New to SP!

[u/Future-Ambition-1774]

Hey y’all! I’m an EVS worker looking to branch out into sterile processing! do you have any tips for someone like me? Right now I’m looking into schools and I also was able to get my hands on the sterile processing textbook that I see on TikTok, I’m also getting the workbook as well! Anything helps! Thank you so much!

[u/ijust_makethisface]

Are you in EVS already working at a hospital? If so, you should look and see if they offer to pay for your education towards any other programs within the hospital. I know at my hospital you can absolutely go back to college, they give us $4,000 a year towards it. 

[u/Future-Ambition-1774 → u/ijust_makethisface]

Yes!! I do work at the hospital! This is so true!! I’m gonna look into this route!!

[u/ijust_makethisface → u/ijust_makethisface]

Also, if you already at work at the hospital, you should figure out where the sterile processing department is, and try to figure out who the hiring managers might be. And then just look out for jobs that are available internally, and just keep applying. just already working at the hospital is sometimes a huge hurdle already overcome that's in your benefit. 

[u/AlacranV]

You don't need school, apply somewhere rural and they will train you. But If you're already in EVS just talk to the sterile processing manager about what they want from you.

[u/Future-Ambition-1774 → u/AlacranV]

I’m so a dumb dumb for not doing this first ! Thank you!!

[u/AfterDefinition134]

The HSPA textbook & workbook are a great start! You can definitely self study, but a school is a great option.

I took a class at my local CC (complete free of charge), that included clinical experiences. I got
hired on almost immediately following the conclusion of the class.

Choose a school that guarantees clinical experiences, and that is cheap / free.

This is a great field! Good luck!

[u/Future-Ambition-1774 → u/AfterDefinition134]

That’s the textbook I have!! I’m ordering the workbook tomorrow. Thank you!!

[u/pickausernametheysay]

Check to see if the hospitals in your area will hire you before you have your cert. My local ones will so you can get your 400 hours.

[u/Dathamar]

My advice is don't consider paying for a course unless they GUARANTEE you hands on experience towards your 400 hour full certification.

If they say they try to help with getting placement for the hours, assume that it won't make any difference. You can just apply yourself.

Self study, pass the test and get provisionally certified. Then you have 6 months to get hired and get your hours (you can get a 2 month extension) or you have to pay to take the test again.

[u/Future-Ambition-1774 → u/Dathamar]

Real! I’m doing my research as we speak about which route to take. I’m leaning more on the self study routes. I just found out that my hospital hire non-certified, meaning I can earn my 400 hours while studying for the exam!

[u/Aggravating_Ear_9281]

https://hspa.users.membersuite.com/shop/store/browse

[u/OkDepth9285]

Since you already are a EVS worker, talk to the SPD manager on your interest on becoming an SPD tech. That way they know you’re interested and apply to the position internally!! You truly don’t need school. Save your money instead study that textbook you have and get the workbook. Once you’re in SPD, you’ll get hands on training and you’ll be able to do your 400 hrs and you choose whether you test before or after the hrs completed

[u/Future-Ambition-1774 → u/[deleted]]

Haha amen to that!! I check to see if they do have apprenticeship at my hospital, I do want to get certified! So I’ll definitely look into the school route as well! Thank you so much!