Medical Equipment Preparers
Allied Health Professions
Medical Equipment Preparers prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. They may perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment, decontaminating and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment following established protocols to ensure patient safety and prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Working conditions
These preparers work in hospital central sterile supply departments, surgical centers, and healthcare facilities where they process medical equipment and instruments. Work involves dedicated sterile processing areas with autoclaves and cleaning equipment, following strict sterilization protocols, exposure to infectious materials and chemicals, and various shifts to support continuous surgical and patient care operations.
Academic requirements
This occupation typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with specialized training in sterile processing and medical equipment handling. Certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through organizations such as the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) is increasingly required or preferred by employers.
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Typical salary range
$28K - 52K
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Years Higher Education
0 - 1
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Job Outlook
Good