TECH Talk: Certification Prep. It's Worth It.

05.22.2019 • Industry News

Certification can be a daunting task for front line sterile processing techs and leaders alike, but at the end of the day, the benefits far exceed the costs. Some of the benefits of professional certifications include:

• professional growth opportunities
• increased pay
• technical expertise

While these are clear benefits for the professional, achieving sterile processing certification can lead to better patient care and improved outcomes. Several sterile processing certifications are available from organizations such as the International Association of Healthcare Central Service and Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). These include: 

IAHCSMM

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)

CBPSD

• Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (C.S.P.D.T.)
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician (C.A.S..P.T.)
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (C.F.E.R.)
• Certified in Sterile Processing Management (C.S.P.M.)

When pursuing certification in these specialties, preparation is key. Each organization provides valuable study materials, such as the IAHCSMM Central Service Technical Manual, Endoscope Reprocessing Manual, and associated workbooks and recommended readying. Other preparation materials available are the ANSI/AAMI Standards (ST79/ST91), AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, workbooks, study guides, and practice exams. Preparing for certification in sterile processing is a serious undertaking, but it's worth it. 

Brandon VanHee, GTS
Clinical Education Manager
Key Surgical