A sterilization technician is a person who sterilizes and cleans medical instruments used physicians and nurses in a hospital or medical facility. He or she may also be in charge of keeping the medical equipment and supplies in good working order. To work as a sterilization technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a training program and any additional certifications required your state. Most employers will also expect you to complete training tailored to their particular job site.
Obtaining a high school diploma or a similar certification is the first step toward becoming a sterilization technician. The majority of community colleges and universities require students to have completed high school before enrolling. Because sterilization technicians interact with other medical personnel and must write reports about the equipment, you should consider taking language and communication classes. Chemistry and biology are two other courses that may be beneficial.
You’ll need to enroll in a sterilization technician or sterile processing training program after you graduate from high school. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or vocational schools in the area. The length of your sterilization technician training program will depend on the requirements of your college program. To help them prepare for future employment, students in these programs take courses in patient care, sterilization processing, and anatomy. Some programs also provide students with the opportunity to participate in an internship to gain practical experience in a medical setting.
Because most medical facilities have their own sterile procedures to follow, you will most likely receive on-the-job training once you get a job as a sterilization technician. Depending on your position, you may be responsible for keeping track of all medical supplies, sterilizing medical equipment, and assisting with patient care as needed. Other responsibilities could include stocking medical supply carts and keeping track of medical equipment inventory.
After becoming a sterilization technician, you may be able to obtain a certification in sterile processing, though it is not required. To be certified, most certifications require you to pass at least one exam. The requirements to be eligible for certification may differ depending on the jurisdiction in which you live.
The majority of sterilization technicians work in a medical setting like a hospital or an outpatient surgical center. Because hospitals are open 24 hours a day, you may be required to work different shifts depending on your employer’s needs. Many sterilization technicians work full-time hours, but there may be some part-time openings as well.