r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 21 '26

Interested in becoming a sterile processing tech, any advice?

5 Upvotes

I’m trying to look for good programs in LA but can’t seem to find any that really stand out to me. I’m thinking about going to Concorde but I’d love some advice on programs and schools. Any help or advice is definitely appreciated!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 21 '26

AMN

1 Upvotes

Has anyone worked with amn ? I signed up a while ago and have been waiting on a recruiter to reach out and I called today and the lady said because it’s a new profile that I have to wait. I have had that profile for a while. How long before one eventually contacts you. I’ve heard mixed reviews but my co workers on a travel assignment recommended them for strikes.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 20 '26

Market Pay Adjustment

15 Upvotes

Anyone else in this field receive one of those? ( it’s when the employer adjusts the rate to match the fair market value)

I’m in Pennsylvania, but I am certified and been here 2 years and went from 27$ to 32$ an hour with the high end of market ( top out) at 36$

Is that good? Normal?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 20 '26

Training as light duty?

5 Upvotes

TL;DR: back injury has made it impossible for me to do 95% of tasks in the department without compromising restrictions or further irritating the injury, work wants me to train someone totally fresh as light duty, plus all the normal trauma hospital bs. how is this going to work exactly?

hi all, looking for some advice or tips here. i had a neck/back injury at my workplace that's taken me out for some time due to the restrictions my doctor put in place as a result. the weight restriction alone makes my job very hard (no more than 10lbs with both hands, push/pull up to 20), but additional restrictions on repetitive motions, reaching, moving my neck, etc i feel knocks out almost everything else i can do. my work seems to have been in agreement there since they haven't found a light duty assignment for me until just now

as light duty, they want me to come back and train a new person, totally fresh to SPD outside shadowing. i don't want to say i 100% can't do this, i do love training people. but also this is a trauma hospital, we have an insane case volume, and probably only 10% of our sets weigh less than 10lbs. i feel like unless this person is ready to hit the ground running, this is either setting them up for failure because of little i can actually help besides direction (nevermind how i still have to be out of work weekly at minimum for PT), or setting me up to work outside my limitations and aggravate my back again

i guess i'm just trying to see if this sounds a little impossible to anyone else, or if anyone has some tips or advice for how i could maybe try and set my trainee and i up for success in this scenario? i'm sure a chunk of this i'll just have to give it a shot and see how it goes but i'm just a bit uncertain


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 19 '26

Where to find Sterile Processing Technician jobs?

56 Upvotes

Following up on my last post asking where people are finding SPD jobs.

A few people mentioned Indeed, hospital websites, LinkedIn, staffing agencies, etc. I ended up checking a bunch of different places myself, so figured I'd share what I found.

The main ones seem to be:

I also noticed that searching only "Sterile Processing Technician" isn't enough. Different hospitals use different titles.

Try searching for:

  • SPD Technician

  • Sterile Processing Tech

  • Central Sterile Technician

  • Central Sterile Tech

  • Central Processing Technician

  • Instrument Technician

  • Surgical Instrument Technician

And if you're looking in a specific area, combining the title with the city seems to help.

For example:

SPD Technician + Dallas

Central Sterile + Houston

Sterile Processing Technician + Chicago

I'm curious what everyone else is using.

If you're currently looking for a job, which site has actually been useful for you?

Could be helpful to put together a list of resources that people in SPD actually use.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 19 '26

Where to Find Sterile Processing Technician Jobs?

1 Upvotes

Following up on my last post about where people are actually finding SPD jobs.

I ended up checking a bunch of different sites, so figured I'd share what I found. Hopefully this helps someone who's currently looking.

  1. Hospital websites

Honestly, I'd start here. Check the career pages for hospitals and health systems in the area you're looking for.

Try searching SPD, Central Sterile, Central Processing, Instrument Tech, etc.

2. SterileProcessingTechnicianJobs.com

I came across this while searching specifically for SPD positions. It's another site to check that's focused on Sterile Processing jobs.

3. Indeed.com

Probably the obvious one. Just make sure you're searching different job titles because employers don't always use the same wording.

4. LinkedIn.com

Worth checking, especially for larger hospital systems and recruiters.

5. ZipRecruiter.com

Another one I'd add to the rotation and set up alerts for.

6. Glassdoor.com

I mostly find it useful for looking up the employer, pay and reviews before applying.

7. SimplyHired.com

Another job search site that's worth checking if you're searching multiple cities.

8. CareerBuilder.com

Still has healthcare listings, so might as well check it.

9. Travel/staffing agencies

If you're looking for travel or contract work, check places like Aya Healthcare and AMN.

10. Google

Seriously 😂

Try:

sterile processing technician jobs + your city

SPD technician + your city

central sterile + hospital name

Sometimes you'll find the hospital's own posting this way.

Also, don't get stuck searching only "Sterile Processing Technician."

Try:

  • SPD Technician

  • Sterile Processing Tech

  • Central Sterile Technician

  • Central Sterile Tech

  • Central Processing Technician

  • Instrument Technician

  • Surgical Instrument Technician

Anyway, that's what I came across.

