Completing a sterile processing program and having an SPT certification at a college or university is the shortest way to a new profession as a sterile processing tech. Although some individuals get jobs where certification is unnecessary, gaining your sterile processing credential will make you a lot more appealing prospect for future employers and ensure you are equipped with the abilities you will utilize at work regularly. Although sterile processing programs may often take up to two years to finish, an expedited program can get you your certificate in as short as 42 weeks.
Studying the sterile processing program will give you a high-level review of infection-control best practices and learn about the surgical tools you will encounter on the job. When you have covered the fundamentals, you will learn about thorough decontamination and sterilization processes to ensure you are ready to do your work as a sterile processing tech safely and efficiently. You will also learn about different medical equipment and how to properly examine them before and after usage to guarantee they function well.
Another step in earning your sterile processing diploma will be participating in training, where you will get real-world experience in a supervised environment. Your training will help you continue developing concrete habits and abilities, be well-prepared to ace your certification test and begin your new profession as a sterile processing technician.
Although some jurisdictions do not need entry-level sterile processing technicians to complete a certification test before beginning their careers, being certified by one of the most generally known organizations will be a huge plus when searching for positions. Several jurisdictions may need certification to demonstrate that you have the necessary training and abilities to play a critical role in patient safety.
Thus, to get started as a sterile processing technician, you should check into the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Each business has its unique test, but you should anticipate 100-150 multiple-choice questions for two to three hours.
If you are planning to be a sterile processing technician, continue reading the infographic below from Martinson College to learn further about why sterile processing is important.
