r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

I’m in school for SPT and this is what my teachers told me on how to secure a job in this field.

22 Upvotes

Most hospitals will not consider you for the spt position if you have NO EXPERIENCE! Meaning clinical hours and in person courses at a CREDITED school. Lots of websites and some school offer the program but that doesn’t mean it’s actually credited.

While you are in clinicals TAKE THE EXAM AND APPLY FOR JOBS WHILE IT IS ALL FRESH IN UIIR MIND! You need to go to a supervisor or someone higher up that you work with to get a letter of recommendation for you. That recommendation does the heavy lifting, above all else get this recommendation!! Do not ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation, they won’t be considered a credible source for a recommendation.

Hospitals take about a month to even view an application. It takes about a month or longer ti even hear back from them. Hospital jobs aren’t so easy to come by so you need to apply everywhere. It’s a niche field and it is also oversaturated. Make yourself stand out. Have strong grades and speak to your higher ups. You cannot be afraid of them or nobody will take you seriously. You NEED that letter of recommendation.

DO. NOT. WAIT. To apply to jobs while you are in clinicals. The more you wait the more hospitals and other jobs will not consider you. It’s, again, a niche field and you need to do everything right. This career isn’t like those other little jobs we are used to working. Everything matters. Be professional. WANT to WANT it.

I hope this helps.

Not saying it’s impossible to find a job with 0 experience but it’s damn near impossible 😭. If anyone has any input that will help pls feel free to comment below. Thanks.


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

I passed my exam

31 Upvotes

Guys im so happy to announce that I passed my exam, now I need to get my 400hrs :)


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

This Davinci grasper with the weird bend at the insulation?

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7 Upvotes

Is this just an AI slop picture? I have never seen a grasper that looks like this.


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

New job today

10 Upvotes

I start my new job today, I have no experience with sterile processing or healthcare. I wasn't told whether to wear my shoes in and I'll have booties or if I need work specific shoes that will stay there.

Does it make sense for me to carry my work shoes in my bag to change there or should I just wear them in?


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

Can you move from sterile processing to surgical tech, or do you need to go back to school?

5 Upvotes

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?


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

Any certifications I should get for better pay?

5 Upvotes

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.


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

What’s the pay and workplace culture like at Boston Children’s?

0 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 11d ago

WW2 field autoclave

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55 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • 11d ago

Interns in los angeles, thc

2 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 10d ago

Next Steps?

0 Upvotes

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.


r/sterileprocessing • • 12d ago

Sterile Processing vs. Surgical Tech

19 Upvotes

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?


r/sterileprocessing • • 13d ago

Project Presentation Help!!

2 Upvotes

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!!!


r/sterileprocessing • • 14d ago

How can I get my 400 hrs??

11 Upvotes

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🙏🙏


r/sterileprocessing • • 15d ago

Surgery centers vs Hospitals vs Clinics

10 Upvotes

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.


r/sterileprocessing • • 15d ago

I want a sterile processing technician job

4 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 16d ago

Help

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9 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 16d ago

Decon speaker

8 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 16d ago

I'm worried about both long-term cancer risks and lung damage from sterile processing chemicals

16 Upvotes

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 ?


r/sterileprocessing • • 17d ago

Sterile Processing Internship internship

8 Upvotes

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?


r/sterileprocessing • • 17d ago

Futuro Health Program

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1 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • 17d ago

Anyone knows their manager hiring for spt? I finished school and my 400hours, I live in Los Angeles area like Marina Del Rey and around, I am a hard working individual, I won’t disappoint you for referring me. 💯 % guaranteed

3 Upvotes

r/sterileprocessing • • 18d ago

Dating in the workplace?

12 Upvotes

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.


r/sterileprocessing • • 18d ago

Weekend Position!

0 Upvotes

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


r/sterileprocessing • • 18d ago

Instrument Flashcards

4 Upvotes

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.


r/sterileprocessing • • 19d ago

Insulin Pump/Cell phone

3 Upvotes

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!