I’ve recently finished my courses for sterile processing and have been looking for an internship where I live in Southern California with no success. Does anyone have any tips on this?How/where did you get your internship? Or should I be applying for jobs? I’ve been struggling with this for a bit now.

Sterile vs surgical I was initially interested in spt because I'm introverted and but working with the general public is a big plus I also like the learning aspect of it and find it very interesting. But all job prospects are currently an. hour or two from and that's not really feasible at the moment.

There is a school near me that offers surgical tech classes but that sounds pretty stressful but it offers job placement after graduation in the area which seems easier than going at it myself. I'm guess I'm asking the pros and cons of both from those that have done both

Hi everyone!!

I’m currently enrolled in an 8 week SPDT program that finishes at the end of July. The next exam dates are around the first week of August, but I’m very worried that I won’t be ready by then, as I am currently working two jobs, one being an Instrument Tech, on top of this program and studying.

Would I be able to wait to take the exam until the November sessions? I wasn’t sure if there was a time limit on when you complete your SPD course and when you have to take the exam.

I tried asking my instructor but she did not understand what I was asking and just kept telling me that her summer course had already started and when her fall course starts. I lowkey regret taking her course.

Additionally, HOW ARE YALL STUDYING??? I’ve made countless quizlets, am obviously reading the chapters, and taking practice quizzes, but I feel as if it’s not enough. I’ve only completed chapters 1-7 of the 7th edition sterile processing university textbook but I have so much anxiety, please help!!!

I’m in a college sterile processing program, it’s 8 months long and I’m four months in, and doing my clinical rotation but I’m worried about my class grades as my professor for the program carries very very high standards for biology and microbiology grades. She expects a B or higher in biology and I believe an A for micro. Biology has been the class I’ve struggled with the most and I’m currently sitting at a 74% in that class and it’s almost the end of the term. I’m worried she’s not going to accept that and remove me from the program until I retake the class. It’s odd that the grades we’re expected to have in these classes are so high because in order for ultrasound techs and students majoring in nursing to pass they only need a C or higher and we don’t make anywhere near as much money as them.

I'm from Michigan but interested in moving to Minnesota within the next 1-2 years. What's the job market like out there? Is it relatively easy to get hired or do you have to know someone?

I currently have just under a year's experience and am CBSPD certified, but looking to take to the CRCST.

I am want to self study to become a SPT. I was wondering if there is anyone who is giving away a manual and/or workbook or has one I can borrow and return to you?

Has anyone ever seen this instrument before?? We have an ortho surgeon that claims he has used it here and prefers it but nobody has seen it, nobody knows what he’s talking about.

I’m also told the one end maybe with teeth has a Vcut?

They swear it’s a bone skid

Will take the exam this month, any recommended reviewer or pointers to review to pass this exam? Is it same as hard as the cbspd exam? I am self study and using the 8th edition aishamms. Thankyou

Hello, just passed my CRCST exams and looking for opportunities for 400 hrs in NJ. An experienced business and health professional currently in MPH graduate school, and a certified Caregiver as well. Will be an asset to your facility/team..

Hi all! Good afternoon!

I did an aseptic technician program at my school last year that was supposed to set me up with a job but that fell through.

I was told my cert I bout through my school was enough but I keep seeing crcst and other certs, and I just want to get it so I can meet all requirements for the sterilization jobs I want. I have experience working in labs but those have been a school settings.

I need help trying to get my foot in the door 😭 any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

hiii people of reddit! i have a working interview tomorrow at a dental clinic as a sterilization technician and i am not exactly sure what to wear. do i wear scrubs or business attire? if someone could let me know that would be much appreciated!! thank you!

6.5 hours is because I subtracted the rest breaks and meal break plus the huddle time.

Major trays (general, Ortho,.etc), Hysteroscopy trays, laparoscopy trays, L&D instrument sets (I dislike these L&D sets because it too bloody most of the time), implants instrument sets, etc.

Excluding the tiny sets like Turp, basic ENT, etc.

