Sterile services technicians provide hospital wards and departments with the equipment and materials required for clean, hygienic procedures. Re-useable instruments from wards, clinics and operating theatres are collected, disinfected and checked to make sure they are clean and working properly. Sterile supplies are delivered by trolley, to wards and departments.

Technicians assemble instruments and supply items such as dressings, needles and syringes in packs or on trays, following standardised procedures. They seal and label the packs or trays, which are then sterilised in steam using machines called autoclaves.

Specialised equipment is used to decontaminate or disinfect large items of medical equipment.

Hours and Environment

Sterile services technicians usually work days with early starts. Shifts and on-call duties may be required.

The work can be fairly strenuous, involving standing, some lifting, and pushing trolleys. Sterile services technicians work in a clean hospital environment and wear protective clothing. Gloves and face visors are needed for some work. Working conditions can be humid.

Skills and Interests

To be a sterile services technician, you should:

• have high standards of hygiene - those with skin conditions may find this work unsuitable
• have strong literacy and numeracy skills
• be discrete and respect patients' privacy
• have a good level of personal health and fitness
• be interested in science
• have the ability to follow detailed instructions and work quickly and precisely
• be flexible in your approach to work.

Entry

Although there are no set entry requirements, a good general education including numeracy and literacy skills are required together with clear handwriting to label packs, trays and equipment accurately.

Good communication and teamwork skills are also highly regarded in this area of work. Some employers may prefer applicants to be age 21 or over, with five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3).

Training

Trainee technicians are trained on the job, and may be encouraged to undertake the RIPH Level 2 Certificate in Decontamination and Sterilisation in Healthcare Environments, or the ASET Level 2 Certificate in Control of Infection and Contamination.

The main qualification relevant to this role is the S/NVQ Level 3 in Health (Decontamination). This course includes units in collecting and sorting equipment for sterilisation, and preparing, loading and operating decontamination equipment. There are usually no formal entry requirements, however, you need to be working in a sterile services unit.

Practising technicians with the appropriate S/NVQ will be eligible for technician membership of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences.

Opportunities

Sterile services technicians work in NHS hospitals, private hospitals or military hospitals. There can be opportunities to work abroad.

Technicians can progress to assistant management and then service management posts. Supervisors need an S/NVQ Level 3 in Management such as the one awarded by the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM).

The Institute of Decontamination Sciences hold information about professional membership of the Institute of Sterile Services Management; see Further Information. Experienced managers who become head of department may move into general health service management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Sterile service technicians will start on around £10,500 a year.
More experienced staff may earn £11,500 to £14,500.
Sterile services technicians in supervisory positions may earn between £16,000 and £27,500 a year.

Further information

1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
Tel: 020 7294 2470 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655