Sterile Services Technician

Typical Salary

£18,005 To £24,157

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Sterile Services Technician

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could do a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science or A level Biology or Chemistry. This may give you an advantage when applying for a trainee job after you finish.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

Apprenticeship

You could start by taking a healthcare science intermediate apprenticeship or higher apprenticeship for healthcare science associates.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to work on your own
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
sensitivity and understanding
knowledge of English language
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

collect re-usable medical and surgical instruments and devices from wards, clinics and operating theatres
take apart pieces of equipment to clean
clean and sterilise equipment
put equipment back together when sterilised
check that all instruments are clean and working properly
deliver sterile supplies by trolley to wards and departments
restock supplies of items like dressings, needles and syringes
operate a steam sterilising machine

Working Environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and humid.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can get some work experience by volunteering in the NHS. This could help if you apply for an apprenticeship or a job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like The Institute of Decontamination Sciences for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in sterile services from Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks