How to Become an Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience) in 2025
What Does an Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience) Do?
An Infection Control Specialist with prior experience in Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) plays a vital role in safeguarding patients from hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). These specialists focus on preventing and controlling the spread of infections within healthcare settings, using their SPD background to bring a unique perspective on sterilization and disinfection practices. They are a core part of the fight against HAIs which cost the healthcare system significantly each year.
These experts develop and implement infection prevention strategies, working closely with healthcare staff across all departments. They monitor infection rates, investigate outbreaks, and educate personnel on proper hygiene and safety protocols. Their SPD knowledge helps them quickly identify and correct potential breaches in sterile processing workflows that might lead to infections. They also help determine if current sterilization processes are adequate and are following best practices.
A large portion of the role involves surveillance, gathering and analyzing data on infections to identify trends and areas for improvement. This data is then used to develop and implement new strategies. Another large portion is creating and teaching educational programs. From hand hygiene, to correct instrument processing, this individual plays a crucial part in the safe treatment of patients.
The appeal of this career stems from the ability to directly impact patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. It requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities. The SPD experience brings a familiarity with the instruments, equipment, and cleaning agents involved in sterile processing, providing a foundation for identifying and preventing contamination risks.
For more information on infection control and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience) Educational & Certification Requirements
Becoming an Infection Control Specialist after working in Sterile Processing (SPD) requires a commitment to education and professional development. Your SPD experience provides a strong foundation in sterilization, disinfection, and infection prevention, giving you a valuable head start.
A common educational path is earning a Bachelor's degree. Many professionals pursue degrees in nursing, microbiology, public health, or a related science field. These programs provide a broad knowledge base in disease transmission, epidemiology, and infection control practices. Some people with significant experience in SPD and an associate's degree choose to advance their education by completing a bridge program or accelerated bachelor's degree program. Coursework includes biostatistics, infectious diseases, and healthcare management.
Certification is a key step. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers the Certified in Infection Control (CIC) credential. To be eligible for the CIC exam, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements. A background in sterile processing can fulfill some of the experience criteria. You will need to document your time spent directly applying infection prevention principles within the SPD. Review the CBIC website for full eligibility requirements and exam details: https://www.cbic.org/
Continuing education is also important. Infection control practices are always being updated, so staying current is a must. Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to learn about new guidelines and technologies. Many professional organizations, like the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), offer educational resources: https://apic.org/ These resources can help you prepare for certification and stay informed throughout your career.
Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming an Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience)
The experience gained as a Sterile Processing Technician (SPD) provides a great base for a career as an Infection Control Specialist. Your knowledge of sterilization, disinfection, and preventing contamination is valuable. Let's explore the steps needed to make this career transition.
Step 1: Solidify Your SPD Experience. Before making the jump, make sure you have ample experience in the SPD. Several years working directly with sterile processing procedures will give you practical knowledge that academic education cannot. Use this time to become deeply familiar with AAMI standards.
Step 2: Education is Key. While your SPD background is valuable, most Infection Control Specialist positions require a bachelor's degree, often in nursing, microbiology, public health, or a related field. Look into programs at local colleges or universities. Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals.
Step 3: Gain Infection Control Knowledge. Consider taking courses specifically focused on infection control. Many hospitals and universities offer continuing education programs. You can search online for "infection control training programs" to find suitable options. Look for courses covering topics like epidemiology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.
Step 4: Consider Certification. Certification is not always required, but it can significantly boost your chances of getting hired. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) offers the Certified in Infection Control (CIC) credential. Earning this certification demonstrates your commitment to the field.
Step 5: Network with Professionals. Connect with Infection Control Specialists at your current facility or at local hospitals. Attend infection control conferences or workshops to meet people in the field. Networking can open doors to mentorship opportunities and job leads. Talking to people already doing the job will give you direct insight.
Step 6: Seek Entry-Level Opportunities. Look for entry-level positions in infection prevention, such as Infection Control Assistant or Infection Preventionist. Your SPD background may make you a strong candidate, even without direct infection control experience. Be prepared to highlight your sterilization expertise and understanding of contamination prevention.
Step 7: Continue Learning. Infection control is a field where new information is constantly being discovered. Stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines and recommendations from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit their website to learn more. Participating in continuing education courses will keep your skills sharp.
How To Network As an Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience)
Becoming a successful Infection Control Specialist, especially with your solid background in Sterile Processing Department (SPD) practices, relies heavily on building a strong professional network. Your SPD experience gives you a unique perspective on the challenges of preventing infections, making your contributions particularly valuable. Think of networking as relationship building, not just collecting contacts.
One great place to start is within your current healthcare facility. Get to know the Infection Control team. Attend hospital-wide meetings focusing on infection prevention. Offer to share your SPD insights during these meetings. This is a great way to show your expertise and connect with those already in infection control roles.
Beyond your facility, consider joining professional organizations. APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) is a leading organization. Participating in local chapter events or national conferences offers chances to meet other Infection Control Specialists, share experiences, and learn about current best practices. Websites like APIC can provide information on membership benefits and upcoming events.
Another avenue is online professional networking. LinkedIn is a powerful platform to connect with others in the field. Join groups related to infection prevention and sterile processing. Participate in discussions, share relevant articles, and connect with individuals whose profiles align with your career goals. Don't just collect connections; engage with their content and start conversations.
Volunteering is another effective way to build your network while contributing to the profession. Look for opportunities to volunteer on hospital committees or at public health events related to infection control. This demonstrates your commitment and allows you to work alongside and learn from experienced professionals.
Finally, remember that continuing education events are also networking opportunities. Workshops, seminars, and conferences offer the chance to meet instructors and other participants. Make an effort to connect with speakers after their presentations and engage in discussions with your peers during breaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers training resources and events. You can visit their website for more information.
Actionable Tips & Resources For Aspiring Infection Control Specialist (with SPD experience)s In 2025
Transitioning from a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) role to an Infection Control Specialist position is a great career move! Your existing knowledge of instrument reprocessing, sterilization techniques, and decontamination procedures provides a solid foundation. So, how can you build on that base and become an Infection Control Specialist?
First, strengthen your education. While your SPT certification is valuable, formal education in nursing, microbiology, public health, or a related field provides a broader perspective on infection prevention and control. Consider bachelor's or master's degree programs that align with your career goals. Look for programs that offer coursework in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and healthcare quality. Contact your local health department; many provide resources on infection control.
Next, get certified. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) offers the CIC® (Certified in Infection Control) credential. Earning this certification demonstrates your competence in infection prevention and control practices. Eligibility requirements usually include a combination of education and experience in infection control. Your SPD background can contribute to the experience requirement, but you'll need to expand your responsibilities beyond just sterile processing. Learn more on the CBIC website: https://www.cbic.org/
Gain diverse experience. Your SPD experience is fantastic, but you need exposure to other areas of infection control. Look for opportunities to participate in hospital-wide infection control initiatives, such as outbreak investigations, surveillance programs, or policy development. Volunteer on committees related to infection prevention. Shadow Infection Control Specialists in different departments to learn about their roles and responsibilities.
Finally, stay current with guidelines and best practices. Infection control is a constantly field. Regularly review guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Attend conferences and workshops to learn about new developments and network with other professionals. Visit their websites for updated recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://apic.org/.