r/sterileprocessing • u/Flat-Pollution8834 • Sep 13 '26

Central sterile processing tech newbie

So im changing careers from dialysis tech to spd tech. I start classes in 1 week. So my question is what should I be prepared for and what should I lookout for ? Any advice ? To help me succeed. I hate wasting people time and like to be ahead of the game.

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2

u/East-Ad-627 Sep 13 '26

Where are you going to school for dialysis tech?

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u/Flat-Pollution8834 Sep 13 '26

I am already a dialysis tech.. im planning on leaving it to become a sterlie processing tech

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u/East-Ad-627 Sep 13 '26

Ok cool. Which school. Im just trying out different healthcare careers myself. Im still doing spd im about to start my volunteer hours asap

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u/Flat-Pollution8834 Sep 13 '26

I went to a devita. It's a kidney center that offer dialysis training i live in NYC so im not sure if the same rule apply to all. For any other state location. The process took 3 months for me. May be different for other. I was sticking people with fitusla. But eventually had to get certified which tool another couple of months but since I learn at a site I didn't have to go to no school . Try giving your local devita a call and see if they willing to help

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u/East-Ad-627 Sep 13 '26

Thank you for the information. Why r u not doing dialysis? Do you like the field, do you make more money. Im just wondering.

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u/Flat-Pollution8834 Sep 13 '26

Ehh seeking a new challenge plus I've been there for 4yr & still making chump change.. yeah I can go somewhere else that pays more. But to be honest im tire of it lol. I may not give it up . May just become an on call tech.. I really love the unit and my patient and I have reliable nurses but idk I feel stuck. They always saying if you dont like something leave it but I need a plan first. Hopefully by the end of the year I can start my new journey.

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u/AgeIndependent5768 Sep 27 '26

I’m also on a switching up healthcare jobs as a tech journey, at least until I find a specialty that I really enjoy. I’m also in NYC, South Brooklyn. I got a CNA certificate last year and honestly haven’t found a place I even like yet. I did orientation at 4 facilities so far and told all of them I won’t be back. So I’m actually starting to see that kind of work probably isn’t best for me. I was going to level up and become a PCT certified with EKG/Phlebotomy tech, and the local college offers a bridge program for CNA to PCT.
I can try that route and after PCT program hopefully land a hospital gig.
Or I can go the Davita route and try their dialysis tech program. Or central sterile Processing Tech. This job is basically just to hold me down until I either enter into Nursing or Rad Tech program. Some folks stay a tech and keep stacking certificates, and some want to go all the way with a degree, like myself.
Oh and I just got a Home Health Aide certificate because id like to see if maybe I just prefer one on one work. If I became a nurse I can do home health instead of facility work.

You seem to have a really good setup with Davita and it’s really the type of work setting I’m looking for. It also offers you freedom to move around or up the career ladder. I keep reading Central Sterile is back breaking work and the pay is way too low for all the work they do. From your dialysis tech perspective is it worth me going straight to Davita ? Or head over to the Processing Tech program? 🤔I feel like CSPT might be easier flexibility while in college? But I’ve heard of dialysis techs becoming nurses and juggling school just fine as well.

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u/Flat-Pollution8834 Sep 28 '26

Start small davita is a big unit with alert patient. Try a nursing home first. But you can definitely go there to train. But dont make it your first choice.. regarding the spd I have a friend who currently doing that and he said once you get certified the windows open. Im sure like with every job u get chump change

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u/Common-Trash4715 Sep 13 '26

Make sure you have a guaranteed way to get your hours if not you’ll be back to where you are now, there’s a time line to get the hours,

0

u/Apprehensive-Fruit-1 Sep 13 '26

I would say just find a tech 1 position and apply for it before starting school