Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT) ensure a safe and sanitizedpatient environment. They are vital to hospitals and surgical clinics. Their responsibilities include:

  1. Preparingthe instruments for use during medical procedures
  2. Performing sterilization
  3. Testing
  4. Storing
  5. Maintaining tools and equipment.

The job requires strong attention to detail and working with delicate equipment. A sterile processing technician may also need to:

  1. Sustain records of sterilization processes
  2. Perform follow-up duties
  3. Report malfunctions.

Typically, a sterile processing technician is a full-time employee who works in a centralized department. Nevertheless, they can also work in teams. During their training, they will receive various assignments to prepare them for the workforce. These jobs can lead to excellent wages after a few months of training.

Throughout their career, sterile processing techniciansmust demonstrate professionalism and communication skills. They will need to learn about the different utilization techniques and procedures. Besides, they will need to apply these skills to provide quality patient care effectively.

Some of these techs will specialize in a particular area of work. The Sterile Processing Department Technician may have the task of:

  1. Disinfecting medical instruments
  2. Cleaning equipment, and
  3. Delivering medical supplies to various departments.

As a result, they will need to be comfortable moving about the workplace and can perform tasks without direct supervision.

Those interested in this field should have the following:

  1. Good communication
  2. Critical thinking skills
  3. Knowthe medical industry, and
  4. A commitment to patient safety.

Although a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development Test) is enough for some positions, there are opportunities for advancement to more specialized functions.

It is recommended that sterile processing techs seek certification to make it easier for them to find a job. Certification will allow individuals to differentiate themselves from other professionals in the field. Additionally, this is a vital tool to help keep their costs down.

Those interested in this field can take a course to learn more about their responsibilities and the procedures they are expected to perform. They can pay for the entire course upfront or purchase modules as they go.

These are the common factors a person should learn about before proceeding in this field. See the infographic below created and designed by Martinson College and know if the program is popular among  many students: