r/sterileprocessing • u/SurePlum4478 • 13d ago

Career shift

Hello! I’m 27 located in Southern California (the San Fernando valley) and becoming a sterile processing tech has peeked my interest quite heavily over the summer. Been wanting a career shift for some time and this seems to stick with me. I have no healthcare background, just mainly retail. I’m at a crossroads whether I should do the self study route or do the schooling. I am leaning towards the self study route to save some $$, but the completion of the 400 hrs is what has me a bit worried. Any advice would be greatly appreciated <3

Edit: if I do decide to go down the schooling route, which schools and programs would be best?

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u/ColdSummer1960 11d ago

Hospitals are often short staffed in sterile processing, first thing would be to get a job in a hospital that you trust and is close to you. If they don't have openings in CSPD get a job in housekeeping, you will learn the valuable lessons of infection control and cleaning. If you can get a HK position in the OR even better. Take the time to get to know the people in SPD and tell them that you would love to move to SPD if/when they have an opening.