Introduction
Sterile processing technician form part of the medical field and work with other technicians on sterilization packaging, dispensing, and packaging processes. They make sure that medications and other sterile substances are properly stored, packaged, and dispensable by complying with all the steps. According to Indeed.com, the specialist in sterile processing could earn upwards of $43K per year and earn an average wage of about $30K annually.
What is a Sterile Processing Technician?
A sterile processing technician is a medical technician who creates equipment for surgical and other medical procedures.
Sterile processing technicians are accountable for ensuring the sterilizability of surgical instruments, such as scissors and scalpels, by cleaning them with disinfectant solutions before sterilization. They are also responsible for ensuring that the instruments they have prepared are not infected by bacteria or viruses.
What is the average annual salary of the Sterile Processing Technician?
According to Indeed.com according to Indeed.com, the average salary for technicians in sterile processing is $19.69 an hour. It means you can earn between $27K to $31K per annum, depending on how long you’re working and your experience level.
You could earn more as a technician for sterile processing by working for a larger company with more clients and the opportunity to learn. This can increase your chances of promotion within the organization or a department with more growth opportunities (such as customer services).
How to become a Sterile Processing Technician Training and Education Requirements
To become a sterile processor tech, you’ll need to meet the training and education requirements established by the healthcare facilities in your state.
- Training: Most states require applicants to complete an approved training course before being certified as sterile processing technicians. These programs usually last 1 year and provide the classroom teaching of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and anatomy microbiology, and other topics related to the field.
- Education Candidates must be able to pass written exams that cover topics covered in the classroom portion of their education for certification as the sterile processing technicians of every state.
The Sterile Processing Technician’s Certifications and Licensures
A variety of certifications are available to sterile processing technicians. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) provides several certifications, including:
- Certified Professional surgical technician (CPSC-SCT)
- Certified Operating Room Assistant (COOR)
- Certified Operating Room Specialist (CORS)
Each certification requires you to attend an educational seminar and pass written and practical examinations. The best method to be certified is to simultaneously clear the written and practical tests. But you’ll lose your certification forever if you fail one of these exams twice within five years. This isn’t necessarily a good thing–it just means that there’s pressure on you to accomplish this goal before it gets taken away from us!
Sterile Processing Technician Career Outlook
The field of sterile processors is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an additional 17,600 sterile processing technicians in 2026 (76%). According to the BLS estimates, these positions will pay about $36 per hour based on your location and level of knowledge. However, it can vary depending on your location and the firm you work for.
There are several methods to become a sterile processing technician.
- Take classes at an accredited school like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C4t-4YV7wQ. You can also get paid while in school!
- Train as an apprentice an individual who has been trained by themselves or with someone who knows how it operates inside and out, so they will show you how things work before they quit their position, which will mean more money in your account every month, instead of being used to pay rental costs because these apartments aren’t cheap either!
One of the best ways to break into medical practice is to become a sterile processing technician.
You will work in a hospital environment as a technologist for sterile processing. Your skills can be used in many settings and with various people. You’ll have job security if you’ve completed the right education and qualifications.
Conclusion
Being a sterile processing technician is a fantastic option to get into medicine. With all the training you require and the certification requirements. Additionally, it’s a great option to earn money while at school.
Martinson College was established to be a vital element of the industry’s ongoing struggle to improve the standards of Central Services and Sterile Processing Departments (CS/SPD) in healthcare institutions across the globe, particularly in the United States. Our objective is to educate the community about the necessity of reusable medical device sterilization, decontamination, and reprocessing.