In a healthcare setting, every employee fulfills an important role. Some provide patient care, some clean rooms, some fill prescriptions, and some sterilize instruments. A healthcare environment can be home to many germs, and sterilizing instruments properly is essential for limiting patients’ exposure to them. For Central Service Professionals Week, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the people who fill this important role.
Importance of the best sterile technicians
Sterile technicians, also known as central service professionals, are a key line of defense against infection in any type of healthcare environment. Their role is critical, and it cannot be overstated. The sterile processing technician plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality, and inventory of healthcare instrumentation and equipment.
As in other aspects of healthcare, technology plays a role in the central services field. With the ever-expanding technological advancements in medical supplies, instrumentation, medical devices, and equipment, highly-trained individuals are needed in the field of central service. Skilled sterile techs know the importance of continuing education to remain current with advances, including in technology, in the field.
How to become one
Education programs cover the material necessary for people to become sterile processing techs. Lessons start with the basics of terminology and techniques before focusing on modern technologies, quality assurance, inventory management and central service communications. With this approach, even people with no prior healthcare experience can complete the academic program to give them the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this field.
It’s important to note that certification is a typical requirement for sterile techs. There are two certification options: the first is Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and the second is Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT). After completing an academic program to become a sterile tech, an individual may take a certification exam to begin working in this field.
Is it right for you?
Different careers suit different people. Although it’s impossible to determine if a career will be a perfect fit, people can research a career to get a sense of how appropriate it might be for them. For example, sterile processing techs may work independently sometimes, but they must also work as part of an operations team in a healthcare organization. In addition, flexibility is important: due to hospitals’ around-the-clock schedules, being on call is often required, as is some holiday work.
Although many sterile processing or central service professionals work in hospitals, there are other options, including ambulatory surgery centers, medical laboratories, birth centers, or other facilities where sterilized equipment is needed. This is important because it gives these professionals choices in terms of working environments.
We value Central Service Professionals
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Are you considering a career in healthcare? If so, we’ll be here when you’re ready to find the perfect assignment. We look forward to talking with you; we’re at 310.436.3650, and we’ll be waiting for your call.
