I live in the city of New York and work for a school. My coworkers told me about sterile processing technician jobs how they’re looking for so many people. One coworker says she’s paying $600 to get her certificate and it takes 6 months. Where do I begin? Should I even begin because after checking this sub, still seems like people have a hard time finding a job. Thanks for everyone’s time and answers.

I cannot secure a job 1 year after externship. New career path, been in workforce for 2 decades, never medical field. Applied for house keeping, linen supply, just to get into a hospital. What can I do to put gaining employment in motion??

I was a definitely a little worried when I first sat down but the questions are very similar to the practice tests from class with some outliers. Thankfully I got my results right away and didn't have to stress about for the next couple months. So excited for this journey!

I’m new to the field and just a quick question

I’m more than willing to work holidays but I’m starting this in a hospital

How often do people work Thanksgiving and/or Christmas? If so do you get any added perks or benefits to it?

My thought process is this:

Surgeries don’t wait till holidays end or start so someone has to the there

But in the flip side

I don’t see surgeons wanting to work major holidays unless it’s crucial

Class starts Monday. I will get a book voucher for the manual next week but have to pay for the workbook on my own. Unfortunately, they won't give us the remainder of our pell grant until mid December. Dec is the earliest I can afford to buy it.

I messaged 2 people who offered the pdf but I guess they haven't checked messages.
I know people have said we don't NEED the workbook but I would love to have the extra practice and reinforcement.

It is 9th edition but I'll take whatever I can get.

Hey can you guys give me some good staffing agencies that will hire new sterile processing techs still can’t find a job been applying every where!! 🥲

I have struggled to find a place that will allow me to get the 400 hours in California for my certification and I just want a job in healthcare- can anyone give me job title examples of jobs I can apply for that are not specifically sterile processing jobs? Thank you!

Hello SPD PEEPS. What are the temperature and humidity ranges for decontamination? I have been told so many different values. Thanks!

Whos had steris come into your department.
How did it go? How was it before and after? Anything that concerned you?

My partner is interviewing for a trainer/coordinator role tomorrow morning and was wondering how much other people make in this position so he knows what to ask for if an offer is made. We are located in Austin TX.

I want a set that includes cardiac instruments. Many sets seem to be missing that specialty. I found these on Amazon. Tell me what you think. Do you know of any other sets that include cardio?

https://www.amazon.com/Instrumentation-Technologists-Illustrated-Instrument-Orthopedics/dp/B07P1C8FN8?ref_=ast_sto_dp

where can i get HSPA Sterile Procesing Technical Manual Workbook (CRCST Workbook - 9th Edition) used or cheaper price

https://university.steris.com

Just wondering if any Canadian done this type of program it’s call MDRT medical device processing technician here in Canada.

I’m in Vancouver and thinking of going to VCC any experience, any stories to tell?

hey there SPD professionals. i've heard a lot of mixed things about getting certified prior to working and which courses are worthwhile or not. i just heard about Preppy's partnership with Auburn University and their online course and wanted to pick some of your brains about it. here's a link for those who aren't aware: https://deals.preppy.org/sterile-processing-technician-training

it looks like it's all online and self paced, which is handy, you can get a free laptop (only if you pay in full, i believe), they're fully accredited, are up-to-date with the material and they help with both externship and job placement. the program costs $1600, which is cheaper and faster than a community college program though obviously more expensive than the Purdue University program.

it seems like a good deal to me. does anyone have any experience with the program? i know a lot of people suggest just trying to get a job first and get certified later, but a lot of jobs around me seem to require certification. i welcome any feedback!

I start the 18th of November and the pay is 21.55$ for 2nd shift, very excited! I always wanted to work in a hospital in some capacity and I finally get to after getting side tracked for 17 years in the machining field 😂

Entry level, non-certified but I can get certified and I get more pay.

Does anyone know a location in NYC where I can do my 400 hours sterile processing?

I forgot to renew my re-certification about 2-3 years ago as I couldn’t find a job that would take me without experience so I went onto other things to bide my time. I want to take the exam again to become certified again since I am within the 5 year time frame. However when I contacted hspa, I was told the following:

”The training/hands on experience itself may or may not be invalid. It is the paperwork that is definitely invalid. But if the experience that you did is within the last 5 years, and you completed the updated requirements when you did your experience, then you can still use your existing experience. You just need to get the updated paperwork filled out.”

How can I provide an updated form when this was from a while ago and I no longer have access to the manager/supervisor who looked over my training for my original 400 hours? Not to mention, if I was able to get in touch with them again, I don’t think they would be willing to fill out an updated form for me as they bullied me my entire clinical experience. The form has a required section that I cannot avoid. I have also tried to mention that I can provide my certificate I got from the program I took to provide proof that I did the work and passed, but they said I need the updated form and do not require my certificate?

Anyone in Miami working in the field as a newbie? How much is starting paid?

Thoughts on volunteering?

I’ve been applying to hospitals and surgery clinics and no luck so far. I’m looking at a dentist’s office that offers on the job training and I wonder if working there would suffice for my hours and experience? Anyone here took this route before? I have my provisional CRCST

My work has provided books and tests, but does anyone know good study sites that are free? I have quizlet but the guides seem to be super old and idk how accurate they are to the current exam

Hello, currently working towards becoming a SPT. For the 400 hours, is this paid or volunteer work? I am in Chicago, IL and curious on how this work?

This will be long.....cross posted in a couple groups. 47F in logistics/senior management for 20+ years. Have accomplished everything and still empty everyday. I'm Burnt out. In high school I longed to go into medicine, went to elite high schools and could pass Anatomy eyes closed. Life happened and didn't follow my passion. Fast forward to now, I'm in a position I can work, go to school and follow my passion, but where to start? Do I go for my certified medical assistant and work in an ER as a PCT? Go to Sterile Processing, work part time in both and maybe find a hospital to sponsor additional schooling? I'm not sure which to follow, RT or Surgical. I do not have my Associates so I would need to complete that while I'm working. I'm located in North Texas.

Hey everyone! If you're working towards completing your 400-hour externship in Sterile Processing, there are volunteer opportunities available at both White Plains Hospital and St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY. Westchester Medical also. These facilities offer hands-on experience, allowing you to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting.

Hey everyone,

Tomorrow, I’m officially starting my clinical hours in Sterile Processing, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves! After all the prep work and studying (shoutout to the ISHAM Central Service Technical Manual), it’s finally time to put everything into practice.

I’ll be working on getting the 400 hours I need, and I’m really hoping to build solid experience, learn as much as I can, and get comfortable with the daily workflows. I know this field plays a huge role in patient safety, so I’m ready to jump in and do my best.

Anyone here have tips for a newbie going into their clinical hours? Or things you wish you knew when you first started in Sterile Processing? Thanks in advance for any advice or encouragement!