How To Become A Central Supply Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a central supply technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A central supply technician's main responsibility is to sterilize medical equipment and prepare supplies that are going to be used for procedures and surgeries. Apart from these primary duties, their tasks also include organizing surgical instruments on trays, running sterilizer tests, cleaning sterilizing equipment, ordering supplies, and stocking crash carts regularly.

The work of a central supply technician is vital to the safe and orderly operations of a healthcare unit. That said, this role requires excellent attention to detail, a good understanding of sterilization techniques and standard operating procedures, as well as exemplary skills in communication especially when it comes to coordinating with medical staff.

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to become a central supply technician. However, an associate's degree in a healthcare field may increase one's chances of job placement as well as earning potential. Prior experience in a similar role can also be a huge advantage. The salary of a central supply technician ranges from $21,000 to $44,000 a year, depending on one's level of experience.

ScoreCentral Supply TechnicianUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,231

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%

Asian 6.70%

Black or African American 9.59%

Hispanic or Latino 20.41%

Unknown 5.47%

White 56.88%

Gender

female 55.04%

male 44.96%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a central supply technician

Explore central supply technician education requirements

Most common central supply technician degrees

High School Diploma

35.7 %

Associate

21.1 %

Bachelor's

20.5 %

Start to develop specific central supply technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	17.58%
Sterile Processing	12.64%
Customer Service	10.91%
Infection Control	7.69%
Surgery	4.79%

Research central supply technician duties and responsibilities

Cataloge property, maintain property records and manage inventory using PBUSE system.
Assist home RN and hospice staff with ADL's.
Practice & enforce HIPPA patient privacy guidelines.
Order supplies, maintain records and compile information using Microsoft office such as word, excel, and PowerPoint.

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