Central Sterile is actually the first step in ensuring you recover from whatever ails you because those technicians are responsible for properly tracking, cleaning and sterilizing all the instruments and medical supplies that may cross your path.
Because the work of Central Sterile is done behind the scenes, patients may never realize the crucial role they play in keeping you healthy and helping you recover. These individuals exist solely to protect the welfare and safety of every patient that comes through the hospital doors.
Central Sterile technicians are the people who organize and assemble the instruments needed for surgical cases, meticulously track every scissor, screw, and drape in the facility and maintain adequate amounts of each, as well as disassemble and reassemble contaminated medical supplies and equipment.
It’s Not a Role to Be Taken Lightly.
Central Sterile technicians are an integral part of the healthcare process, and it’s a great fit for someone interested in medicine who doesn’t want to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical school. In fact, many sterile processing technician programs can be completed in six months to a year, and for much less investment than other medical career paths.
That’s good news, especially considering the job market for Central Sterile processing technicians is expected to grow by 20 percent by 2020. Even though improved technology is making it easier for these technicians to track and order equipment, individuals still maintain a critical function for any hospital or healthcare facility. Thanks to high demand in the market, job security and professional development, opportunities abound as entry-level technicians move up toward supervisor and management levels.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the central sterile role is the ability to develop a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Though patients are not doling out hugs or handshakes on a regular basis, central sterile technicians can find fulfillment knowing those patients have left healthier. That’s thanks to the vital job technicians have provided by supplying the tools necessary to set them on a path toward recovery.
If you’re interested in filling the important role of a Central Sterile processing technician at Altru Health System, apply at altru.org/careers.