Sterilising Technician

Tasks & duties

Sterilising technicians may do some or all of the following:

• decontaminate and clean surgical equipment and instruments
• check surgical equipment and instruments are clean and working properly
• keep records of sterilised instruments and equipment
• sort surgical instruments and equipment, set them out on trays and pack them for delivery
• ensure sterile instruments and equipment are distributed to hospital surgical wards as ordered
• answer customer requests for information about the sterile service

Skills & knowledge

Sterilising technicians need to have:

• knowledge of sterilising techniques
• knowledge of surgical equipment and instruments
• knowledge of issues, trends and safe working practices as they relate to the sterile service
• communication skills
• planning and time-management skills
• record-keeping and basic computer skills
• customer service skills

Entry requirements

To become a sterilising technician you need to have a Certificate in Sterilising Technology, which you can get through the New Zealand Open Polytechnic.

The course is completed over a year. Most sterilising technicians take the course by correspondence while also working and training on the job. People working as sterilising technicians in New Zealand must pass the course within two years of entering the job.

Secondary education

At least three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, maths and science.

Training on the job

Sterilising technicians receive on-the-job training that leads towards national qualifications in sterilisation. They also attend seminars and conferences to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

Registration

All working sterilising technicians also must maintain an annual membership with the New Zealand Sterile Services Association.

Useful experience

Any background in health administration or health services, such as nursing, is useful experience for sterilising technicians.

Related courses

General Medicine

For more information, please refer to Career Services.