heavy surgical tools.
- Being a sterile processing tech the names of all the surgical instruments should be on your fingertips.
- You might be exposed to patients’ blood while cleaning up after surgery.
Sterile Processing Technician Salary:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing technicians earn an average salary of $33,850 per year and an hourly wage of $16.28 per hour. The salary can vary as per your experience, the state in which you live and, the industry in which you work
Industries with the highest level of employment:
General medical and surgical hospitals
Outpatient care centers
Offices of physicians
Top paying industries:
Management of Co. & Enterprises: $48,240
Architectural & Engineering services: $38,740
Federal Government: $38,230
Top paying states:
California
Alaska
District of Columbia
As by now, you are well aware of this field in medicine, it is time to make the right choice and excel as a sterile processing technician.
