10 Reasons to Become a Sterile Processing Technician

As a sterile processing technician, you’ll work behind the scenes in the medical community. SPD Techs are some of the most important team members in a hospital’s arsenal–responsible for eliminating infections, maintaining supplies, and manually cleaning tools to be used in critical surgeries. If you’re considering a new career, explore our list of reasons why you might want to contemplate a future as a sterile processing technician. 

1. Get Your Foot in the Door Easily

Starting your career as a sterile processing technician doesn’t require years of medical school. Most sterile processing technician programs require a HS Diploma as the requirement for entry, with certifications like those offered from CBSPD available to advance your career.

2. Cost-Effective Certification

If you’re looking to advance in the sterilization field, certification helps open those doors for you. Certification with CBSPD is a one-time fee, and re-certification happens every 5 years. This helps keeps costs down, and let’s you focus on building your credentials and building up your experience! 

3. Work From Almost Anywhere

Sterile processing technicians are an important part of the medical community. Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and surgical centers across the country all require for sterile processing technicians to be on board to ensure the spread of infections and ensure tools are properly sanitized. Wherever there are patients, sterile processing technicians are needed.

4. Flexible Team Structures

Depending on the size of the hospital or medical center, you may find that you have the opportunity to work on a team or by yourself. You’ll collaborate with other departments, and will be one of the most important central roles in the organization!

5. Stable Work with Daily Challenges

As a sterile processing technician, our days will be spent moving around the workplace to collect, sterilize, and deliver tools. Don’t expect a stationary job as a sterile processing technician–You’ll find that days tend to go by quickly because you’re always on the move!

6. Opportunities as an SPD Tech are Endless

As a sterile processing technician, your opportunities span as far as your ambition does. With the right attitude and career aspirations, you can move up the ladder to a sterile processing manager or supervisor. Advancement in the sterilization field give you a deeper look at other opportunities in the medical community, and you might find that you want to explore opportunities as an endoscope technician or surgical technician.

7. Get a Behind-the Scenes Peek

As a sterile processing technician, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all parts of the hospital or medical center. You’ll frequently spend time in laboratories, operating rooms, and other areas often unseen.

8. Your Role is Critical to Keep People Healthy

You won’t have much patient interaction as a sterile processing technician, but you’ll be a crucial part of the healthcare community. As a sterile processing technician, you’re the person who will be responsible for ensuring that infectious diseases can’t spread, that surgical tools are in working order, and that each patient has a successful surgery.

9. Flexibility With Working Hours

As hospitals and medical centers require for tools to be sanitized and ready for use around the clock. Larger hospitals and medical centers usually have shifts in the morning, evening, and overnight to accommodate various schedules. Whether your a night owl or a morning bird, you’ll likely be able to find a shift that matches your preferences.

10. Join a Steady Workforce

The medical field is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States. The spike in patients with chronic conditions and aging baby boomer population have contributed to this growth (which is expected to increase as much as 20% in the next 5 years). You’ll find steady, continuous work in the medical field as a sterile processing technician, and most of all, you’ll be helping others throughout your career!

Ready to take the leap and begin your career as a sterile processing technician? Many schools offer programs to help you get your foot in the door. Once you’ve started as a sterile processing technician, consider certification from CBSPD, to show your level of knowledge and help advance your career. Have questions about where to start? Contact us for more information!