The demand for allied healthcare professions continues to increase, including central supply technician vacancies. Central supply technicians, better known as sterile processing technicians, are some of the most rewarding medical careers you could take. Hospitals won’t be able to function fully without them, and this article will discuss their importance and how you could become one.
The Valuable Contributions of Sterile Processing Technicians
A sterile processing department technician may work in the background, but their role is irreplaceable. This little-known group of professionals is in-charge of critical assignments only they can accomplish efficiently.
Control and Mitigate Infection
Sterile processing technicians are extensively trained to decontaminate every tool and equipment a hospital uses daily. The sterilization process is complex, and only SPTs know how to perform this task diligently. Without their services, hospitals and clinics run a higher risk of spreading infection across patients through contaminated instruments.
Assembly and Organization of Medical Supplies
Sterile processing technicians are often the assistants of surgeons. Besides cleaning, SPTs are also responsible for putting together the surgical tools needed for operation in an organized fashion. After surgery, sterile processing technicians collect, dispose of, or sterilize medical supplies for safe reuse.
Replenish Supplies
Not all equipment in the hospital setting can be reused; some are only one-time use and must be disposed of afterward. When items such as gloves, masks, and syringes run low in stock, sterile processing technicians would order more for the departments needing them.
Distribute Medical Equipment and Supplies
Sterile processing technicians are always on the go, visiting one department to another as they provide them with their services. After sterilizing and ordering supplies, SPTs will deliver them to their respective units, then return to retrieve those tools for another round of decontamination.
Keep Hospital Operations Smooth
Sterile processing technicians are considered the backbone of every medical institution. Infections spreading between patients from different departments can disrupt normal operations, but SPTs ensure that will not happen. The assistance provided by sterile processing technicians also maintainsa smooth workflow, especially when plenty of surgical procedures abound.
Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician
Like any other allied healthcare professional, you must undergo education and training to qualify for the sterile processing technician certification exam.
Enrolling in a program offered by reputable institutions is the first step to becoming an SPT. The sterile processing certification program won’t take more than half a year of studies, and all it takes is patience and dedication to finish.
If you want to study in accelerated online programs, visit Martinson College at their website https://www.martinsoncollege.com/.
