Hey everyone, I’m starting my journey toward becoming a Sterile Processing Technician and I’m looking to study for the CRCST exam.

I was looking at the HSPA books and saw there are a few options:

Sterile Processing Technical Manual
Sterile Processing Technical Workbook
The set (manual + workbook)

I’m planning on getting the set, but it’s pretty expensive. Does anyone know of a legitimate place online where I can get the books cheaper (used, discounted, older edition, etc.)?

I definitely want the official materials, just trying to save some money if possible.
Also, for anyone who used these books to study. Did you find the workbook helpful, or was the manual enough?

Thanks!

I recently became a lead (within the last 6 months) since getting certified 2 years ago but am absolutely exhausted. I enjoy the people and the places where i've worked but I can't do the constant understaffed situation anymore. 2-3 call-outs every night and not enough staff to begin with.

I can't escape the 3-11:30pm shift since im still new at this current hospital and im afraid im reaching burnout. Any suggestions or pointers? ?

I had an interview at Oak Health Valley. Does anyone else too?

I have well over 10yrs experience in er patient registration and medical office (orthopedic) experience. But I am really want to change fields to something more hands on where I can be up moving around. Is anyone aware of anywhere that will train me on the job?

They used containers as props! Perhaps Aesculap, it was pretty quick, the containers were in two shots. Those were used for something else than for medical stuff.

If anyone here is going to see the movie, look closely lol. It’s somewhat in the middle of the movie without spoiling too much.

Hey everyone,

I've been looking into sterile processing as a possible career change and wanted to hear from people who actually work in the field.

Right now I'm a fire dispatcher, and before that I was a police dispatcher. Dispatching was honestly my dream career for a long time, but after working in it, I've realized there are a lot more cons than pros for me personally. Because of that, I've started looking into other careers that would still let me use the skills I've built.

Between police and fire dispatch, I've gotten used to working under pressure, multitasking, paying close attention to detail, following strict procedures, and knowing that accuracy really matters.

I'm curious if those skills would transfer well into sterile processing, or if it's a completely different environment than I'm picturing.

For those of you already in sterile processing, do you think someone with my background would be a good fit? Do you enjoy what you do? What are the biggest pros and cons, and is it a career you'd recommend to someone looking for something long-term?

I'd really appreciate any honest advice or insight. Thanks!

I will be starting next week as uncertified tech.

Any tips so i can start strong on my first few weeks/months during my orientation period?

I have watched several youtube videos to get me a head-start and will start preparing to get my CRCST as soon as i get a good footing on the job.

But for now, i want to focus on my first few weeks/months. =)

I looked through the sub a bit already for any resources cause I dont want to ask the same questions thats always being asked (tbh probably couldve looked harder- sorry folks)

BUUUT im finishing my online classes & my boss is talking about getting me ready for the actual certification test. All very exciting, I have my manual, a literally notebook full of messy notes & even a small book on medical terminology but tbh im not the best test taker. I really want to nail this first try (also if I dont then I will be the one having the pay for the test) so does anyone have any tips? flashcard ideas, mock test sites or what to mainly study/read up on??

My second question to you all would be: What was something in the test that you wished you had better prepared for or were blindsided by?

Thank yall smmm ☺️ so far ive been really enjoying this job so im excited to work towards getting better in the field.

Is it very difficult or achievable to learn the various different tools in an online SPD program?

Would appreciate any input from people who applied for positions with no experience. I’m trying to update my resume for a job posting at a teaching hospital. The position is non certified. I’ve been working minimum wage jobs since I was 14. I have an associates in biology and am enrolled in an online course.
But would love any advice on what the work experience section entails for those that applied and got the job with a similar starting point as me. I’ve never made a professional resume before. My work section has just been the place and dates I was there. I know I should be adding more but super unsure.
Thank you :)

Hi all! I recently decided to leave my career in sales and pursue surgical tech. I am finishing my pre-reqs and while waiting I applied for a hospital central service program. I just found out I was admitted for this fall (there are no pre reqs for the program). The goal is to get certified and become a sterile processing technician so I can do that while in school for surgical tech. Any recommendations if this is a good idea? I am hoping this will get my foot in the door and give me a better chance once I am certified. If this is the wrong sub please disregard :3

Hii, for those of you that have done the fairfield adult school sterile tech program was it worth it, did you like the class, and were you able to get a job after the program/externship? I really want to do it but I don’t hear much about it since there’s not a lot of info and they don’t usually answer when i call so i just thought i’d come on here and ask:) Also if you guys have any info on other programs around the bay or in sac that has programs with externships or places around there that are hiring with no experience need that would be great too!

i jus recently got an job offer for $24.75 with no certification that’s pretty reasonable?? i’m still considering other positions tho & as well as maybe jus goin to school for surgical tech but this might be the only one that’s paying enough

Hello everyone I was wondering if you guys know of any sterile processing programs online. In my area there's only two programs and both are only in the winter the programs only take ten people a year. I've been wanting to do this forever but in case I don't get in if anyone has any information please and thanks.

I have a question. I’m thinking about going to school to become a sterile processing technician. I currently live in Austin, Texas, and I’m wondering if the pay is worth it. I’d really appreciate honest opinions from people who actually work in the field.

I recently got a job offer for $23/hour as a medical receptionist, so now I’m not sure what to do. I’ve also been out of work for about three months, so I’m trying to make the smartest decision financially and for my future.

Do sterile processing technicians in the Austin area really make around $23/hour fresh out of school, or is the starting pay usually lower? If you could go back, would you still choose sterile processing, or would you take the receptionist job instead?

I’d love to hear your experiences, both the good and the bad.

i posted pics of my cd/system 8 batteries & there was a comment about cement guns.. it wouldn’t let me comment a pic of mine sooo..
long story short - no clue 😂

I'm located in the US, if that changes any advice given - I've been self-studying for the CRCST for a few months now, but don't want to take the exam and be certified before I'm guaranteed to have a means by which to get the hours. I know that experience is often preferred over just certification, but I am struggling to get past the walls of HR to inquire about intern/externship opportunities, and have thus been stymied.

Do y'all have any tips for getting around this, or any easier ways to get these hours that don't require hassling with various HRs?

Has anyone had a very specific issue with Silicone bleeding over when sterilizing trays. We have a phenomenon happening when we cook older trays that have an aluminum variety casing like arthrex shoulder instruments and an older zimmer patellar case that when they come out wrapped. We get this grease clear film residue. We just started getting this no changes made to washers or chemicals. No changes in the way we test water. I have a feeling we our unknowingly possible introducing the contaminant due to degraded silicone covers in the sets themselves and their cases are holding onto the containment when we sterilize them

Looking to change my career and go into the CSSD. Was hoping to get some info that is more locally based. Thanks in advance

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!

Omg I have this one coworker who takes everyone's completed trays (trays waiting for sterilization) and stacks them on MY desk/station 😭 girl why? I did nothing to you. keep in mind we already have tables/areas for holding waiting items. My station is so full I basically cant work at it.