We’re here to tell you that sterile processing technicians jobs are in high demand these days. And with good reason!
These professionals play a vital role in keeping our hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities safe and sanitary.
But with great demand comes great responsibility!
So, in this blog, we’ll explore the world of sterile processing technician jobs and discuss how upskilling and reskilling can help meet the growing demand for patient safety.
What do sterile processing technicians do
As a sterile processing technician, your daily duties will be varied and vital to the safe operation of medical facilities.
These may include:
- Preparing and delivering sterilized instruments and equipment for medical procedures
- Sterilizing, organizing, and preparing medical equipment for use during clinical procedures
- Managing inventory of medical and surgical supplies, reordering and monitoring expiration dates
- Cleaning and decontaminating used medical equipment and supplies for reuse
- Operating and monitoring sterilization equipment, reporting any issues or concerns
- Maintaining records of sterilization procedures and equipment maintenance
- Ensuring the cleanliness of all medical supplies and equipment
- Properly disposing of medical waste
As a crucial member of the healthcare team, your attention to detail and commitment to patient safety will be critical to the success of your role.
See also: Reasons to become a sterile processing technician
Becoming a sterile processing technician typically requires some formal education and training (obviously.)
Most employers prefer candidates who have completed a sterile processing technician program from a vocational school, community college, or technical institute.
There are different resources online that tell you all about how to become an SPT.
This brings us to another important topic to discuss…
Are sterile processing technician jobs “lucrative”?
Or let us put it differently….Can a sterile processing technician make a decent living?
The answer is YES!
While it’s true that sterile processing technician jobs may not have the same glamorous reputation – as, say, brain surgeons – they can be quite lucrative in their own right.
According to recent data, the median annual wage in the US is $74,876.
Of course, wages can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and certification.
But wait, there’s more!
The world of sterile processing technician jobs is wide open.
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Many SPTs use their experience and training as a springboard to other healthcare careers.
For example…some go on to become physician assistants, utilizing their knowledge of medical procedures and equipment to assist doctors in the operating room.
Others may become surgical technologists, dental assistants, or even healthcare administrators.
With the right skills, education, and certification, you can carve out a successful and rewarding career in this vital field.
A job in high demand!
First of all, let’s talk about job growth.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% increase in employment for medical equipment preparers (which includes sterile processing technicians) from 2021 to 2031.
That’s as fast as the national average for all occupations, which is pretty darn impressive if you ask us.
But why is this field experiencing such growth?
Well, as the baby boomer generation ages, there is an increased need for healthcare services.
And where there’s healthcare, there’s a need for sterile instruments and equipment.
However, this is only one of the reasons for this (growing?) demand.
Now, let’s talk about where you might be working as a sterile processing technician.
The possibilities are endless!
You could find employment in:
- postsecondary education institutes,
- doctors’ offices,
- dentists’ offices,
- outpatient care centers,
- and, of course, hospitals.
So no matter what type of healthcare setting you prefer, there’s likely a job out there for you.
But… is this profession really THAAAT important?
Without the work of sterile processing technicians, healthcare providers would not be able to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
What are some of the challenges of SPTs?
As a sterile processing technician, you’ll be part of a team that ensures patient safety and reduces the risk of infection.
Clostridioides difficile and MRSA are 2 of the most common causes of infections that people get in hospitals.
The world has seen some significant changes in the last few years or so, thanks to the pandemic.
As we all try to adjust to this new post-pandemic reality, it’s essential to take a closer look at some of the challenges that the field of sterile processing continues to face.
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First and foremost, staffing deficiencies remain a significant issue in healthcare systems.
It’s not easy to find specialized central service technicians with the necessary sterile skills and experience.
High turnover rates can severely impact a hospital’s ability to meet surgical needs and prevent cases of surgical site infections (SSIs).
Hospitals or other healthcare facilities need to look into the problem and see how they can make the job easier for their staff (but more on that below.)
But even if hospitals manage to secure the right staff…
There’s still another challenge to contend with: instrument complexity.
Some equipment is trickier to clean than others, and SPTs need to engage more than ever before to ensure everything is properly sterilized.
A simple visual examination for damage is no longer sufficient without the proper assistance of magnification.
And this only adds to the burden of an already challenging job.
Then there’s the issue of instrument load.
SPD techs often handle an overwhelming amount of processing instruments at a faster pace.
Unfortunately, this can result in mistakes that could potentially harm the patient.
To combat these challenges, sterile processing technician training has become more critical than ever before.
Technicians but also hospitals need to understand the basics of sterile processing — from proper equipment management to ensuring that complex equipment is correctly sterilized.
And if we can tackle these challenges head-on, we can help prevent SSIs and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Ultimately, these challenges take a significant toll on hospital finances (however, this is for another time).
“Since there’s high demand for SPTs, why do I need to hone my skills?”
You probably are asking yourself this question….Is upskilling and reskilling important EVEN with high demand?
Well…Staffing shortages mean that hospitals are increasingly turning to agencies to fill vacant positions.
So, that means that you are good to go, and all you have to do is send your resume.
However, as mentioned, the cost of not knowing how to do your job properly can be high, both in terms of patient safety and financial burden for the hospital.
But with proper training and a commitment to the highest standards of sterile processing, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that healthcare providers have the tools they need to keep patients healthy and safe.
Do you see where we’re going with this? You need to constantly be adapting to a constantly changing industry.
Staying ahead of the game
So, as the healthcare industry continues to evolve and new challenges arise, it’s more important than ever to reskill and upskill as a sterile processing technician.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Keeping up with technology.
The healthcare industry is constantly changing, and new technology is being developed all the time.
By staying up-to-date with the latest SPT trends and techniques, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to the medical team.
2. Improve patient outcomes
At the end of the day, the most important thing in healthcare is patient outcomes.
By honing your skills as a sterile processing technician, you can help prevent surgical site infections, reduce the risk of equipment malfunctions, and improve overall patient safety.
Happy(and alive) patient. Happy you!
3. Boost your earning potential
Let’s be real… we all want to make more money, especially as inflation makes our money worthless these days.
But, by investing in your skills and education, you can position yourself for higher-paying roles within the healthcare industry.
Plus, with the demand for sterile processing technicians on the rise, you may have more negotiating power when it comes to salary and benefits.
4. Job security
As we’ve already mentioned, the demand for sterile processing technicians is expected to grow in the coming years.
By reskilling and upskilling, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your employer and ensure that your job is secure for years to come. Which is pretty obvious but worth mentioning anyway.
So, how can you reskill and upskill as a sterile processing technician? There are a few ways you can go about it.
Consider:
- taking continuing education courses,
- attending conferences and workshops,
- or even pursuing a higher degree in healthcare management or administration.
To wrap it up!
As we wrap up, let’s take a moment to appreciate the not-so-well-known heroes of the healthcare industry – the sterile processing technicians.
These professionals may not get the limelight that doctors and nurses do, but their role is just as crucial.
Without their tireless efforts, medical equipment could be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and infections could spread like wildfire.
The demand for these skilled professionals is only going to increase in the coming years, and that’s why reskilling and upskilling are essential.
This is not only something they need to do though.
If healthcare facilities want to retain these workers, they need to offer better benefits and training programs too.
By investing in their education and training, they can take their skills to the next level and continue to keep us all safe and healthy.
