What Is a Sterile Processing Technician?

A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) is a crucial member of the healthcare team, responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and inspecting surgical tools and medical devices. By upholding strict sterilization standards and infection-control protocols, they help prevent hospital-acquired infections and keep both patients and clinical staff safe.

Key Responsibilities:

• Decontaminating and sterilizing surgical instruments
• Operating and maintaining advanced sterilization equipment
• Inspecting tools for damage or wear
• Packaging and labeling items for storage or immediate use
• Managing inventory and restocking sterile supplies

Where Do Sterile Processing Technicians Work?

SPTs typically work in hospital sterile processing departments, but they also find roles in:

• Surgical Centers: Handling instrument turnover for outpatient procedures
• Clinics and Medical Offices: Supporting smaller-scale operations
• Dental Offices: Ensuring specialized dental instruments are sanitized
• Research Labs and Pharmaceuticals: Maintaining sterile equipment for testing and product development

Educational Requirements

California requires you to complete a state-approved sterile processing training program (often 400+ hours) that covers infection control, sterilization techniques, and medical terminology. Community colleges, vocational schools, and private institutes frequently offer these programs.

• High School Diploma or GED: Typically the minimum entry requirement
• Accredited Program Coursework: Covers microbiology, decontamination procedures, equipment handling, and recordkeeping
• Hands-On Clinical Experience: Usually 400 hours in a hospital or surgical center

Steps to become a Sterile Processing Technician in California

To become a Sterile Processing Technician in California, you should have a high school diploma, complete an accredited SPT program, and pass an accredited exam such as the CRCST.

1. Find a sterile processing technician class

To locate a class for a sterile processing technician, use Dreambound! In California, training for sterile processing technicians can be done online or in person. Under the supervision of working professionals, on-the-job training should also be accomplished.

Dreambound has a list of accredited training programs for sterile processing technicians that you can search by distance, program duration, accessible payment methods, and more!

2. Meet Sterile Processing Technician class requirements

The requirements listed below are the usual requirements; however, there might be more. The best course of action is to speak with your selected institution to further identify what is required.

• All candidates must be at least 18 years old.
• Every candidate needs to show an identity card issued by the state.
• To be able to work in the United States, you must be a US citizen or be qualified to obtain a Social Security number.
• A high school diploma, GED, or other proof of higher academic degree. (Foreign transcripts obtained outside of the United States need to be assessed for US equivalency)
• A background check stating a clear record or no previous felonies.

3. Complete your class

In sterile processing technician school, topics being covered may include infection control, sterilization techniques, medical terminology, and anatomy.

4. Get your Sterile Processing Technician certification

To become a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT), one must first understand the certification requirements, which can vary by state. For instance, in California, the certification is administered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

In addition to completing an SPT program, applicants are usually required to have a certain number of hours of hands-on experience, obtained through internships, externships, or on-the-job training.

After meeting these prerequisites, the next step is to prepare for and take the certification exam, which tests knowledge and skills in areas like sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical terminology. Resources such as study guides, practice exams, and online courses are available to aid in preparation. Once the certification is achieved, it's crucial to maintain it by fulfilling the continuing education requirements set by the certification board, which may include completing a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) or participating in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

5. Work as a Sterile Processing Technician!

After obtaining your Sterile Processing Technician certification, you should first update your resume to reflect this qualification and any relevant experience or skills. Networking is also crucial; connect with those in the healthcare field and attend industry events. Start applying for jobs in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics, using online job portals and healthcare staffing agencies.

When invited for interviews, prepare by researching common questions and rehearsing your responses. Dress professionally, and bring copies of your resume. Lastly, consider gaining additional certifications in areas like infection control or surgical technology to enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Where to Find Sterile Processing Technician Classes in California

Dreambound, the largest platform for comparing vocational training programs, helps you find accredited sterile processing technician classes in California. Whether you're searching for community colleges, technical schools, or university programs, Dreambound offers detailed information to empower your decision-making process. It's never been easier to pinpoint the ideal training program to jump-start your career in sterile processing.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Certified Sterile Processing Technicians can advance to:

• Lead or Senior SPT: Oversee daily instrument management
• Department Supervisor: Manage workflow, staff training, and quality assurance
• Surgical Technologist: Move closer to the operating room, assisting surgeons directly
• Infection Control Specialist: Focus on broader facility-wide infection prevention strategies
• Educator or Trainer: Teach future SPTs in academic or hospital settings

Frequently Asked Questions