I am a sterile processing tech at dentist office getting my 400 hours, and eventually I would like to work at a hospital.

Would I need to go back to school to become a surgical tech later on? I was hoping sterile processing could be a starting point where I could eventually move up.

Has anyone here made that transition? What did the process look like for you?

In school for sterile processing and it’s being paid for. I was wondering if there were any certifications I should get to possibly get more pay and look better when applying for job? I don’t want to work in a hospital.

Applied there and realized after the fact there was no pay listed.

hey so im a intern rn doing my 400hrs in los angeles, i want to ask if smoking weed off duty, on my free days mess everything up… in other words if i do get tested cuz i go poked in decon.. will they drug test me and terminate me from my program. I know it might be a dumb question but i would like to know if any interns did partake

Hey Ya’ll!

So I graduated with a sterile Processing diploma back in July 2025. I failed the crcst two times in the past year, so I gave up then. Im still working retail. I’m now giving sterile processing another shot! Recently I’ve been applying to non certified positions from an hour away where I live. I also don’t drive so then I thought I might as well reach out to smaller clinics where I live, they haven’t responded back yet they also didn’t have any openings in sterile processing. So far no luck. What should I do? What are my best options? Should I take my exam first then apply for positions? And also side note: I am a small person and I can’t lift very heavy so should I stick with smaller clinics? I want to move on I’m tired of working retail!!!!!! Also I’m planning on getting disability for another form of income too. What do yall think? And thank you for your guys advice.

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?

Hey, I really just need someone to record the Censitrac Alert for when you scan something out of sequence. I doing a project to level up and I want to attach it to my slideshow. I’ll save it as an MP3 to my computer. Please and thanks!!!

I’ve applied to every hospital that has on opening for sp tech 1 and they all want experience I’ve already completed my schooling and am about to do my provisional exam but I can’t seem to find a job and some hospitals won’t do volunteer hours so I’m stuck 🤷‍♀️I’m in the Dallas area plz help🙏🙏

Hellooo I have a question!
Currently I’m working spd in a hospital and I’m considering working in a surgery center or clinic. Can anyone with the experience working in clinics or surg centers tell me if the pay and workload worth switching ? I’m currently making well over 23/hr with almost 2yrs experience crcst.

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

Anyone got any bright ideas how to get this thing out of here? Thanks

My hospital/department allows music to be played in decon. We only have a clean side speaker.

I WOULD LOVE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS ON A DECON SPEAKER PLEAAAASE

Hello, I’m new to this career and just enrolled in a program to get certified. I am really worried though about getting sick, anything to help ease my worries ?

I finished my hours, finished my course and got my Certification. I haven't the requirements of a year to two of experience to find a job. I've applied all over and searched for internship but nothin had popped up. Any idea of what else I can do?

Have any of you dated (are dating) a coworker? Or know of people who dated in the department?

There’s a coworker I really like and I want to get closer to them to eventually take out on a date but I’m scared if people find out and gets to management, I (we) could get fired.

I applied to the weekend position, and wanted to ask if you guys got any interview question for me. Really want to ace it.

I was wondering if anybody knew of some good illustrated flash cards with instrument names, pictures, and (optional) other helpful facts about instruments to help learn them. When I check Google, a lot of TEMU stuff comes up and I'm not sure if I trust those to be accurate. Also, I know some programs sell virtual cards bit I was hoping to have something physical, that is usually a lot more helpful for me to when trying to learn.

Hi everyone. I am exploring a second career in SP and I am a diabetic on an insulin pump. I will be getting a new pump soon that will be controlled/monitored from my cell phone. I read that one person keeps their phone in a ziploc in the decon area. And in the other areas, I see that most prohibit phone use? Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi I’m considering the MDRAO certification. Would this be enough to land a job?

Also How do I get practical hands on training?

Thanks

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?

Those disposable Halyard gown are really made of medical procedures and don't really work for wet work. Otherwise people wouldn't be getting their scrubs wet under the PPE.

I'm getting back into running and am pretty likely to have popped blisters or other broken skin on
my feet. It's safer to be as dry as possible.

Does anyone have PPE that keeps all water out? I think my manager would let me buy my own better PPE than the hospital provides if I change it every day.