Sterile services technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

Courses which may give you an advantage when applying for trainee roles include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
• A level Biology or Chemistry
• T Level in Healthcare Science

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• A levels or equivalent qualifications
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could start by taking a Healthcare Science Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Healthcare Science Associate Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some of the relevant skills and experience needed for this role.

There are no set requirements but you'll usually need good literacy and numeracy skills. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, or equivalent, in English and maths.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of biology
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Sterile services technicians clean and decontaminate equipment used in hospital operating theatres, clinics and wards.

As a sterile services technician, you could:

• collect, clean and sterilise equipment
• check that all instruments are clean and working
• deliver sterile supplies to wards and departments
• restock supplies of items like dressings, needles and syringes
• operate a steam sterilising machine

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and humid.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager in a decontamination sciences department.

With further training you may be able to move into other areas of healthcare or general health service management.