![]() ![]() Career opportunities and outlookĬentral service is an emerging profession and is expected to grow as the number of surgeries increases. Certification for central service techniciansĪfter completing a certification program and the required number of hours of hands-on experience, you will be eligible to take the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management exam to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). You may need to pass a standardized test for certification as well. Program lengths vary, but are typically between four to eight months in length. To become a central service technician you need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and you need to complete a central service technician program. It is the perfect role for someone who is interested in the health care industry, but would prefer not to have high-levels of interactions with patients. Individuals that enjoy detailed, behind-the-scenes work in a fast-paced environment may enjoy a career as a central service technician. Working some weekends and holidays may be expected. Most facilities offer a day, evening, or night shift schedules for technicians. They often need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, and face masks. Due to the nature of the role, they need to protect themselves from exposure to blood, bodily fluid, or harsh cleaning agents while they work to decontaminate tools and equipment. There can be a high risk of exposure, however. Though they play a vital role in preventing infection, technicians have very little direct patient contact. They work in a behind-the-scenes role in a constantly changing, fast-paced environment. Hospitals are the primary employer of central service technicians, though some employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including outpatient care centers, and ambulatory surgical centers, as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Distributing supplies and equipment to departments that need them. ![]() Processing, assembling, packaging, storing, and keeping inventory of medical devices and surgical supplies (including gloves, surgical masks, and needles).Decontaminating, cleaning, and sterilizing surgical instruments, supplies, medical devices, and equipment.In general, their responsibilities revolve around preventing infection in patients through: It can even change on a day-to-day basis, depending on where they work. The role of a central service technician varies and can change depending on their work environment. Tools are then reissued and stored in a sterile storage area. Once a piece of medical equipment is completely cleaned and disinfected, it will be sterilized and packaged for reuse. Tools and equipment are inspected for any damages to ensure they can be reused. ![]() First, tools are disassembled, cleaned, and disinfected using both manual and mechanical techniques. Sterile processing is the process of cleaning medical supplies and preparing them to be used again. ![]() The central service department of a health care facility is the hub of all activity surrounding supplies and equipment needed for surgery and patient care.Ĭentral service technicians learn the principles of sterilization and sterile processing. What does a central service technician do?Ĭentral service technicians, also called sterile processing technicians or central service (CS) professionals, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. ![]()
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