Whichever medical setting we think about, doctors and surgeons must have the tools they need in every situation, and these tools have to pass a careful and strict sanitation procedure before they can use it.
These tools are used on different kinds of patients and sterile processing techs are supposed to make sure that they are clean and sterile prior to the next usage.
It is worth mentioning that sterile processing techs have to develop their knowledge of the sterilization procedures.
However, their job is not only sterilization but also ensuring that every area of the hospital has the necessary tools.
So, their daily work involves cleaning tools and distributing them throughout the hospital or medical facility.
The personal qualities these professionals need to possess are a strong sense of time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Sterile Technician Program Information
You can choose which one of the several ways you want to take to meet sterile processing certification requirements.
One option is a short-term program that usually takes between six months and one year to be completed and after which you get a certificate or diploma.
Another way is enrolling in an Associate’s degree program, which is usually two years in duration.
You will notice that there are both differences and similarities between these two programs, starting with the required courses which are almost the same.
These are some of the required courses at Sterile Processing Tech Schools that each student has to take:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology and Infection Control
- Decontamination Procedures and Practice
- Sterilization Procedures and Practice
- Medical Equipment
- Surgical Terminology
- Principles and Practices of Sterile Processing
If you wish to be the best in your field, you will need to possess hands-on experience with sanitation equipment and medical tools, so you should look for a program that will offer you plenty of laboratory hours.
The reason why you should attend this kind of education is that practicing sterile processing techniques will make you a more confident Sterile Processing Technician once you start working in a medical facility.
Our suggestion prior to deciding which way to take is to check different schools to see if they offer what you think is needed to succeed in a sterile processing program.
What you are supposed to learn during these programs are sterilization techniques, tools used, teamwork, disinfection standards, and equipment distribution.
Licensing and Job Outlook for Sterile Processing Techs
Upon the completion of the education program, you should pursue certification, as this is the best way to prove to your future employers that you possess the appropriate knowledge, skills and that they can have confidence in your abilities.
Certification will make your job search much easier and if you possess it, you will be given preference whenever you apply for employment.
Certification is offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution and it requires taking and passing the exam if you have at least 12 months of employment in sterile processing or a diploma, certificate, or degree from an approved training course.
The cost of the exam is $125 and your certification has to be renewed after five years.
It is a fact that sterile processing is a growing field and a 14% increase in job openings is estimated in the years to come.
If you have finished the sterile processing tech training and found a job, you can expect to earn the average salary which is $34,950 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The work of sterile equipment tech is valuable to other medical professionals and they are typically found working in a centralized area of the hospital.
However, you should be ready to spend your working day delivering tools to various parts of the hospital or clinic, as well.
