The number of operating room procedures performed in the U.S. is increasing. A 2023 study from iData Research indicated that about 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed each year, with that figure expected to reach 1.3 million by 2029. While advances in medical technology are improving patient outcomes overall, it is essential for medical professionals to take precautions to avoid errors and complications.
One cause for concern is the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can occur when patients are exposed to contaminated medical equipment in operating rooms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3.2% of patients develop an HAI. Sterile processing technicians work to prevent HAIs by ensuring that surgical tools and equipment are properly cleaned and prepared between procedures.
For those aspiring to enter the healthcare sector, becoming a sterile processing technician can be an excellent choice. Specialized sterile processing technician training programs help students gain the skills they need to start a rewarding career in this field.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Responsibilities
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for disinfecting and preparing the tools and equipment used in operating room procedures. Following a surgery, they collect used tools, categorize them based on cleaning requirements, and dispose of medical waste to prevent contamination.
Once the tools are organized, the technician sterilizes them using pressurized steam, chemicals, or other cleaning methods. Next, they prepare the instruments for the next procedure by wrapping and arranging them on trays for the surgical team. They also prepare single-use items such as surgical gloves, monitor inventories of supplies, and replace items when needed.
How Long Is a Sterile Processing Technician Training Program?
The length of time it takes to become a sterile processing technician can vary depending on several factors. Some employers may only require that technicians have a high school diploma or GED to begin their career, and they may offer on-the-job training. However, many employers seek candidates who have completed a sterile processing technician training program. These programs can vary in length, typically ranging from 10 weeks to two years.
Training programs offer courses that cover core subjects, such as techniques for cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing medical equipment and tools, as well as general healthcare guidelines and best practices. Some programs also offer hands-on opportunities to practice sterilization techniques in a real-life scenario.
Becoming certified as a sterile processing technician can improve employment prospects and is required in some states. Gaining practical experience can help prepare individuals for some certification requirements. For example, Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certifications, which test competency in this role, require at least 400 in-person hours of practical experience.
Key Skills for Sterile Processing Technicians
Sterile processing technicians are key members of a surgical team, using their knowledge of proper sterilization and healthcare protocols to keep operating rooms safe and contamination-free. Here are some examples of of hard and soft skills needed in a sterile processing technician career:
Sterilization techniques. Sterilization of medical equipment and tools is complex, involving various gases, chemicals, and plasma. Some equipment requires specialized chemicals to be properly sterilized. For example, technicians use ethylene oxide to clean materials made from plastic or resin, as it does not damage the equipment.
Healthcare standards knowledge. Sterile processing technicians need to understand standard healthcare protocols to ensure a safe and clean work environment, both in and out of the operating room.
Attention to detail. To prevent equipment from being contaminated, sterile processing technicians must ensure that all tools are accounted for and properly sterilized before being reused.
Communication. Sterile processing technicians often work in conjunction with surgical teams to provide reports on the status of operating rooms and any equipment in need of repair. Depending on their work environments, some technicians may work as part of a larger technician team, requiring them to communicate effectively to ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately.
Adaptability. Like many other medical professions, sterile processing technicians may take on different responsibilities from day to day, depending on the situation in their work environments. They may be asked to shift their priorities quickly in response to emergencies, and they also need to adapt over time to keep up with changes in procedures and equipment.
Organizational skills. Sterile processing technicians must be highly organized to maintain proper inventory levels and keep track of equipment sterilization and disposal.
Make a Difference in Healthcare With Sterile Processing
Sterile processing technicians can directly improve health outcomes by preparing operating rooms and sterilizing surgery equipment to prevent the spread of HAIs. With an understanding of how long it takes to become a sterile processing technician, those interested in working in healthcare can see this as an excellent entry-level career option.
Fortis offers a Sterile Processing Technician training program that can prepare you for this career in less than a year of school. The program covers sterilization techniques, safety protocols, and communication skills, blending classroom education with hands-on experience to equip you for the demands of the job.
Discover how Fortis can prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the operating room and beyond.
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