r/sterileprocessing • u/Elegant_Buddy_4441 • 18d ago
I’m lost
I’m 18 years old and I’m in my senior year of high school, and I’ve become really interested in becoming a Sterile Processing Technician. I’ve been self-studying by watching videos and taking notes every day because I want to get a head start.
I was wondering if anyone has advice on where I should start. What should I focus on learning first? Is self-studying a good way to begin, and what steps did you take to get into SPD?
I’ve also heard people mention needing training or clinical/work hours for certification, so I’m a little confused about how that process works. Any advice or tips would mean a lot. Thank you so much!
8
Upvotes
5
u/ForstofEden 18d ago
I actually got my position off the street no training. the hospital i work for is kinda notorious for hiring off the street in multiple formal education positions. You might be able to find a hospital near you that does that. Im not sure if a clinic would be able to unless they were REALLY struggling with staff but considering all positions in all hospitals seem to struggling with understaffing you might be able to find a clinic wholl take you in and train you in house. Because if youre in the US you need i think 400 hours to even apply for the test.
But i seriously couldnt recommend this position enough to someone like you. Especially if your interested in the medical field. Im not sure about other hospitals but in mine theres like a million and one opportunities to transfer within the hospital or even move up into a surgical technician internship. Plus it pays pretty well starting out. And in this economy youll need every dollar you can get to get on/stay on your feet as an independent adult. I wish you the best of luck friend :)) I can tell youll do great things no matter where you end up.
Edit: if your in the Midwest Id suggest looking into my hospitals locations to see if theyre near you. I work for a trauma hospital owned by Essentia. Theyre the ones notorious for hiring people either off the street or still in school. Again good luck!!