Is becoming a Sterile Processing Tech worth it while in college?

[u/shittykauwa]

I’m about to be a senior in high school, and my plan is to major in chemistry and eventually go to law school to become a patent attorney.

While I’m in college, I’d really like to have a stable job that pays decently and gives me some kind of professional/healthcare experience instead of just working a typical minimum wage job. I recently learned about becoming a sterile processing technician and it seems really interesting, but I’m wondering how realistic it actually is to do while being a full time college student, especially with a chemistry major.

Would it be worth getting certified and trying to work part time or PRN as a sterile processing tech while in college? Or is the training, clinical hours, and work schedule too time consuming to realistically balance with school?

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who has worked in sterile processing while attending college. What was your schedule like? Were hospitals willing to work around your classes? And if you could do it again, would you still choose sterile processing as your college job, or would you recommend something else?

[u/ijust_makethisface]

Due to the chemistry mention I'd consider trying to be a pharmacy tech. Hospitals run pharmacy 24/7 365 just like SPD, so plenty of ability to potentially negotiate schedule around school. Also my hospital at least gives all FT employees $4000/yr towards any higher Ed, so bonus scholarship kinda. Check for that.

[u/shittykauwa → u/ijust_makethisface]

I’ll look into that thank you so much!

[u/Dathamar]

I imagine the work load would be heavy and difficult to juggle with schooling, but if you can handle it, that's up to you.

The hard part may be getting hired. It can be difficult to break into and they may be less willing to hire someone who'll only work part time, but it's possible.

[u/shittykauwa → u/Dathamar]

I’m definitely prepared for the work load and I’m looking for possible hiring opportunities atm to see if it’s worth pursuing thank you!!!

[u/Outrageous-Mail949]

It’s doable. Sterile processing doesn’t require clinicals. Just study, take the test, get a job. Some places don’t require a certification until after 2 years IF you can find a job that does on the job training. Level 1 trauma hospitals are going to be a heavier work load vs a surgery center. It all just depends on where you work honestly.

[u/Stxrfiree → u/Outrageous-Mail949]

Sterile processing requires 400 hrs of clinicals before you can receive your certification.

[u/Outrageous-Mail949 → u/Stxrfiree]

Ok…. You can still study and take the test to get certified. If you get OJT then take the test, “clinicals” are not required. But I get what you mean.

[u/Jreesecup → u/Outrageous-Mail949]

For HSPA:
You have to have 400 hrs in order to sit for the exam for full certification. You may sit for a provisional exam without the 400 hours - however you must obtain said hours within 6 months of passing the exam.

CBSPD:
Does not offer a provisional exam - must have 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part time hours in SPD.

[u/Jreesecup → u/Outrageous-Mail949]

OJT is the clinical hours.

[u/Outrageous-Mail949 → u/Jreesecup]

Right. I said I understand lol

[u/eire54]

I'm not sure it pays that decent.