Are you considering a career as a sterile tech? We shared some important information about this topic during the year, and here are some highlights to help you learn more. 2019 may be the year for you to pursue that career as a sterile tech!
Thinking about California?
We’re based in California, and 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 thinking about joining us in the Golden State? The salary may be part of the draw: the average salary for a surgical tech in California is $59,850, based on an average hourly salary of $28.77 per hour.
If this career is in your future, you can get started by enrolling in a sterile processing certificate program, which will cover the scientific principles that underlie decontamination, processing, sterilization, distribution, and inventory control of instrumentation.
Why is sterile tech a good job?
A job can be a way to earn money, but it can be so much more. Sterile techs can make a difference every single day, working behind the scenes to prevent infections and other possible medical complications. Their work is so vital that most modern medical facilities would not be able to function without them.
Sterile processing techs are indispensable, and that means that these jobs exist where modern medical facilities are located. This is good news for sterile techs because they can find jobs in hospitals or other healthcare facilities in a wide variety of locations.
Why is the field expanding?
Healthcare facilities can be very busy places, and minimizing the risk of infection is of paramount importance. Consider minimally-invasive surgery; it’s popular because it offers important benefits, including a shorter recovery period, less trauma, and shorter hospital stay. Each surgery involves instruments that need to be cleaned and sterilized.
Aside from surgeries, instruments are used in a variety of situations in healthcare settings. During any given day, a medical team may treat chronic diseases, a variety of injuries, infections, and much more. Each situation might require the use of instruments, and they all need to be cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
Certification
Sterile techs can become certified by passing the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, which is offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
Your education and any experience you’ve gained so far will help you prepare for the exam, but you can do additional preparation, as well. Practice exams will be very helpful to you; be sure to use current materials when you study because outdated materials may steer you in the wrong direction on some topics.
We wish you all the best in 2019
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. If you decide to become a sterile tech; we’ll be here for you when you’re ready for the next step in the field. We’re at 310.436.3650, and we look forward to working with you.
