MedTek College Hayward

Medical Equipment Preparers Central Processing Technicians (CPT) Central Service Technicians (CST) Central Sterile Supply (CSS) Technicians Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCST) Sterile Preparation Technicians and Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD) Technicians

A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) decontaminates, inspects, assembles and sterilizes instruments and surgical trays. The technician also manages inventory control, order and supplies, inspects, maintains, delivers and retrieves equipment and instruments for the surgery suite, emergency room and intensive care units thus ensuring the efficient management storage and maintenance of medical devices. This job requires the ability to memorize and identify hundreds of surgical instruments, stand for long periods of time, thoroughness and exceptional attention to detail, and the knowledge of the basic principles of sterilization and high level disinfection.

Sterile Processing Technicians work in a variety of health care facilities, such as hospitals, dental offices, and outpatient care centers. Most facilities are well-lit, air-conditioned, and have modern equipment. Preparers walk or stand most of the day. They must take precautions to guard against exposure to toxic cleaning agents and diseases or illnesses and wear protective clothing such as gloves, aprons, ear plugs, masks, caps, and gowns. Using proper safety procedures reduces personal risk and possible spread of diseases. Full-time Medical Equipment Preparers work 40 hours a week, but some are on-call and work various shifts. Some may be required to work shifts longer than the typical eight hours, if necessary.

The median wage in 2018 for Medical Equipment Preparers in California is $47,080 annually, or $22.64 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less. Location does influence a SPT's salary because of the fact that local economic conditions, population densities and public and private demands for medical and health care services differ between geographic locations. As for BENEFITS, although benefits vary by employer, full-time Sterile Processing Technicians typically receive medical insurance, vacation and sick leave, and retirement plans. Some employers may pay for continuing education and travel costs. For more detailed information, please check out the Bureau of Labor Statistic's information PAGE on SPT.

In California, the number of Sterile Processing Technicians is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for SPT's are expected to increase by 16.9 percent, or 1,100 jobs between 2014 and 2024. For example, in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, the number of SPT's is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for SPT's are expected to increase by 23.4 percent, or 110 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

In terms of government regulations, certification is currently required in only one state: New Jersey. However, legislation that would require sterile processing technicians to be certified is now pending in two other states: New York and Pennsylvania. In all other states, certification is strictly voluntary. But that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea to obtain. Many hospitals and surgical centers PREFER and sometimes even REQUIRE to hire only certified sterile processing techs. Plus, some employers will increase your pay if you are certified. The two main certifying organizations are the IAHCSMM and the CBSPD. Both require you to pass an exam. Once certified, you must accrue continuing education points in order to renew your certification at regular intervals.

Currently there are two organizations that offer sterile processing certification credentials, The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and The International Association for Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). To qualify as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), you will need to first complete a minimum of 80 hours of instruction and training from a CBSPD, Inc. approved certified program. Then, successfully pass the certification exam. For IAHCSMM, a minimum of 400 hours of instruction and training is required through an IAHCSMM accredited program before being qualified for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certificate.

The SPT program consists of 80 hours of theory instruction and up to 40 hours of Instrumentation Training. After completing the course and the certification exam, students are qualified to participate in the Externship Program through a school-based affiliation. We only offer ONE (1) WEEKEND ONLY class that runs 12 to 13 weeks at a time and is limited to a max of 25 students per class. The class begins at the start of February, May, August, and November.

Unfortunately, NO. Because MedTek Hayward is a small learning institution, we do not qualify for providing government-funded financial assistance. However, we do offer PAYMENT OPTIONS for your convenience.