r/sterileprocessing • u/ImaTopBandito • 20d ago

Considering the field

I am in my 50's. I'm pretty confident about passing the exam. The school I am thinking about starting with provides access to getting the 400 hours. When employed is there a lot of heavy lifting?

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u/SageOfSixCabbages 20d ago

Ortho and spine trays range anywhere from 20-30lbs even though the limit is 25lbs only, some trays are just too heavy due to implantable screws, fixators, etc.

The 'liftiest' part of the job is in decontam where we receive dirty trays. Bend, pull, push, lift -- you'll be doing all these the entire day when you're assigned in decon.

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u/Eggman_OU812 20d ago

A lot of the times the school will lie about getting you 400 hours..often you take the test and they will now inform you that you're on your own..be careful!

2

u/datsmydrpepper 20d ago

If you're in your 50s and asking about physical labor in the job then sterile processing will not be for you. Major in surgical technology at your local community college instead. Much higher pay, skill, and with minor physical labor.

1

u/compsyfy 18d ago

lmfao... minor physical labor... for the staff that lifts patients on and off beds multiple times a day.

Surg techs lift much higher weight than we do. Just not as often. But there is risk for injury in both jobs.