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What is a central sterilization technician and how to become one
Central Sterilization Technicians are also referred to as "sterile processing technicians," or even central service (CS) professionals, depending on your country of residence. They are found in medical establishments, and their job is to preventing infection by processing, sterilizing, cleaning, assembling, and storing health equipment. These guys are always busy. It is no surprise, though, because the central service department in any health care facility is a very integral part of any health facility. This is where all the supplies, equipment, and other surgical materials are stored. They are first trained on the principles of sterile and sterilization processing.
Though hospitals often employ central sterilization technicians, their services are also needed in ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient care centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. This set of people are not usually popular in the medical system because of their behind-the-side job characteristics. To qualify for this post, you must be familiar with sterilization techniques, sanitization expertise, physical fitness, critical thinking, troubleshooting, motor skills, analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and writing skills. As per the salary, they are paid between $37,060 and $52,240 annually.
Avg. Salary $38,089
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.67%
Asian 9.60%
Black or African American 9.57%
Hispanic or Latino 16.43%
Unknown 5.05%
White 57.69%
Genderfemale 60.65%
male 39.35%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Central sterilization technician career paths
Key steps to become a central sterilization technician
Explore central sterilization technician education requirements
Start to develop specific central sterilization technician skills
Skills Percentages Sterile Processing 21.17% Patients 20.81% Sterilizers 8.73% Customer Service 5.82% Sterrad 3.85% Complete relevant central sterilization technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New central sterilization technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a central sterilization technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real central sterilization technician resumes.Gain additional central sterilization technician certifications
More About CertificationsCentral sterilization technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific central sterilization technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for central sterilization technicians include Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRSCT) and Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM).
Research central sterilization technician duties and responsibilities
- Initiate tests and activate steam autoclaves, Sterrad sterilizer, ETO, gas plasma sterilizer, package sealer and cart washer.
- Operate all sterilizers and sterilization equipment.
- Maintain compliance with various standardization agencies such as AAMI and AORN.
- Maintain all statewide OSHA guidelines and all internal policies and procedures of the hospital.
Prepare your central sterilization technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your central sterilization technician resume.
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Apply for central sterilization technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a central sterilization technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average central sterilization technician salary
The average central sterilization technician salary in the United States is $38,089 per year or $18 per hour. Central sterilization technician salaries range between $28,000 and $50,000 per year.
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How do central sterilization technicians rate their job?
Central sterilization technician reviews
What I like about this specialty is its contribution to achieving health for all through sterilization of surgical instruments
The absence of a bachelor’s degree for this specialization in all countries of the world. Only diplomas are held in some health facilities or courses in some independent organizations Like CBSPD &IAHCSMM there is not Bachelor Certification in Central Sterilization Not in America, not in Europe, or in other countries except for Dublin ,Ireland, I suppose as well as Everyone looks at this specialty as automatic washing machines, although without it there would be no proper surgery, and it is the beating heart of the hospital
K if I were a central supply clerk I would take pride in the work that I was doing
Very little I don't like.
Updated January 8, 2025