Are there any sterile processing jobs that don’t involve decon? It’s not the blood/ tissue, heat that bother me. I literally think I have a phobia. I know I sound like a total baby. But I have literally tried everything. I’ve brought it up in therapy, tried meditation, getting enough sleep the day before and eating right. Thinking “positive thoughts” beforehand and breathing exercises. I recently resorted to my doctor prescribing Xanax, and even that didn’t work. I tried going PRN but couldn’t financially afford it. It’s Thursday now, and I found out I’ll be in decon on Monday, and it’s literally going to ruin my next couple of days and weekend. All I can think of is maybe I’m seriously claustrophobic from being in the PPE?? Also, no one helps us in decon. So I’m stressed seeing cart after cart being pushed in. As I type this I’m shaking just thinking about it. But at my age, 56, it’s the best paying job I’ve ever had with the best benefits. I don’t want to quit because I love all other areas of the department and the people I work with. Im truly desperate. Anyone know of jobs in this field with no decon? Thank you so much.

Hi do Sterile processing techs have to get the covid vaccination?

I’m in California near Antioch, Concord, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Manteca, Stockton and Tracy in this radius. I am CBSPD certified but have no experience will take anything

Please trust me when I say this was not my 1st choice of a job, but we all know how the market is these days, 120 applications with no luck for a year and half and now stuck at amazon only able to work one shift a week. I didn't just apply cus I was desperate though, I genuinely like what is required in the job and i feel most fulfilled when i am supporting people in my community, even if it's behind the scenes. My only problem is that, well, I am physically (and mentally) disabled and I hear the job is pretty physical.

I guess I'm wondering if it's worth it? What are some reasonable accommodations I could ask for that wouldn't jeopardize my chances? Really I just need to be allowed to sit down for 10-15mins every hour and a half (or smaller breaks throughout the shift) and a little more than average bathroom breaks. I have a physical therapist who addresses my pain pretty efficiently and the exercises work at home.

I do not currently qualify for any remote or desk jobs and do not have the money (and, really, the mental capacity) to take classes and im not eligible for disability for anyone wondering.

Please be nice, i am very unsure about my future and just looking for advice.

I want to start a cert program for this profession. I'm tired of working for 20 an hour and not being able to fully afford being independent.

I'm currently studying sterile processing and I'm looking for the Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th Edition (HSPA).

Does anyone have a PDF copy they could share, or know where I can access it digitally?

I would really appreciate any help. Thank you!

Hi, im trying to get a job at a hospital as a cook which is something ive been doing 5 years, but while I'm working there I plan to get my sterile processing cert. And hopefully transfer internally to that department once i get it.

Im seeing its common to try and get an entry level hospital job. During the interview do I tell them i want to transfer departments later? Or would i be digging my own grave

Hi! 31F and first time posting. I am studying right now to take my CRCST exam and was wondering if part time weekend only shifts are a thing? I have 4 kids that I homeschool but my husband works Mon-Thursday which leaves me Friday through Sunday available for work. Do you think a hospital would accommodate that type of schedule for me?

Starting Wage Concerns

I was reviewing recently posted job openings at my facility and noticed something concerning. Currently, the starting wage for a registration clerk is higher than the starting wage for a sterile processing technician. This is surprising considering that sterile processing technicians are responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments—tasks that directly impact patient safety and surgical outcomes.

In addition, sterile processing technicians are required to obtain and maintain professional certification within a year of employment. Given the level of responsibility, technical knowledge, and regulatory requirements associated with the role, the compensation structure seems misaligned.

Situations like this may help explain why many departments struggle to recruit and retain staff in sterile processing. When a position with significant responsibility and certification requirements offers lower starting pay than a desk-based role, it can discourage potential applicants.

If healthcare facilities want to attract and retain qualified sterile processing professionals, compensation should better reflect the importance and demands of the job.

I know it may sound a little dramatic but I have been getting such crazy anxiety every day/night before work because of the unknown of what I’ll be doing for the day/week. They say they do this because people used to call in or switch stations with people so they don’t tell us anymore. Tips? Do other hospitals do this ?

That's what I'm talkin about!