A Sterile Processing Technician’s Responsibility
Sterile processing technicians prepare, install, assemble, clean, and sterilize healthcare equipment for medical examinations, surgeries, or other procedures. They follow sterilization procedures and ensure that instruments are safe for patients to use daily. Apart from these duties, a sterile processor tech also performs the following:
- Before performing clinical procedures, sterilize, wrap, organize, and prepare surgical instruments for storage in trays.
- Before the medical procedure, prepare surgical gloves and gowns.
- Collecting and cleaning contaminated supplies and equipment.
- To ensure cleanliness, you must carefully inspect all laboratory equipment.
- Reporting any issues or problems during sterilization.
- Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, equipment, and maintenance.
- Correctly disposing of medical waste.
Salary and Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in America, a sterile processing technician can make an average of $22 and $26 an hour. This profession is highly skilled and offers excellent opportunities for professional advancement and long-term health benefits. Hence, it requires a Sterile Processing Department certification to guarantee they are well-equipped with knowledge in this profession.
SPT certification also gives one a chance to visit all hospital areas. SPTs are frequently seen in operating rooms and laboratories. Although they don’t interact much with patients, they play an essential role in the healthcare system. STPs are in high demand due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician
Infections and viruses can be a problem for medical facilities and doctors. Proper sterilization procedures are essential for a safe and healthy work environment. These procedures must be performed within the designated area by SPTs.
These are the steps to becoming a sterile processor tech:
- Register for a Training Course
Potential SPTs must have a high school diploma and training from an official sterile processing tech school. The current certifications require 120 hours of training, and some require 400 hours of hospital clinical training to obtain full accreditation. The training covers vital subjects:
- Medical Equipment
- Decontamination
- Sterilization Methods
- Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
- Storage and distribution
- Quality Assurance
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Safety and Risk Control
- Medical and Surgical Equipment
- Get certified
After the training has been completed, you must obtain at least one certification before you can apply for a job as an SPT. Some states require certification. To maintain their accreditation, hospitals or other healthcare facilities must now demand that Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) hire only technicians with one of these certifications.
- Certification in Sterile Processing and Distribution Technicians (CSPDT).
- Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST)
- Prepare Job Application Documents
It is vital to organize and prepare all required documents. Employers look at applicants’ attitudes and qualifications to avoid potential problems later. Employers look for someone assertive and attentive to providing a safe and comfortable environment in a hospital.
These are a few factors that an individual should learn to become a Sterile Processing Technician. Learn more in the infographic below, created and designed by the well-known Martinson College:
