Looking for a Way to Grow in Healthcare
Before starting her MedCerts training, Dre’a worked as a Clinical Lab Assistant. While she enjoyed working in the healthcare field, she knew she wanted to continue building her career and explore new opportunities.
Through her employer, she learned about education benefits that could help her advance professionally. Around the same time, she began seeing videos online about sterile processing and became curious about the role.
“I started seeing TikToks about sterile processing, so I signed up, and I gave it a shot,” Dre’a said. “I started in the department I’m in now in November, so I’ve been there about six months.”
Balancing Life While Training Online
Like many adult learners, Dre’a balanced her coursework alongside everyday responsibilities and a busy home environment. Having the flexibility to complete her training online made a major difference.
“What I liked about the program is that it was online, so I could do it at my own pace,” she said. “There wasn’t really anyone rushing me to get it done.”
During the program, Dre’a created small daily goals to help herself stay on track.
“I would just have to designate at least a certain amount of time throughout the day to just sit down and finish one lesson at least,” she said. “I would just section it up as much as you can so you don’t overwhelm yourself with everything else you have going on in your life.”
That structure helped her steadily move through the program, even during hectic moments.
More Than Technical Training
One part of the program that stood out most to Dre’a wasn’t just the technical training; it was learning professionalism and what it means to work in allied healthcare.
“The first section they had before they even taught sterile processing was professionalism and being an allied healthcare person,” she said. “I didn’t really expect that, because I’ve never seen something like that before in schooling. It’s really helpful for anyone who hasn’t been in healthcare before.”
For students entering healthcare for the first time, the foundational lessons of MedCerts’ Professionalism in Allied Health course can help build confidence before stepping into the workplace.
Finding Confidence in a Fast-Paced Role
After completing the program, Dre’a transitioned into her current role as a Sterile Processing Technician, where she now works in a fast-paced hospital environment supporting surgical teams.
While the transition from the lab to sterile processing was a big adjustment, she quickly found aspects of the role she genuinely enjoys.
“I kind of like wrapping,” she laughed, referring to the process of preparing surgical instrument trays. “It’s like I’m wrapping gifts the whole time.”
Beyond that, she enjoys the organization, attention to detail and constant movement the role requires.
“I like the fast pace,” Dre’a said. “You’re never just sitting down not doing anything. It feels more like I’m important in my role at the hospital.”
Looking Ahead
Dre’a is currently preparing to sit for her CRCST certification exam and continues exploring where her healthcare career could take her next. While she’s considered eventually becoming a Surgical Technologist, she’s focused on growing where she is right now and gaining experience in the field.
For anyone considering a healthcare career but unsure where to begin, Dre’a’s story is a reminder that sometimes one step forward can open doors to opportunities you never expected.
And behind every successful surgery is someone like Dre’a, working carefully behind the scenes to help make patient care possible.
