A sterile processing technicianis an essential member of the healthcare team. Their main responsibility is to ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before they are used in various medical procedures.
To become a sterile processing tech, individuals must apply to a central sterile processing technician program. It is a sterile processing training course that prepares students for the duties and responsibilities of working as a sterilization professional, such as:
- Decontaminating and cleaning instruments and equipment
- Inspecting, assembling, and packaging instruments and equipment
- Operating sterilization equipment such as autoclaves
- Maintaining inventory and ordering supplies
- Keeping accurate records of sterilization procedures
Without sterile processing technicians, medical procedures will be unsafe or inaccurate, endangering patients’ lives. This is why workers in this field are in high demand. Thedemandfor sterile processing technicians is projected togrow faster than the average of all occupations, with a 7% increase from 2021 to 2031.
Sterile processing tech training typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The programs can take a few months to a year to complete. Upon completion, the students take an exam to become certified. The certification process ensures that the technician has the knowledge and skills to properly clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
A career in sterile processing tech offers a wide variety of employment, like becoming an endoscopy technician. These are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing endoscopic equipment. They work closely with the endoscopy team to ensure that all instruments involvedare in good working order and ready for use in endoscopic procedures.
Becoming an endoscopic technician requires a specific set of qualifications and training. While it may vary depending on the employer, most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many medical institutions also prefer applicants with prior healthcare working experiences, such as a nurse’s aide or patient care technician.Formal education in sterile processing or endoscopic technology is highlybeneficial, demonstrating the need to enroll insterile processing programs.
The job of a central sterile processing technician is vital to the healthcare industry. They play a critical role in preventing the spread of infection and ensuring the safety of patients and medical workers.
Read more about how to become an endoscopy technician through this infographic by Hope From Within, a sterile processing tech specialized training institution.