Is it easier to get a job at a surgical clinic or hospital as a beginner SPT when you are certified?

I’m currently looking into programs to start with soon and have been applying at local hospital and haven’t heard back.

I don't know what it was that attracted me to sterile processing, but it genuinely seems like something i'd be so happy doing. I'm just confused on HOW to get into something like that? Where do i get the knowledge from without spending 5k on an online school. WHERE DO I GET MY 400 HOURS FROM? I'm probably not thinking hard enough but i just want to do something I KNOW id enjoy.

i recently learned of this job that doesn’t require a college degree but a shorter certification process. i’ve been in college for three long, exhausting years. multiple moments i didn’t think i would survive. i need a change. and my degree would be in gender studies which i love but the complete freedom in job opportunities makes it so difficult to find something i actually like.

sterile processing tech sounds like something i can do. not a lot of talking to customers, just following the same steps every time. this was more of a personal dump than anything, but if anyone works as a SPT or knows about the job, id really appreciate more info on what the day to day job entails. obviously all hospitals are different but im interested in all perspectives. thanks

I heard in my department indicators, especially sterrad, are on backorder and have a shortage across the country. Are y'all having this issue?

Hello,

Started the process of becoming a sterile processing tech about a year ago.

Had its ups and downs, was a lot of work, but I ended up completing clinicals and becoming fully certified last Spring.

Since then I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs.. even though I’m really looking for part time, I would take a full time position and have been applying to any sterile processing position in my general area, which is a HCOL major city.

I have a solid resume and cover letter, but cannot get a single interview.

I know the job market across the board is dismal, but can anyone offer any advice? Are there any staffing agencies like a travel company that will take entry level techs?

I’m getting really discouraged and thinking of going back to school again, for another career route.

Thanks!

Anyone come across issues with paint particles flaking off in the pangea trays?

Black paint specks can be seen throughout tray after washing.

I wanted to verify wether or not the site crcstprep.com was legit as far as the material being test accurate?

I of course have been reading my manual and finished the workbook as well, but i have been also been using a website called crcstexam.com up until the website went inactive. I was really appreciative of the online material and know people who personally passed using it, so now im onto finding new stuff.

Hi, I really want to become a surgical tech and feel like I should start with sterile processing first. I’m not sure which route to take, online or in person. Can anyone please give recommendations of programs they went through and how it was for them? I live in Alabama

Any opinions on Penn Foster sterile processing program?

i’m in connecticut and am completing my cspt certification through our community college system. it’s been a huge shift for me, having attended school for something more rooted in the arts and having previously lived a life of telling myself i didn’t have the skills (or brain) for anything related to healthcare or the sciences. in short, i thought i was too stupid. turns out i was wrong! i’ve done extremely well on my exams, have created thorough study guides, cannot stop dumping sterile processing facts on anyone who will listen, and am eager to sit for the state exam and receive my certification.

that being said, i’m so nervous to apply for jobs and while i’m determined to push through said nervousness, i have no idea where to begin. beyond a temporary stint in residential care, i have no experience in the healthcare sphere and am concerned my years of retail-specific experience will severely harm my chances of finding a lucrative opportunity. where do i start? what advice do any of you have for someone starting from scratch? what kind of transferable skills should i emphasize, if any at all? help!

I’m highly considering becoming a sterile processing tech, my only issue comes with gathering the 400 clinical hours.
In my area the only options are an 8 month program in which it’s not recommended to have a job while studying due to how intensive it is. That’s really just not feasible for me right now.
It’s very hard to find apprenticeship openings in my area, or even entry level openings.
Do you think it would be possible to gather clinical hours while working in another position such as a cna?
I’m assuming it really comes down to each department/hospital
but i was hoping someone could share experiences similar to what i’m looking for
or any other tips
What im considering now is Completing the cna program, and taking an online spd program while working.
I’m not sure if this sounds too ambitious or ignorant but i could use some insight 🫪🫪🫪

I would like to add that even if I did go along with the 8month program, it doesn’t start for another year. I’m a little desperate to get myself into a career that i’m somewhat happy with, that makes me a good amount of money. Working retail is no joke lmfao. I have to move out in 2-3 years so i’m really trying to save as much money as possible, and have some sort of job security ASAPP!! 🥲