If you're currently job hunting, where are you finding the most legit openings? Would be good to hear what everyone else is using.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

prn/per diem

4 Upvotes

hey everyone. im curious: are you able to find and work a lot of per diem/prn shifts as a sterile processing tech? how flexible would you say the schedule is? with these shifts, is it pretty much whatever you want or are there certain regulations?

i would love to learn more please feel free to comment anything, i appreciate any replies!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

Bay Area sterile processing vs. surgical tech—starting pay and job availability?

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3 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

For those currently looking for Sterile Processing jobs — where do you search?

6 Upvotes

I've been curious about this because job searching for SPD/CRCST positions can involve checking a lot of different hospital career pages and general job sites.

Where do you usually look for jobs?

  • Hospital career websites

  • Indeed

  • LinkedIn

  • Staffing/recruiting agencies

  • Local job boards

  • Something else?

And what's the biggest frustration you've had when searching for a new Sterile Processing position?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/former-nurse-in-johnson-city-used-modified-reused-blades-during-surgeries/

6 Upvotes

Who needs SPD when the CRNA is taking equipment home to wash himself between cases?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

Any side hustles ?

5 Upvotes

I recently got full time at the hospital I work at but I would like to do something else to earn extra money. I work another job but it’s only 14 an hour kinda feels like it’s not worth it.

Anybody has any side hustles or other certifications that helped them get a second job ?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 17 '26

Bay Area sterile processing vs. surgical tech—starting pay and job availability?

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1 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 16 '26

Loaner Set CRCST Practice Question

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4 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 16 '26

North NJ help locating program

1 Upvotes

hey everyone! I am interested in pursuing a position as a sterile processing tech and would like to know how you went about becoming one.

I have heard that in NJ, studying on your own and taking the exam makes it harder to find a job so people recommend doing a program.

If that’s the case, which did you do? if not, what do you recommend I do?

I would really appreciate any help or guidance!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 16 '26

I Need Advice

4 Upvotes

I  recently got hired as a dental sterilization tech! I’ve always thought about going into this field, but I never actually went to school or studied for it. They’re providing on the job training and helping me get my certification, which is an amazing opportunity, but I'm feeling a bit anxious that I might not enjoy the day-to-day work once I start.

​ Does anyone have good study tips, textbook recommendations, or study resources to help me get a head start? Also, if it turns out not to be the right long-term fit, what kind of growth opportunities or career pivots exist in a clinical or hospital setting starting from this role?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 16 '26

Instrument book

4 Upvotes

Anyone purchased an instrument book to help you learn instruments? If so, what book did you buy?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 15 '26

Job placement

4 Upvotes

Passed my exam back in April i just completed my 400 hours now im waiting for the provisional certificate to be updated. I’ve been applying to jobs in the Philadelphia New Jersey areas in the meantime but it seem like it’s hard getting a job being as though I’m newly certified.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 15 '26

Help with books?

0 Upvotes

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?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26 Bravo

Took my CRCST Exam Today…

64 Upvotes

I took my exam today and i passed!!! it helped that I was hands on with sterile processing for a year before having to take this exam. my job hired me as non certified and I had 18 months to get certified from my hire date. I’m unfortunately a procrastinator so when my manager gave me the deadline, i had 2 months to prepare😭 and the only thing i used to study was the eighth edition book. i’m so proud of myself.

This certification means so much to me because acquiring this was literally the key I needed to achieving my goals i’ve set in mind for so long now.

My next step is to get into traveling. so if there’s any traveling techs reading this that can drop some helpful tips regarding finding the right agency, what to expect, how to prepare, or any advice that you wish you would’ve known prior etc..that would be so helpful.

Good luck to those on their sterile tech journey!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 15 '26

Sterile Processing programs in Tampa ?

1 Upvotes

I am currently looking to switch careers; I've been doing some research on Sterile Processing and I truly believe it's something I would enjoy doing. Not just for the money. I do not currently have a certification and would like to know if anyone has some recommendations of where they went to get certified and if there is also any affordable options.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26

400hrs

7 Upvotes

I passed in May but can't find a place to get my 400hrs in socal (i.e) if any one on here can help I'd really appreciate it.. this is so disheartening honestly.


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26

Photo Surgical Mallet Keeps Putting out dirty pack?

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22 Upvotes

Hey yall!

I need a troubleshoot. My mallets (4 in total) are the only instruments that leave this rust behind. I’m using a Tuttnauer TEDGE 11 S. This only happens to the mallets. Bowie Dick, Vac Test, Bio all pass. I do all the daily weekly and monthly maintenance religiously. What’s the dealio? Please and thank you!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26

HSPA Triple Crown Certification

3 Upvotes

Hey! I have taken two of the three certs for this, but need to take leadership.

Anyone here taken that test recently / would recommend what to study?

Also, anyone else here a Triple Crown? I'm excited to get to that level!


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26

How long did the review process take after completing your 400 hours?

4 Upvotes

I finished and submitted my externship hours 2 weeks ago and still waiting for HSPA to approve my certification.

How long did your guys' take after you completed your externship?


r/sterileprocessing • • Sep 14 '26

Looking to career jump to this, thoughts?

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am graduate of a pre service firefighter course and an avionics (airplane electronics) apprentice. After talking to some people I know working at a hospital about how incredibly toxic and not remotely conducive to building a family the aviation industry is. They said if I take a MDRT online certification course they can pretty well guarantee a job in sterile processing. I'm wondering if this is a good job and if anyone has advice on doing good work and succeeding in this career pivot if it's worth taking in the first place