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Sterile Processor
Sterile Processors work in health care settings, cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing a variety of instruments, supplies, and equipment to eliminate disease-causing microorganisms and help prevent infection.
As a Sterile Processor, you sterilize and prepare sets of instruments and surgical case carts for a variety of surgical procedures. You choose the most effective sterilization technique for each device and instrument, using everything from cleaning detergents to specialized equipment, such as autoclaves (steam sterilizers), ethylene oxide sterilizers, gas plasma sterilizers, and ozone sterilizers. Once the tools are cleaned, you ensure they remain free of microbial contamination during transport and storage. Your work also includes maintenance of the sterilizing equipment and ordering needed supplies and replacement parts.
Your classroom studies at Baker are combined with hands-on experience in a sterile processing department. It’s a curriculum designed to get you up to speed quickly with the knowledge and skills required to be eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Career Facts
- The average annual wage for a Sterile Processor ranges from $ 24,487 to $34,450.
- Job growth is expected to be much faster than average for all types of surgical technologists, including Sterile Processors, between 2008-2018
- Job opportunities are best for Technologists who are certified.
- Most Sterile Processors work in hospitals but opportunities exist in other medical settings as well including outpatient surgery centers private offices, or instrument and supply companies.
- In a busy hospital that operates 24 hours a day, you may be required to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Advancement in this career is often to Surgical Technologist, which requires additional training and study.
Programs
- Certificate
Want to get the ball rolling?
Everything about our college is aimed at getting you the job you want in the shortest time possible — from our affordable tuition, to how we choose our programs, to our small class sizes, and flexible class schedules.
Discover what Baker can do for your future. Schedule a visit or enroll online today.
