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Central Service Technician, Central Supply Aide, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, Sterile Processing Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Surgical processors’ main duty is to prevent and control infection. They apply critical infection prevention and control standards and strategies to all tasks. The extent of their duties depends on the size of the facility. It also depends on the mix of equipment.
In general, surgical processor duties fall into the below categories.
Decontaminate Instruments:
Assemble Instruments:
Sterilize Instruments:
Assemble and Distribute Case Carts:
Other:
Surgical processors typically work in acute care settings (e.g. hospitals). These settings are fast-paced, noisy and stressful. They can also work in dental and eye clinics and any related field where instruments or supplies must be cleaned and sterilized.
Most central supply (also known as medical device reprocessing) departments are set up like an assembly line. They have various stations and processes. These differ from one facility to the next. However, most include areas for:
Staff members often rotate through different stations. They must learn the processes and techniques for each area. The tasks they perform at any one station can be repetitive.
Surgical processors work with chemicals and must follow safety procedures. These procedures reduce risk of exposure to biohazard materials. They also reduce risk of injury from hot surfaces and sharp instruments.
Surgical processors stand for most of their shift. They routinely handle items that weigh up to 10 kilograms and sometimes up to 18 kilograms. They also move loaded carts that weigh up to 110 kilograms. They wear uniforms and personal protective equipment during their shift. They must be able to tolerate:
Hospital central supply and sterile processing departments may operate 24 hours a day. Surgical processors work shifts that may include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Most staffing is required during hours when surgeries are performed (Monday to Friday during the day). A small number of staff is kept for after hours and weekends.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating machines such as instrument washers, sonic sinks, cart washers and steam autoclaves to clean, reprocess and sterilize supplies for reuse
Interest in copying information to assemble packs of sterile supplies and instruments for delivery to hospital departments
Interest in assisting health care staff by collecting and sorting soiled supplies and instruments from hospital departments, and by delivering sterile supplies to departments as required
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Surgical processors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 225 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2024 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 145 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Order supplies and equipment | 116 |
| Tasks: Assist health care professionals | 114 |
| Tasks: Perform general clerical duties | 113 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 111 |
| Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies | 111 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 110 |
| Attention to detail | 107 |
| Tasks: Maintain supplies | 100 |
| Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments | 96 |
Some surgical processors receive on-the-job training, but employers generally look for candidates with:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Surgical processors may get work in Alberta without certification. However, they cannot work unsupervised, which limits their job opportunities. Employers expect surgical processors to become certified within the first few months of working.
Alberta Health Services expects anyone working in surgical processing, endoscopy departments, or any department performing sterilization of reusable medical devices to be certified in one of two recognized certification programs:
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Sterile processing technicians work in:
Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414
83.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $35.81 | $21.03 | $20.39 |
| Overall | $16.64 | $38.84 | $23.86 | $23.26 |
| Top | $18.00 | $47.67 | $26.87 | $25.95 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $39,005 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $32,872 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $27,270 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $41,249 |
| Public Administration | $52,576 |
Alberta Health Services website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
CSA Group website, health care and medical devices training: store.csagroup.org
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) website: www.iahcsmm.org/certification.html
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
