STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN—GES1028

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JOB OUTLOOK FOR STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIANS

With the healthcare industry’s ever-increasing demand for quality and safety, the need for skilled sterile processing technicians continues to grow. The median sterile processing technician salary is $34,199.

• As of December 14, 2022, there are 44,190 active job postings for sterile processing technicians, with a projected growth rate of 6.3% over the next 10 years for this profession.

Sterile Processing Technician FAQs

WHAT IS A STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN? WHAT DO STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIANS DO?

According to Indeed.com, a sterile processing technician regularly performs several duties, including:

• Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
• Collecting and manually cleaning used and contaminated medical equipment, supplies, and instruments for sorting and decontamination
• Preparing and packing decontaminated medical tools and supplies for sterilization
• Checking and reporting any problems or issues with the sterilization equipment to surgeons or supervisors and requesting replacements
• Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, sterilized items, and supplies
• Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately

WHY IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR A STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN?

Certification is vital for sterile processing technicians as it validates their expertise and knowledge in the field. It demonstrates their commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety and infection prevention. Many healthcare facilities and employers require or prefer certified sterile processing technicians to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
• Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
• Acquire basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
• Understand sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
• Learn the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
• Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
• Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), thereby becoming a recognized professional in the field, eligible for employment in a wide range of healthcare settings.

* PREREQUISITES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To become eligible for the national sterile processing technician certification exam, candidates are required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, a prerequisite best fulfilled before program enrollment.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Full CRCST Certification

• Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.

Provisional CRCST Certification

• Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.

CURRICULUM AND PRICE

Please click here to see the curriculum outline, price, course details, and frequently asked questions.