Additional Information
Presently, many sterile processing professionals are working without certification.
Generally, you need to complete Grade 12 and an English literacy test.
But that is changing as more institutions ask for their workers to take
a certification program. The National Institute for the Certification Board
for Sterile Processing and Distribution is the certification body in the U.S.
"You have to have a literate workforce because [sterile processing] is
becoming so technologically advanced that you have to be able to read complex
instructions," says Helen Vandoremalen. She is the manager of the regional
processing center at a women's health center. "It's like the rest of the world."
Vandoremalen says a smart and motivated technician can move quickly up
the ranks.
"Some of them have come in with no previous experience and within six months
they have got to that second level," Vandoremalen says. "Other people, it's
taken them 20 years and they don't have those attributes.
"It's becoming more attractive because it's fairly well paid. It's a year's
course and that's not full time. It's not like a huge commitment in terms
of education."