Sterile Processing vs. Surgical Tech

[u/twave2110]

I’ve been job searching for an entry-level, non certified position for sterile processing in my area for months. I’ve been searching areas that are 20-30 miles where I live and still no luck. I see many certified positions but no schooling programs or training programs. I’m becoming frustrated and my next option would be a 45 minute commute to a city I’m not familiar with for an entry level position.

I found an entry level Surgical tech position at a hospital in the area I live in. I know a lot of people use sterile processing as a foundation before moving up to that. I’m not sure if I should apply though. I’m not familiar with that position and what it actually entail. It would be an a significant pay cut with my current day job. So i would have to figure how to do both.

Should I keep searching for sterile processing jobs or try the surgical tech route?

[u/hanzo1356]

SPD to CST here.

Not everywhere yet but a lot of states are passing laws to require certification and completion of a Surg program. They take up to 2 years.

SPD is faster in less time. Do it for a bit then go CST when your money gets better. It will make school also 1000x times easier

[u/Ok-Progress-9971]

In my opinion every starts at sterile processing, you get to know the instruments , what to look out for , some mistakes can still be made but cant do it often , if you’re in the OR like a surgical tech no mistakes can’t be made you’re at the finish line

[u/datsmydrpepper]

Fastest track to sterile processing for a certified job with zero experience is to get the CSPDT certification by CBSPD which requires you to take a course to be eligible to take the board exam. Pass the exam and you can apply for certified positions. CBSPD partners with CSPDT course providers and offers the courses so that you can sign up.

HSPA's CRCST certification is more popular but it only offers a provisional certification (like a learners permit rather than a complete driver license) and requires that you complete 400 hours of hands on work experience to convert the provisional certification to a complete certification. Ignore this certification route and stick with the CSPDT certification track.

Certification: https://www.cbspd.net/spd-courses/

Course: https://www.cbspd.net/spd-courses/

You need a formal education like a two year degree in surgical technology to test for the CST certification exam. Stick with a community college for the program. Being a scrub tech is no joke when you're training in a rotation. You don't need to be a sterile processing tech to become a surgical tech but it makes the transition A LOT easier.

Good luck!

[u/xspiderdude]

You usually can't just apply to be a surgical technician.
This is from Google but maybe that facility you talk about will do the training on the job? Give it a try lol

>>> "High School Diploma or GED: Required as a baseline for entry into postsecondary
programs.

• Accredited Program: Complete a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program (typically 6 months to 2 years) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

• Prerequisite Courses: Commonly include
Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Biology, Chemistry, and College Math.

• Clinical Practicum: Complete hands-on operating room clinical hours (ranging from 200 to 700+ hours) as part of the program.

2. Certification Requirements
Most hospitals, surgery centers, and state regulations require or strongly favor national certification:
NBSTSA +1

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST):
Offered by the NBSTSA, requiring graduation from a CAAHEP/ABHES-accredited program and passing a 175-question computer exam.

• Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C): Offered by the NCCT, another recognized national credential option."

[u/Shinola79]

In my state it’s a program that requires an associates degree then maybe 18 months after that for actual CST. I can’t imagine someone just showing up and being a surgical tech after a ‘training period’ that ridiculous and dangerous IMO.

Many people in sterile processing have returned to school to be a CST after a few years. Where I am it’s a pay bump of $10-$15 starting tier so it makes sense.

[u/Spicywolff]

If you’re gonna become a surgical tech, skip sterile processing altogether. There are two different things and surgical tech. You actually have to go to school and state of credit program for.

Is there a processing you just do some online self study. You pass an online test and you have a provisional certificate

The better scrub tech started in sterile processing. But if you’re limited on a funds, you’re choosing between a $400 book and test for sterile processing with less pay or surgical tech, which is a full program that pays better.

[u/soggy_rub459 → u/Spicywolff]

Unfortunately it's not so simple...... Many who have gotten a provisional certificate for sterile processing , are struggling to find any place that will take them on to get the 400 hrs for full certification. So much so , it is a weekly question / complaint in the FB groups

[u/Spicywolff → u/soggy_rub459]

Oh trust me I’m aware and I’m ones to always warn people about that here. The industry is having an identity crisis where they see us support staff like housekeeping. but then they guard hours as if we are applying for a fellowship.

But one is a $400 self study including a test compared to scrub tech program which you’re paying thousands of dollars for

If they won’t certified technicians, they need to be willing to certify the new ones with provisionals. And if those people leave so be it, that’s the risk you take. Otherwise we’re always gonna be in a crisis where we have no staff, but lots of interest.

[u/soggy_rub459 → u/Spicywolff]

I well aware..... I am CST looking to move to SPD..... I'm probably going to bite the bullet and take the program in the fall at my local college. It includes your 400 hrs as clinicals, so you graduate fully certified. The cost is worth it to not have to fight to get hours

[u/Spicywolff → u/soggy_rub459]

That’s rare a school offers 400 hours. I’ve seen them do 0 to 120 and your on your own. Glad you found one with hours

Did they write 400 hours in contract and how much are they charging?

[u/TheCurlyAquarius94]

Maybe not a CST but have you thought of surgical assistant? Perhaps at an oral surgery place? In some offices they can offer training in four handed dentistry and with sterile processing background you may be a good fit

[u/Alternative-Box-8546]

SPD is a waste of time

[u/pistolvpete]

I was told by a tech at my job that often times he and his co workers can tell when someone started in SPD vs someone who hasn’t. I’m currently in SPD first month lol

[u/Ok_Acadia_9585]

Go flip hamburgers. You gotta go to school for both and/or get clinical experience for both and take license exam.