Sterile Services Technician
What is the work like?
As a sterile services technician, you would provide hospital wards and departments with the equipment and materials needed for clean, hygienic procedures. Your main duties would include:
- collecting re-usable medical and surgical instruments and devices from wards, clinics and operating theatres
- disinfecting all equipment
- dismantling and reassembling technically advanced devices
- checking that all instruments are clean and working properly
- delivering sterile supplies by trolley, to wards and departments
- restocking supplies of items such as dressings, needles and syringes.
The sterilisation process involves operating a steam sterilising machine such as an autoclave. There are set procedures in place which you would follow once the equipment has been sterilised, for example you would repackage, seal and label packs or trays of equipment. You would also use other specialised equipment to decontaminate or disinfect large items.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any specific qualifications to start work as a sterile services technician. However, employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education with good reading skills and clear handwriting (for labelling packs, trays and equipment accurately).
Some employers may prefer you to have five GCSEs (A-C), including English and maths. Qualifications such as a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Applied Science could also give you an advantage.
Certain skin conditions may make this work difficult.
What further training and development can I do?
You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and you may also be encouraged to take additional external training such as:
- ASET Level 2 Certificate in Control of Infection and Contamination
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Infection Control.
You could also work towards NVQ Level 3 in Health (Decontamination). This course includes units such as:
- collecting and sorting equipment for sterilisation
- preparing, loading and operating decontamination equipment.
With experience and an NVQ you can apply for technician-level membership of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences, which may help you progress in your career.
Where can I go for more information?
Stowe HouseNetherstowe
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS13 6TJ
Tel: 01543 266867
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call us on 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Sterile services technicians can earn between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- With experience, this could rise to around £17,700.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You may be required to work within a 24-hour shift system, operating seven days a week. You may also cover an on-call rota.
This work can be physically demanding and involve lifting equipment and pushing heavy trolleys. You would work in a clean hospital environment and wear protective clothing such as gloves and face visors. Your working conditions can be humid when operating sterilising equipment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- high standards of personal hygiene
- good reading and writing skills
- good communication skills
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- a good level of fitness
- an interest in science
- the ability to follow detailed instructions and work quickly and precisely
- a flexible approach to work.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs within the NHS and in private or military hospitals. You may also have the chance to work overseas.
Within the NHS you can progress from technician to assistant manager and then service manager. As a supervisor you are likely to need an NVQ Level 3 in Management, such as the one awarded by the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM). Experienced managers who become head of department may move into general health service management.
You may find jobs advertised in the local and national press, and Jobcentre Plus. You may also find the following useful for vacancies and further reading: (links open in new window)
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