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Field Description
The central service technician is responsible for the procurement
of surgical supplies and equipment.
Central service technicians provide support to all patient care
services in the health care facility. They are responsible for decontaminating,
cleaning, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing and distributing
the medical devices and supplies needed in patient care, especially
during surgery.
With the ever-expanding technological advancements in medical supplies,
instrumentation, medical devices and equipment, highly trained individuals
are needed in the field of central service. There is high demand
today for the central service technician in the hospital and clinical
settings.
Central service technicians are trained in principles, methods
and control of sterilization processes; and the cleaning, processing,
packaging, distributing, storing and inventory control of sterile
goods, instruments, trays and equipment.
The following program is offered:
More About Central Service
The central service department of a health care facility
is the hub of all activity surrounding supplies and equipment needed
for surgery, obstetrics and other patient care areas. Central service
technicians assume an important role in patient care by preventing
infections.
As a central service technician, you will provide vital support
in all patient care services and be responsible for knowing
all of the tools used in an operating room, as well as sterilizing
and packaging instruments used during surgery.
You will also decontaminate, clean, process, assemble, store
and distribute medical devices and supplies, and keep records associated
with sterilization monitors, orders, charges to patients and inventory.
Career Opportunities
Central service is an emerging occupation and will expand as health-care
becomes more specialized.
Employment of central service technicians is expected to grow faster
than the average for all occupations through the year 2010 as the
volume of surgery increases. The number of surgical procedures is
expected to rise as the population grows and ages. Technological
advances, such as fiber optics, laser technology, robotics and interventional
radiology will also introduce new surgical procedures and equipment.
Hospitals will continue as the primary employer of central service
technicians, although some employment growth is expected in offices
and clinics of physicians, including ambulatory surgical centers,
as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
With additional training, some technicians advance to senior
central service technicians, who provide technical and functional
supervision to other central service personnel.
Earnings Potential
Median annual earnings of central service technicians
in 2006 were $30,568. Salaries ranged from $24,450
to $36,604.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about the rewards of
the central service technician profession:
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