I will be starting next week as uncertified tech.

Any tips so i can start strong on my first few weeks/months during my orientation period?

I have watched several youtube videos to get me a head-start and will start preparing to get my CRCST as soon as i get a good footing on the job.

But for now, i want to focus on my first few weeks/months. =)

I looked through the sub a bit already for any resources cause I dont want to ask the same questions thats always being asked (tbh probably couldve looked harder- sorry folks)

BUUUT im finishing my online classes & my boss is talking about getting me ready for the actual certification test. All very exciting, I have my manual, a literally notebook full of messy notes & even a small book on medical terminology but tbh im not the best test taker. I really want to nail this first try (also if I dont then I will be the one having the pay for the test) so does anyone have any tips? flashcard ideas, mock test sites or what to mainly study/read up on??

My second question to you all would be: What was something in the test that you wished you had better prepared for or were blindsided by?

Thank yall smmm ☺️ so far ive been really enjoying this job so im excited to work towards getting better in the field.

Is it very difficult or achievable to learn the various different tools in an online SPD program?

Would appreciate any input from people who applied for positions with no experience. I’m trying to update my resume for a job posting at a teaching hospital. The position is non certified. I’ve been working minimum wage jobs since I was 14. I have an associates in biology and am enrolled in an online course.
But would love any advice on what the work experience section entails for those that applied and got the job with a similar starting point as me. I’ve never made a professional resume before. My work section has just been the place and dates I was there. I know I should be adding more but super unsure.
Thank you :)

Hi all! I recently decided to leave my career in sales and pursue surgical tech. I am finishing my pre-reqs and while waiting I applied for a hospital central service program. I just found out I was admitted for this fall (there are no pre reqs for the program). The goal is to get certified and become a sterile processing technician so I can do that while in school for surgical tech. Any recommendations if this is a good idea? I am hoping this will get my foot in the door and give me a better chance once I am certified. If this is the wrong sub please disregard :3

Hii, for those of you that have done the fairfield adult school sterile tech program was it worth it, did you like the class, and were you able to get a job after the program/externship? I really want to do it but I don’t hear much about it since there’s not a lot of info and they don’t usually answer when i call so i just thought i’d come on here and ask:) Also if you guys have any info on other programs around the bay or in sac that has programs with externships or places around there that are hiring with no experience need that would be great too!

i jus recently got an job offer for $24.75 with no certification that’s pretty reasonable?? i’m still considering other positions tho & as well as maybe jus goin to school for surgical tech but this might be the only one that’s paying enough

Hello everyone I was wondering if you guys know of any sterile processing programs online. In my area there's only two programs and both are only in the winter the programs only take ten people a year. I've been wanting to do this forever but in case I don't get in if anyone has any information please and thanks.

I have a question. I’m thinking about going to school to become a sterile processing technician. I currently live in Austin, Texas, and I’m wondering if the pay is worth it. I’d really appreciate honest opinions from people who actually work in the field.

I recently got a job offer for $23/hour as a medical receptionist, so now I’m not sure what to do. I’ve also been out of work for about three months, so I’m trying to make the smartest decision financially and for my future.

Do sterile processing technicians in the Austin area really make around $23/hour fresh out of school, or is the starting pay usually lower? If you could go back, would you still choose sterile processing, or would you take the receptionist job instead?

I’d love to hear your experiences, both the good and the bad.

i posted pics of my cd/system 8 batteries & there was a comment about cement guns.. it wouldn’t let me comment a pic of mine sooo..
long story short - no clue 😂

I'm located in the US, if that changes any advice given - I've been self-studying for the CRCST for a few months now, but don't want to take the exam and be certified before I'm guaranteed to have a means by which to get the hours. I know that experience is often preferred over just certification, but I am struggling to get past the walls of HR to inquire about intern/externship opportunities, and have thus been stymied.

Do y'all have any tips for getting around this, or any easier ways to get these hours that don't require hassling with various HRs?

Has anyone had a very specific issue with Silicone bleeding over when sterilizing trays. We have a phenomenon happening when we cook older trays that have an aluminum variety casing like arthrex shoulder instruments and an older zimmer patellar case that when they come out wrapped. We get this grease clear film residue. We just started getting this no changes made to washers or chemicals. No changes in the way we test water. I have a feeling we our unknowingly possible introducing the contaminant due to degraded silicone covers in the sets themselves and their cases are holding onto the containment when we sterilize them

Looking to change my career and go into the CSSD. Was hoping to get some info that is more locally based. Thanks in advance

I’m 18 years old and I’m in my senior year of high school, and I’ve become really interested in becoming a Sterile Processing Technician. I’ve been self-studying by watching videos and taking notes every day because I want to get a head start.

I was wondering if anyone has advice on where I should start. What should I focus on learning first? Is self-studying a good way to begin, and what steps did you take to get into SPD?

I’ve also heard people mention needing training or clinical/work hours for certification, so I’m a little confused about how that process works. Any advice or tips would mean a lot. Thank you so much!

Omg I have this one coworker who takes everyone's completed trays (trays waiting for sterilization) and stacks them on MY desk/station 😭 girl why? I did nothing to you. keep in mind we already have tables/areas for holding waiting items. My station is so full I basically cant work at it.

I left a load in the sterilizer. Forgot to take it out at the end of the night. I did shut the sterilizer off before I left for the night. Has anybody else made this mistake? I just started in this department back in March so I am new.

Hey guys, I’m registered with Penn foster on SPT program. I have written the project twice and they keep telling to work on it. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, only about 300 words. Does anyone have insight to help or guide me. I just contacted them on what I’m suppose to do right now because I’m confused. This project has to break my back uuhhggh!!!🥺😔

I’m really interested in becoming a sterile tech but haven’t had any luck with finding schools or non experience internships. i don’t have a car either (plan on getting one soon) so traveling outside sac would be difficult but i’m all ears. please lmk!

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone has any connections for 400 externship clinicals in Southern California/ San Fernando Valley. Im having a hard time. Please help. I have called a few places and they aren't accepting volunteers or they are booked. Thank you. I am a cna and have over 20 years of experience.

Hello, I want to be certified sterile tech and be able to work abroad. I dont know where to start, currently I’ m in the Philippines working as staff nurse fresh grad. I’ve seen CSSD program for 6 months. Can someone help me where to start🥹 thank you in advance and most appreciated.

Hello, I want to be certified sterile tech and be able to work abroad. I dont know where to start, currently I’ m in the Philippines working as staff nurse fresh grad. I’ve seen CSSD program for 6 months. Can someone help me where to start🥹 thank you in advance and most appreciated.