AdminSterile processing technicians are an integral part of a hospital’s medical equipment team. They’re responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing and storing medical devices used during surgery and other healthcare procedures. While these technicians don’t interact with patients directly, they play an essential role in ensuring that patient safety and healthcare facility operations run smoothly.
As a result, the demand for sterile processing technician certification is higher than ever before. But what exactly is a sterile processing technician and how do you become one? Read on to discover more about the profession, the qualifications needed and the path to becoming certified.
This career requires a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, students should obtain basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification before starting their program.
Coursework consists of classroom instruction in decontamination and sterilization processing, anatomy and physiology, microbiology infection control and medical terminology. A clinical component is included in the program at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Backus Hospital, Windham Hospital or Westerly Hospital. This gives students a chance to apply their training in the real world and prepare for their future careers.
While some sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, others can also find employment at clinics and other healthcare facilities. The career is highly mobile, with opportunities in many states. Surgical procedures are increasing across the country, and skilled sterile processing technicians will continue to be in demand.
A successful sterile processing technician must be detail-oriented, have strong communication skills and understand the importance of maintaining patient safety in a fast-paced medical environment. In order to be a sterile processing technician, it is important to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and possess some basic health care knowledge, including bloodborne pathogens, aseptic technique, HIPAA privacy regulations and quality assurance.
If you are looking for a new challenge and a rewarding career, consider the sterile processing technician certification. It can be a great way to advance in your healthcare career and help make an impact on the patients you serve.
The sterile processing technician career certificate program from Ashworth College is designed to get you started in this field of work and provide the skills and tools you need to be successful. Coursework includes five lesson groups that prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, which is administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Earning your sterile processing technician certification can give you the confidence and skills needed to excel in your healthcare career. Ashworth College is here to help you reach your goals with flexible courses and affordable tuition payments. Learn more about our online sterile processing technician career certificate program today!