Career outlook for sterile services technician
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£18,200
Currently employed in Scotland
35,400
Average UK salary
£18,200
Currently employed in Scotland
35,400
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would make sure that medical equipment is kept clean and safe for use with patients. You might look after items used in hospital wards, clinics or operating theatres.
You would:
- Collect items from wards, clinics and operating theatres
- Take apart items for cleaning
- Clean and sterilise all items
- Put pieces back together
- Check that all items work and are clean
- Deliver sterile items by trolley, to wards and departments
- Restock supplies of items such as dressings and syringes
- Operate a steam sterilising machine
You would use specialised equipment to clean large items.
It would be important to follow health and safety rules at all times.
Youcan see more about this role on the Decontamination and sterile services page on the NHS Careers website.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
55%
Part-time
43%
Self employed
2%
Create a qualification route
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Discover my routeTop skills
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- Resilience
- Cooperating
- Reading
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Attention to detail
- Managing resources
- Taking initiative
- Reliable
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but most employers value a good general education. Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Administration
- ICT
You will also need
- Clear handwriting for labelling the packs
- Basic IT skills
- Good eyesight for close work
- No skin problems
- To be physically fit and strong
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show understanding of the sector and of the requirements for sterile conditions such as Skills for Work Health Sector (SCQF level 4/5) or Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5).
A driving licence.
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