By Don Gordon and Stephen M. Kovach

Hair stylists, auto mechanics, and realtors are all certified. In order to practice their professions, people who work in these fields must verify that they have reached a level of proficiency that has been deemed standard by their professional associations or governing bodies. There is no such national requirement for the central service professional, however. Certification is optional; in fact, some CS professionals do not even know that they can be certified.

Lack of certification in the central service profession contributes to two areas of concern for those who work in our field: First, central service professionals are not always given the same respect as others in the hospital/medical field, and second, compensation is generally lower than in the related fields that do require certification. In order to address these concerns, we need to look at certification in a broader sense—i.e., what does it bring to the individual who has been certified? And then, why are so few C.S. professionals certified, and how can they be recognized once they are?

The Power of Certification

Certification in any profession documents the capabilities of the practitioner. Colleagues or employees have an expectation about the level of performance they should see, and certification standardizes that level of expectation.

Although certification cannot guarantee a good bedside manner or that a practitioner is ethical, it does provide a consistent level of expectation. Just as we expect that a Burger King Whopper will taste the same in New York or Detroit, we expect that a certified professional in a particular job will perform at a certain level and have a certain knowledge base.

Certification assists in developing standards within an industry. Training programs with a standard curriculum are developed for those who wish to enter that industry. Such programs generally culminate in a certification exam, which when passed enables an individual to apply with confidence for a job in the field.

Certification is also an indication that one has attained a certain level of achievement and sets the certified person apart from those in the field who are not certified. As certification in a particular field becomes the norm, the expectation is that individuals practicing in that field will be certified.

Certification can help raise the profile of a particular profession. It can help attract talented people to the profession. Over time, the people practicing the profession will be better educated.

Certification also leads to continuing education. In a fast-changing world, one must be kept up to date on a number of topics and techniques. Certification demands this of an individual. Certification usually involves a recertification process that requires the individual to continue his or her knowledge quest.

Consumers generally like the idea that the person helping them or performing a task for them is certified. Certification conveys a sense of safety, competency, and quality to the consumer.

Professionals who become certified generally remain in their profession for the long run. They want to do a good job and to perform at the highest level possible. Their certification announces to the world that they are competent and perform quality work.

Many healthcare professions—respiratory therapy, physical therapy, surgical technology, radiology, for example—require some sort of certification or licensure of their practitioners. As a result, people in these professions are more highly regarded within the healthcare hierarchy and better compensated than those in central service. With certification as the norm in healthcare, why has it been so hard for central service staff not only to become certified, but to be recognized?

The Present and Future of CS Certification

Although national certification for CS staff appears to be years away, local chapters and some states have initiated a mandatory certification process that will without doubt increase professionalism and salaries within the field. Most notably, it will insure that all those who work in our field have the knowledge to deliver a safe product to patients.

New Jersey, for example—under the tutelage of Tony Monaco of the New Jersey State Health Department—has implemented the nation’s first state licensure program. This program uses certification standards specified by both national central service associations (CBSPD and IAHCSMM) as the accepted proficiency exam. Local and regional associations from both IAHCSMM and ASHCSP have endorsed this program, which will raise central service standards throughout the state.

"Certification is a real start," Monaco said, "but not the end-all. It’s a great way to shine a light on Central Service, but training and quality measurement tools are also central to developing necessary skills.

You have to get to know your state first," he continued. "Find out who that key person is in the state; give them a free membership (in your association) and invite them to meetings so they can learn about the issues firsthand. From there, you can develop (programs) with state health departments and lobby with them. Believe me, it works."

In fact,CS professionals in New York have taken these steps and are well on their way to equaling the strides made in New Jersey. California too is in the hunt for mandatory state certification. Without a doubt other states will soon follow their example.

Certification is currently mandatory for CS professionals employed in the U.S. Veteran Administration hospital system, according to Bobby Osborn, chief of V.A. SPD.

The Task for Individuals in Central Service

What can individual CS professionals do to "raise the bar" in our field? The importance of our job obligates us to do more than stay abreast of the latest technological advances in our profession.

We need to develop a better attitude within our profession. For as educator and author J.B. Matthews wrote, "Unless a person has trained for (his) chance, the chance will only make (him) ridiculous. A great occasion is worth to a person exactly what his preparation enables (him) to make if it." Or, as the German philosopher and writer Goethe put it, " Before you can do something, you have to be something."

"Attitude" is defined as "the position or bearing as indicating action, feeling, or mood." Our actions, feelings, or moods determine the actions, feelings, or moods of others. Our attitude toward life will determine life’s attitude toward us. This is called "cause and effect." Everything we say and do will have a corresponding effect. An individual who acts professionally will be perceived as professional; one who does not, will not.

Central service professionals can ask themselves these questions:

• How good am I at what I’m presently doing?

• Do I know all there is to know about my job function?

• Would I call myself a first-class professional at my place of employment?

• How would my work stand up against the work of others in my field?

We’re often surprised at how little people in the medical/hospital professions know about central service (central service professionals included). Many CS professionals are unaware that they can become certified, and even more administrators and medical professionals are unaware that the option exists. This situation in effect lowers the bar for the entire hospital/medical field. As author and television commentator Earl Nightengale once said, "The human race is much like a convoy of ships in time of war; the whole fleet is slowed to protect the slowest ships."

So, what is the answer to the question of why so few CS professionals are certified (and thus recognized)? What value does certification bring to our profession, and, ultimately, to the patient?

The answer lies within each individual. There are many roadblocks to certification, including attitude, the cost of certification to the individual, the fact that there are two groups doing the certifying. Yet none of these roadblocks are insurmountable. It is simply a matter of making the time and effort to be part of the solution.

Take the matter of cost. No CS employee should forgo certification because he or she can’t afford it. Several companies have made monies available to pay for education of CS staff. Healthmark Industries offers a Sterile Processing Dollars program through which hospitals can defray the cost of certification, and SPS Medical provides scholarships for certification courses and exam fees. The two national associations offer awards for CS employees to attend meetings and secure necessary CEUs. Local, state, and federal governments offer programs that assist people in qualifying for financial aid for education. And even if an individual does end up financing his or her own certification, the cost is minimal when compared to the benefits realized in the long run.

The fact that two groups are doing the certifying can cause some confusion for CS professionals, but each individual must look at the two groups and choose the one that offers the best fit for him or her. Both entities offer quality certification programs that are recognized within the field. No matter which program is chosen, the end result is that employee completes a program/exam that validates that a minimum level of knowledge and skill has been attained. He or she can be confident in their knowledge and competency within the central service profession.

The bottom line is that central service professionals need to raise awareness of their profession and its importance to the healthcare field. Central Service is becoming more technical—we are not in the basement any more. Central Service is the area that can shut down a hospital in "a New York minute." It is a key element in assuring a safe environment for hospital patients.

About the Authors

Don Gordon, CRCST, FEL works at North Bronx Healthcare Network and is the Network Director for Central Service. He is also the President – Elect for IAHCSMM

Stephen M. Kovach, B.S., is the Director of Education at Healthmark Industries located in St. Clair Shores, MI. Kovach has been active in the healthcare field for over 26 years in various capacities.

Gordon and Kovach support national certification of Central Service Technicians.