3 Key Steps to Become More Marketable in Sterile Processing
Here are three things you can do to advance your career and be more marketable in Sterile Processing from those guys that do nothing but hire SPD and OR Techs: Moab Healthcare
Attend conferences (Local and National)
Networking and Learning. Attending the national and local chapter conferences and meetings of
IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management), an organization well known in the world of Sterile Processing Technicians, holds an annual conference. But don’t stop there! Joining your local chapter of IAHCSMM and get involved with SPD and OR leaders in your community.
Networking and the opportunity to learn more will only serve to grow your career.
Earn certifications
Certification indicates a particular level of knowledge and expertise in the field. When you pass a certification exam, hiring managers know you’ve met the standards of that certifying body. The MUST HAVE for an SPD and OR Tech is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), which is offered through IAHCSMM. The other certification option is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD), offered through a nonprofit organization of the same name.
But what can you do if you are already certified? Get your IAHCSMM Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL). Especially if you want to get into a role as a shift supervisor, or even a manager.
The average salary for an SPD Supervisor is $55,000, and $75,000 for an SPD Manager.
Participate in advanced training
It’s important to keep up with innovations in the field so you are current on best practices. However, you can also take advanced training, which can be helpful for career advancement. Some facilities have a tiered system, such as Tech 1, 2, 3, Lead, and Supervisor. Some have specialty positions like instrument coordinator, service specialists (such as ortho or cardio), or liaison with the operating room.
In addition, it’s important to note that advanced training doesn’t necessarily have to be in sterile processing to be helpful and useful. If training helps you do your job better, it can be relevant. One person in the profession who has earned Six Sigma belts and completed other courses noted that these efforts have advanced his career and made him more marketable.
Are you searching for a new placement?
At MOAB Healthcare, we offer immediate placement for experienced sterilization technicians for local and national assignments. Owned and operated by perioperative providers and professionals, MOAB Healthcare has a mission to be the nationwide leader in sterilization technician staffing. As you work to advance your career and increase your marketability, you may decide it’s time to search for a new placement as well. We’re here to help with that; contact us at 1-833-SPD-TECH (773-8324).
