BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMedical Equipment Preparers

O*NET · 31-9093.00

Medical Equipment Preparers

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Also called Aseptic Tech · Aseptic Technician (Aseptic Tech) · Central Sterile Processing Tech · Central Sterile Processing Technician (Central Sterile Processing Tech) · Central Sterile Tech · Central Sterile Technician (Central Sterile Tech) · Central Sterilization Tech · Central Sterilization Technician (Central Sterilization Tech)
34 more

Central Supply Processing Department Technician (CSPDT) · Central Supply Tech · Central Supply Technician (Central Supply Tech) · Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) · CRCST · CRCST (Certified Registered Central Supply Technician) · CSPDT · CSS Technician · CSS Technician (Central Sterile Supply Technician) · CST · CST (Central Service Technician) · Equipment Tech · Equipment Technician (Equipment Tech) · Oxygen Equipment Preparer · Reuse Technician · SPD Tech · SPD Technician · Sterile Preparation Tech · Sterile Preparation Technician (Sterile Preparation Tech) · Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (SPD Tech) · Sterile Processing Department Technician (SPD Technician) · Sterile Processing Technologist · Sterile Processor · Sterile Tech · Sterile Technician (Sterile Tech) · Sterilization Specialist · Supply Tech · Supply Technician (Supply Tech) · Surgical Instrument Tech · Surgical Instrument Technician (Surgical Instrument Tech) · Surgical Sterile Processing Tech · Surgical Sterile Processing Technician (Surgical Sterile Processing Tech) · Travel Sterile Processing Tech · Travel Sterile Processing Technician (Travel Sterile Processing Tech)

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.77
  • C Conventional5.53
  • I Investigative3.42
  • S Social2.36
  • A Artistic1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent44%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate31%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree15%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (25%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (49%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.52.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Speakingbasic3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Troubleshooting3.12.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Writingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Operation and Control2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Service Orientation2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Systems Analysis2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Repairing2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Instructing2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Installation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Selection2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Sciencebasic1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Negotiation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Programming1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Operations Analysis1.40.4

Tasks

12 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.4.8
  2. Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.4.6
  3. Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.4.6
  4. Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.4.6
  5. Record sterilizer test results.4.6
  6. Check sterile supplies to ensure that they are not outdated.4.6
  7. Disinfect and sterilize equipment, such as respirators, hospital beds, or oxygen or dialysis equipment, using sterilizers, aerators, or washers.4.4
  8. Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.4.4
  9. Attend hospital in-service programs related to areas of work specialization.4.4
  10. Purge wastes from equipment by connecting equipment to water sources and flushing water through systems.4.4
  11. Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.4.4
  12. Start equipment and observe gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions and to ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards.4.3
Show the other 4
  1. Deliver equipment to specified hospital locations or to patients' residences.4.3
  2. Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.4.2
  3. Assist hospital staff with patient care duties, such as providing transportation or setting up traction.3.7
  4. Install and set up medical equipment, using hand tools.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.55.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Biology3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Production and Processing3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and Security3.12.9
  • Administrative3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Chemistry2.92.7
  • Computers and Electronics2.72.9
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.72.6
  • Mechanical2.72.7
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.62.6
  • Education and Training2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Telecommunications2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Administration and Management2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Communications and Media2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Engineering and Technology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Law and Government2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Design1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Physics1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.5—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Foreign Language1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Geography1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Oral Comprehension3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speech Recognition3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Expression3.32.5Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Trunk Strength3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Control Precision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Visualization3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Selective Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity2.92.8
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Auditory Attention2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Stamina2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Depth Perception2.51.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Reaction Time2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Rate Control2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Closure2.32.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Response Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity1.80.8
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.8
  • Night Vision1.80.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.95.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.56.1Level 7 looks like: Operate a precision milling machine
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.45.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.45.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.9
  • Getting Information4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.7
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Processing Information4.15.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others4.13.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Working with Computers4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.83.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing and Building Teams3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.52.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.45.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Thinking Creatively3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Time Pressure4.8
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Telephone Conversations4.3
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.2

Technology

17 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (9)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (8)
  • Calendar software
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Inventory tracking software
  • McKesson ANSOS One-Staff
  • MEDITECH Supply Chain Management
  • Microsoft SharePoint Server
  • Pyxis MedStation software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Surgical Technologists
  2. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  3. Endoscopy Technicians
  4. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  5. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  6. Surgical Assistants
  7. Histotechnologists
  8. Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  9. Medical Equipment Repairers
  10. Phlebotomists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.