Ongoing Education Is Critical for Sterile Processing Certifications

Developing a Real-World SPD Education Program That Supports Sterile Processing Certifications and Confidence 

If you’ve ever revisited an old video game only to be outplayed by a younger family member, you understand this truth: skills get rusty without consistent practice. The same can be said for Sterile Processing professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned SPD warrior, you’ve likely completed an annual competency review. But if we’re being honest—once a year is not enough, especially when it comes to maintaining and advancing your sterile processing certifications. 

Annual Competency ≠ Year-Round Competence 

Annual competencies often provide a general check-the-box review of SPD responsibilities, but they rarely cover the most complex tasks. Can your staff independently and confidently perform high-risk duties on an off-shift or when leadership is unavailable? These gaps directly affect operational efficiency and patient safety. 

What Real SPD Improvement Looks Like with Sterile Processing Certifications

During my time as a Surgical Assistant and Technologist, I experienced firsthand the frustration that comes with inconsistent staff competencies. Although our annual reviews looked good on paper, challenges during complex cases led to extra call shifts and growing dissatisfaction among the most experienced team members. 

The solution? An interdisciplinary team that focused on the real dragons—the skills and trays that truly challenged staff. We created quarterly training for tasks like: 

• Assembling and priming the Midas Rex™ drill 
• Draping the neurosurgical microscope 
• Setting up fracture tables 
• Managing cardiac suture setups 

This targeted training boosted staff confidence, enhanced retention, and reassured our surgeons that any call team was capable of maintaining excellence in care. 

The Sterile Processing Certification Standard: AAMI, AORN, CDC & CMS 

Let’s break down what leading organizations say about education and competency: 

• AAMI ST79:2017 reminds us that “annual” is the minimum, not the goal. Complex, high-risk tasks require more frequent training. 
• AORN Guidelines (2024) call for education based on task complexity. 
• CDC Guidance emphasizes regular sterilization training to ensure accuracy and safety. 
• CMS Requirements mandate continuous validation of staff competence, particularly for tasks tied to patient outcomes. 

All of these directly tie back to the core of maintaining sterile processing certifications—ongoing, documented, and demonstrated competency. 

A Practical Framework for an Effective SPD Education Plan 

To meet certification standards and real-time performance needs, here’s a roadmap: 

1. Survey Your Customers: Which trays or tasks do they feel you’re struggling with? 
2. Root Cause Analysis: With SPD leadership, identify which process steps are causing errors.
3. Develop Targeted Training: Pull content from vendors, internal expertise, and national guidelines. 
4. Ensure Repeatability: Use tray/task complexity to determine a recurring schedule and validate with testing or return demonstration. 
5. Document & Share: Track completion, celebrate progress, and communicate outcomes with both the SPD team and clinical partners. 
6. Conduct Quality Audits: Monitor improvements and adjust training where needed. 

This model not only supports sterile processing certifications but also transforms education into a proactive strategy—not a compliance chore. 

Sterile Processing Certification and Training Takes a Team 

No single educator can shoulder this alone. Building a culture of ongoing education requires commitment from the entire SPD leadership team. Think of it like your gym routine—consistency is what gets results. 

Training in sterile processing isn’t a “one and done.” It’s a long-term quest filled with knowledge upgrades, process improvements, and the pursuit of excellence. Keep leveling up, and your department will lead the leaderboard in safety, compliance, and certification success. 

Final Thought 

True Competency = Confidence + The Ability to Perform Under Pressure. 
Maintaining sterile processing certifications is more than passing a test—it’s about ensuring your team is ready for any challenge, every shift, every time. 

References 

• AAMI ST79:2017 – Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance 
• AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice (2024) 
• CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization (2008, 2016, 2024) 
• CMS State Operations Manual (2021)