Sterile processing technicians are an integral but often overlooked part of medical teams. These technicians are responsible for inventorying, packaging and sterilizing medical instruments. This is a key part of controlling infection in the medical workplace. This article will tell you how to become a sterile processing technician in the U.S.
Steps
-
Obtain a high school diploma or a GED. [1] X Research source You should have a strong background in science.
-
Take certification courses at community colleges, career colleges, or take an online course. There are several schools which offer online courses. Career colleges offer 10 weeks programs, community colleges 1 to 2 years programs. [2] X Research source
- Some of these sterile processing technician programs offer traditional instruction combined with hands-on training in the hospitals, medical centers or surgery centers. Check with the schools in your area or on industry oriented websites.
Advertisement -
Gain on-the-job experience. You can usually get this experience through jobs or official certification programs. [3] X Research source
-
Earn certification through either the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) [4] X Research source or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
- Sterile Processing Technician Certification is required by law only in 2 states at the moment, New York and New Jersey. But most employers require certification. There are 2 kinds of certification, CBSPD and IAHCSMM. Certification requirements vary between the CBSPD and IAHCSMM. Check each association for updated information.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Plan on getting as much hands-on experience as possible. IAHCSMM organization usually requires 1 year or 400 hours of experience to pass the board exam.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0LVztJftbg
- ↑ https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/How-Do-You-Become-a-Sterile-Processing-Technician
- ↑ https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/How-Do-You-Become-a-Sterile-Processing-Technician
- ↑ https://www.cbspd.net/tech/
- http://education-portal.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Sterile_Processing_Aide.html
- Sterile Processing Technician
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 125,083 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I am interested in this field. The video helped me understand what it entailed. I especially liked how she felt about the job and what kind of environment she worked. " ..." more
Advertisement
90%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I am interested in this field. The video helped me understand what it entailed. I especially liked how she felt about the job and what kind of environment she worked. "
..."
more
"I've worked as CSSD technician in a cardiac hospital from 8 years, and I want to do the certificate course for central sterilization processing technician."
..."
more
"It was very detailed and informative. I was told more than my question. Very helpful, thanks for assisting me!"
"Thank you for letting people share their stories. It was very informative. Thank You."
"Provided the exact information I was looking for. "
