Sterile services technician

Sterile services technicians make sure that reusable medical devices (including surgical instruments) are sterile. They are involved in the whole process, from receiving the used items to providing sterile equipment ready for use. They keep accurate records of each stage of the process.

Also known as:

• Decontamination service technician

Work activities

Sterile services technicians make sure that re-usable medical devices are sterile. First, they receive the used equipment. They must handle the equipment carefully because it might be delicate and expensive. They also need to protect themselves and other staff from any contamination. Technicians make sure that the equipment being received is complete. If an item is missing, they report it to their supervisor. Each item or set of devices is coded, so they can be traced throughout the reprocessing system. Before cleaning, they have to dismantle each item. They put the devices into an automated mechanical washer disinfector. This cleans, disinfects and dries the equipment. After the items have been cleaned and disinfected, they are transferred into the production area where the sterile services technician inspects them to make sure that they are clean, dry and can work properly for their intended use. They also inspect and re-assemble the items where necessary, before packing, sealing and labelling them ready for sterilisation. The packages are then passed to the sterilising area, where the technician loads them into the steriliser. After sterilisation, the technician allows the items to cool. Once cooled, they put the equipment in its correct place in the processed goods store until it is needed for distribution and further use.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a sterile services technician, you’ll need:

• Attention to detail and a careful approach to your work.
• To follow procedures correctly at each stage of the process.
• The ability to do some of your work without supervision.
• Teamwork skills.
• The ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure, so equipment is ready to be used when it is needed.
• Physical fitness as the job involves pushing trolleys and some lifting.
• Record-keeping skills. Technicians sometimes use computers to keep records.

Pay and opportunities

NHS employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, sterile services technicians start on Band 2 of the Agenda for Change pay scale, earning £22,383 per year, and can progress up to Band 4, which has a maximum earning potential of £27,596 (2023 rates). Like most NHS staff, sterile services technicians usually work a 37.5 hour week, Monday to Friday, which may include early starts, shift work and call-outs.

Pay and conditions may be different outside the NHS, such as in private hospitals and the armed forces.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the website of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc), the NHS Jobs website and on job boards, as well as in local newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You can apply for vacancies and then have on-the-job training.

Training technicians work towards a Technical Certificate, which is approved by the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc) and accredited by an academic or other approved training body.

The following apprenticeships can lead towards specialisation in decontamination and sterile services. On these schemes you will towards appropriate qualifications:

• Healthcare science assistant (level 2/intermediate)
• Healthcare science associate (level 4/higher)

Further training can include supervisory certificates, management diplomas and postgraduate qualifications.

Qualifications

To become a sterile services technician, you’ll usually need GCSEs, including English, maths and a science, or equivalent qualifications. To begin a higher apprenticeship you will need two A-levels as well as GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Related careers

• Operating department practitioner
• Medical laboratory assistant