A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) is someone who disinfects tools in a surgical environment. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by sterilizing medical supplies. If working in a surgical unit interests you, here’s a guide to being an SPT.
Most states do not need prior education or to have certification to begin working. Some facilities may allow you to learn on the job. Yet, a certificate can provide many benefits.
The only states that look for certifications to work as an SPT are Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Though, getting a certification will provide you with clinical training as well. This could lead to a direct route of employment after completion as well!
The first step in becoming a certified SPT is completing an accredited program from a community college, trade school, or online. Some employers might need a degree, but you can start this path by earning a diploma within 10 weeks to two years.
Note that a high school diploma is also not necessary for training, but it is for certifications.
Training for this program might cost somewhere between $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the school.
The two main accrediting bodies that offer certification for SPTs are:
Each organization offers a certification exam requiring a specific credit or experience. These certifications are valid for five years.
1. The HSPA exam requires candidates to have 400 hours of practical experience in the following areas:
2. While the CBSPD's exam prerequisites vary depending on your experience and education. Candidates typically fulfill one of the following requirements:
Once you pass the exam, you are considered a Certified SPT! You can also seek extra certifications if you want. This is optional, but obtaining one would be highly beneficial for your career advancement. You can pursue one of these certifications if you like:
Becoming an SPT is an exciting career path that requires a unique set of skills. If you're interested in becoming one, you'll need to get these skills that will prepare you for this role:
SPTs work in various healthcare settings where sterile equipment is necessary. Your workplace will usually be in sterile processing or central supply areas. This could be in hospitals with surgical units and outpatient surgical centers. It can also be in doctors' offices and other facilities where sterilized equipment is in need for minor procedures. Regardless of where their goal is to ensure the sterility and availability of tools required for safety procedures.
Being an SPT requires understanding and memorization of surgical equipment and its uses. The position requires strong attention to detail as there are thousands of different pieces. This includes Glassman intestinal clamps, Adair tissue forces, and bulldog clamps, as an example.
Their job isn't only to sterilize them but to know what they are and their use. You’ll need to be able to build a surgical tray of 50 pieces of different equipment for specific surgeries. All while knowing the surgeon's preferences down to the different weights of the item.
This required studying microbiology and infection control. They will also need to be proficient in anatomy and physiology as they need to know why and what certain equipment is used for the human body. This means you need to be well-versed in medical and surgical terminology.
When becoming an SPT, you can work with a variety of shifting schedules, depending on the type of facility. According to BLS data, SPTs have an average salary of around $42,000 annually ($20/hr). SPTs working in commercial equipment and supplies wholesalers tend to get paid the most.
Together with other healthcare careers, you can expect a job growth of 6% from 2021 to 2031. The highest-paying states for this job are California, DC, Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. Being an SPT can be a rewarding career choice for those looking for job stability. Aside from career growth, you’ll make one of the biggest contributions to patient safety.
Venice Nuyda is a student-support representative at Dreambound. She is responsible for helping students through their training journey in the allied health space. She is passionate about helping others and writing informative articles to aid candidates in advancing their vocational careers.