What is a sterile processing technician? It’s a common question for many. Sterile processing technicians are some of the unsung heroes of healthcare. Their job is to maintain the cleanliness, functionality and inventory of healthcare instrumentation and equipment. While sterile processing technicians do not have direct patient interaction, they are integral to keeping patients safe.
The primary role of a sterile processing technician is to sterilize instrumentation and equipment through a series of critical steps. The work of a sterile processing technician ensures that patients avoid infections and doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are able to access the instrumentation and equipment they need immediately.
So, if you are considering a career in healthcare, but don’t want direct patient interaction, sterile processing may be ideal for you. The certificate program at Pima Medical Institute is just nine months, meaning you could be out in the workforce in under a year.
Sterile Processing Technicians make sure equipment is cleaned and sterilized.During the program students gain hands-on experience taking courses in real-world labs. Upon completion of the program, graduates will know how to sterilize instrumentation and equipment through a series of critical steps, understand microbiology and infection control as it pertains to sterile processing and decontamination procedures, implement infection control practices to ensure that patients avoid infections and provide instrumentation and equipment access to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals as required. You will also be prepared to take the central sterile processing exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
As a sterile processing technician, you will be ready to work in various settings, including hospitals, dental or eye care practices, plastic surgery offices, surgery centers, laboratories and more.
The program is currently offered at our Phoenix and Denver campuses. Learn more now.
