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Sterilising Technician

Kaihangarau Whakahoromata

Sterilising technicians clean, sterilise and package surgical instruments and other hospital equipment, soft goods and linen in a sterilisation unit.

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Secondary education

No specific secondary education is required to enter this job, but health education, biology and maths to NCEA Level 3 are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for sterilising technicians includes work in health administration or health services.

What you will do

Sterilising technicians may do some or all of the following:

  • clean and disassemble surgical equipment and instruments
  • load, operate and empty washing and sterilising machines
  • reassemble and repackage equipment and instruments for different operations
  • ensure sterile instruments and equipment are clean and working properly, and are distributed to hospital surgical wards as ordered
  • answer customer requests for information about the sterile service
  • keep records of sterilised equipment.

Skills and knowledge

Sterilising technicians need to have knowledge of:

  • sterilising techniques, and surgical equipment and instruments
  • safe working practices including appropriate protective clothing.
Pay

Trainee sterilising technicians usually earn

$65K-$68K

per year

Sterilising technicians with qualifications can earn

$72K-$97K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a sterilising technician are good due to demand for their services.
Length of training
2
years of training usually required.

Industry

Health

Sterilising technicians clean, sterilise and package surgical instruments and other hospital equipment, soft goods and linen in a sterilisation unit.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a sterilising technician you need to:

  • gain a position as a trainee sterilising technician
  • study for a New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 4) at Toi Ohomai New Zealand Institute of Technology. Most sterilising technicians study by correspondence while working and training on the job.

A Level 3 Certificate in Sterilising Technology is a useful introductory course to get used to studying via distance education and learning the terminology, but it is not compulsory for the health sector.

Chances of getting a job

Slow turnover of staff, but the occupation is growing

Turnover among sterilising technicians is average due to people tending to stay in the role for at least a few years.

However, sterilsing technician appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled sterilsing technicians from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Chances of securing a job as a sterilising technician are best if you approach employers directly.

According to the Census, the number of sterilising technicians grew from 552 in 2013 to 696 in 2018.

Sterilising technicians usually work in the health sector

Sterilising technicians usually work for Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, private hospitals and clinics. A few work in other areas such as tattoo parlours, beauty therapy, the military and education providers such as the University of Otago.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association (NZSSA)
secretary@nzssa.co.nz - www.nzssa.co.nz

Progression and specialisations

Sterilising technicians may progress to become team leaders.

Working conditions

Sterilising technicians:

  • usually work rostered shifts and may work weekdays, nights and/or weekends
  • work in the sterilising units of public and private hospitals and clinics.

Physical Requirements

Sterilising technicians need to:

  • be physically fit, as the role includes some lifting as well as manoeuvring loaded steriliser trolleys
  • have good hand-eye co-ordination.

 

Useful personal qualities

Sterilising technicians need to be able to:

  • pay attention to detail
  • follow instructions
  • work as part of a team with other health professionals.

Industry

Health

Sterilising technicians clean, sterilise and package surgical instruments and other hospital equipment, soft goods and linen in a sterilisation unit.

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