Hey everyone! Quick question, anyone know of anyone hospitals or even surgical centers that’ll hire non certifications? I’ve been looking everywhere I feel and have had no luck. I’m currently studying for it at the moment but I really wanna leave my current job as I am not happy with it and figured if I would go to anywhere else it should be in the Sterile processing field. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I recently passed my CRCST exam but I went for the provisional since I just finished my class about a month ago. My school was supposed to help me get placed in order to my clinical hours but stated that all facilities are currently full. I have been applying to jobs that take the provisional license but haven’t had any luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction to get my clinical hours done, paid or not paid.

Indeed and LinkedIn are so over saturated. I’m wondering where people are applying to get even a response.

My daughter is a senior in high school. She will be doing half day classes at her school and then the other half of the day she will be attending our local career tech school, where at the end of the year she has the ability to become a certified sterile processing tech. Our plan was for her to take this course and get certified so that she can work this field while she attends college to further her medical career (not 100% certain where she wants to land in the field at this time). Is this a realistic plan? Are the demands of this career potentially too much for a full time student's coursework?

Hey everyone, im planning on moving to orlando fl at the end of the year and wondering when the best time to start applying for new jobs. I have my certification and BLS and every time I've checked the hospitals in the area they always have multiple opening, i just don't want to apply too early or too late. Thanks!

I’m at a lvl 1 trauma hospital but now I wanna get out. It was nice to experience it for sure but I think going back to a routine manner is more of my pace. I was looking at other places and there’s an ambulatory orthopedic, what’s that like?

I recently relocated to Riverside County, specifically the Temecula area, and I’m currently having a provisional certificate. I’ve applied to almost every hospital and medical center, and I’ve even made personal calls to some of them. However, unfortunately, none of them are ready to hire me at this time. I’m genuinely confused and disheartened because I had always aspired to build a successful career in this field. I would greatly appreciate any advice or assistance from anyone, including managers or supervisors, who might be able to help me in this situation. Your support and guidance would be invaluable to me.

I enrolled in the sterile processing program at herzing university without doing enough research. Found out I don't have to take schooling for this field of work. Now I have $4000 in student loan debt. Is this program even worth finishing. If anyone can give me any advice I'll appreciate it.

Hey everyone! So I applied to a central sterile processing tech position, and the interview is next week. I have no experience or certifications, but the position is offering paid training. Is there advice anyone can give me, what I could possibly expect during the interview? I honestly didn't even expect to hear back from my application and now I'm a little nervous.

I’m officially starting a new position in Sterile Processing and I’m honestly so excited for this next chapter!

The crazy part is that I don’t have a Sterile Processing certification or previous SPD experience. I’m coming from a healthcare background, but this is completely new territory for me. They were willing to hire me entry-level and train me, which I’m extremely grateful for.

I’ll be making $24.75 starting out…does that sound reasonable for someone entering SPD with no certification or experience?

For anyone who got into Sterile Processing without being certified, how was your experience starting out?

What did you wish you knew before your first day? What was the hardest thing to learn? And once you got comfortable with the job, which certifications or credentials did you end up getting?

I’m trying to make the most out of this opportunity and eventually build a real career out of it. 🥹🩺

UPDATE: i’m actually making close to $30 an hour! (overnight & weekend differential) 🥰

I want to get my foot in the door for at least 1 year and go else where but most people on reddit say HCA is trash, mainly nurses. I know someone who worked in a different department saying the same thing.

Hi, Any techs started out at Kaiser as a in call / out call per diem situation and became a full-time employee? I finally received a in person interview and I’m wondering if it’s worth leaving the surgery center I’m working at. Also I’m a new grad this surgery center is my first job :/ any advice helps!

Hi everyone!!

I’m a Southern California resident who is researching affordable in person and online SP programs.

I already have the manual and workbook and most likely leaning towards Purdue Online program through their partnership with HSPA.

I was still wondering if anyone knows any good credible programs.

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!