How to Get a Job in Sterile Processing

Sterile processing is a fast-paced field, so don’t expect an easy gig with a lot of sitting around. Sterile processing departments (SPD) are often in constant motion and priorities change minute-to-minute. The job requires a large amount of knowledge, patience, and attention to detail. If this sounds like you, read on!

Who should look for a career in sterile processing?

My first piece of advice here is that you should not go into a career in SP thinking you’ll have an easy road ahead. Sterile processing is physically demanding, requiring the ability to lift 25 lb trays constantly, loading sterilizer racks that can weigh over 200 lb, and then pushing 500 lb carts all over the facility to put trays away during the sterile storage process. You will be physically exhausted at the end of your shift, and especially at the end of the work week.

There are thousands of different surgical instruments and devices in the SPD (each with instructions for use from their respective manufacturers) for the SPP to process.

These instructions can include information on a) point-of-use treatment, b) manual cleaning, c) ultrasonic steps, d) automated washer instructions, e) disinfection, and so on. Each device also needs to be inspected, which can include a) visual inspection, b) quality testing, c) cleaning verification testing, et cetera. Suffice to say, sterile processing is a mentally taxing job that requires tremendous vigilance.

And if the physical and mental parts of the job weren’t enough, we are also in an emotionally challenging profession because sterile processing is a critical part of patient care. If there is a mistake or problem with patient care that impacts that patient’s health, there is a definite emotional toll that it takes on you. The job is important, so the errors and delays attributed to SPD can feel intense. I’ve seen many SPPs leave the department in tears over patient care situations–the stakes do feel higher than in your average working situation.

It's this combination of physical, mental, and emotional challenges that make sterile processing such a unique profession . . . and it’s not for everyone. The best piece of advice I could give on whether you should explore a career in SP is that you need to be prepared for the physical, mental, and emotional toll that it will take on you, but, if you’re up for the challenge, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there. Also, you shouldn’t be squeamish at the sight of blood.

How to get a job in sterile processing

Have I scared you away yet? If you haven’t run away anxious, overwhelmed, and screaming, let’s start looking for our first job in the profession.

My first piece of advice is to get yourself certified in sterile processing. There are two certification bodies (Fig. 2) recognized by hospitals in the United States.

These certifications are one of the most important prerequisites that SPD employers look for. Some employers will reject your application immediately if you do not have one of them. (Note: There are some requirements that must be met for each certification body. Go to their website to learn more.)

The most recent study I looked at showed that almost half of test takers fail the basic CRCST (HSPA)² or CSPDT (CBSPD)³ exam on their first try. Most of these first timers failed because they made the mistake of trying to study on their own. This is where certification preparation courses come in handy.

Certification preparation courses are a great way to introduce yourself to the concepts of SP and help prepare you for your certification exam.

• Taking a preparation course with certified and experienced SPPs can give you a huge advantage in the examination process.
• Instructors can tell you a) what sections of the book hold more weight, b) how questions may be worded (pro tip: not always straightforward), c) what definitions are most important, and more.
• A preparation course (e.g., Fig. 3) gives you focus, and good courses really reinforce the “why” behind everything that you will need to know.

Once certified (or well on your way to becoming certified), you’ll need to start applying for jobs in the field. Some nuggets of advice for that process.

1. Review your resume – As a former hiring manager myself, you’d be surprised at how many resumes had typos or errors in them. If you can’t spell your name consistently throughout a resume, it gives me pause as to whether you have the attention to detail needed for a job in sterile processing.
2. Call or email the department leadership – I used to advise job seekers to actually go in-person to hand in their resume and application; however, since COVID, the restrictions around hospitals have changed dramatically and this is likely no longer an option. You can still take the initiative to make an introduction to the department leader in other ways. I used to call the hospital main line, ask for the sterile processing manager, and then get transferred directly to the person responsible for hiring. Tell them your name and ask them to look for your application. Trust me, this works!
3. Make connections in the industry – There are a number of ways to make connections in the industry in the digital age. There is likely a local HSPA chapter in your area. Reach out to them and learn how to get involved. Most local chapters are made up of hiring managers, so they’re a great place to start for those who are new to the industry. Also, join LinkedIn and start making connections there. You can start by looking up yours truly!
4. Utilize a cover letter – It’s a simple letter (about 3 paragraphs in length), and it will detail your pursuit of a career in SP at the particular facility you’re applying to. So many resumes are bland, generic, and make it seem like the applicant is looking for any job in any field. A cover letter makes it clear to the hiring manager that you have an intended focus on a career in sterile processing and want to work at their facility. This is an easy and free way to make your application stand out from the crowd!

If you’ve read this far and you’re not scared of a challenge, then you’re exactly the type of detail-oriented and diligent worker ideally suited to a career in the fast-paced and ever-changing field of sterile processing! I wish you the best of luck on your sterile processing journey!