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Are you interested in becoming a sterile processing technician but unsure where to start?
Sterile processing technicians are also known as medical equipment preparers.
They play critical roles in the healthcare industry.
They are responsible for making sure that all medical equipment and instruments used in surgeries and other procedures are properly sterilized, thus preventing the spread of infections.
This guide will provide you with a step-by-step guide to becoming a sterile processing technician, along with schools that offer programs to help you on your journey.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Here is a step-by-step guide for those who wish to become a sterile processing technician:
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Requirements
One of the first things you must do when on your way to becoming a sterile processing technician is to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
You must know the qualifications, skills, and certifications needed to perform your job efficiently.
While a high school diploma is not required for training, it is needed for certification.
Step 2: Select a Sterile Processing Technician Program
The next step required to become a sterile processing technician is to select a sterile processing technician program.
However, you can’t just choose any program.
You must find one that is accredited.
Some employers may even want to see candidates with degrees, but you can start by receiving your high school diploma first.
When it comes to choosing the right program, you should know that there are various types of programs available.
For instance, during your research, you’ll come across vocational schools, online programs, and community college programs.
Additionally, some programs may even provide students with free training if they meet the requirements.
Programs for sterile processing technicians typically cost between $1,000 and $8,000.
It depends on the school you choose.
The good news is that some of these program costs may already include the cost of certification exams.
The length of the programs can range anywhere from 10 weeks to two years.
Step 3: Apply for a Program
If you have chosen a program, you are ready for the next step, which is to apply for the program.
The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start your training.
The program will cover various practices and procedures that are necessary.
You’ll learn aseptic techniques, sterilization of equipment, and more.
Step 4: Enroll in an Internship
Internships are necessary because they provide future sterile processing technicians with hands-on experience.
The knowledge that you gain from the internship can then be applied when you begin working as a sterile processing technician.
You’ll quickly learn the day-to-day duties of a sterile processing technician.
Step 5: Choose a Certification and Take Exam
Certain facilities will allow you to learn while you are working as a sterile processing technician.
However, earning a certificate can offer a variety of benefits as well as internships.
There are a couple of main accrediting bodies where you can earn your certificate, which are:
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
Both organizations offer an exam to become certified.
Licenses are then valid for five years after they have been issued.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Earning certification or a license as a sterile processing technician is optional, although many employers like to see it.
It also provides more opportunities for those looking for jobs compared to those who do not have a certificate.
To receive a license or certificate, you must pay a fee and pass an exam.
If you receive your license or certificate through HSPA, you’ll first be required to have 400 hours of hands-on experience within the last five years.
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and the license is good for one year.
The cost of the exam administered through HSPA is $140.
You can also receive your license from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution.
To sit for the exam, you’ll be required to have 12 months of full-time employment.
The exam consists of 25 practice and 125 scored questions.
The license is good for five years and costs $128.
Step 6: Consider Continuing Education
Many healthcare professionals start working as sterile processing technicians before completing any continuing education.
Continuing education is not required but should be considered as it helps to advance your career.
For instance, you may be thinking about learning how to develop management skills to help you advance into a sterile processing supervisor.
There are also courses available that may even prepare you for a job in the nursing field.
Here are some other careers that sterile processing technicians usually advance to:
- Sterile processing technologist
- Sterile processing supervisor
- Surgical technologist
- Licensed practical nurse
- Clinical medical assistant
- Registered Nurse
Online Training Programs
Here is a list of online schools that offer sterile processing technician programs:
1. CareerStep
CareerStep provides students with various opportunities to learn and gain the knowledge they need in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and healthcare administration.
They have been serving students for more than 25 years and offer 100% online training programs.
The total cost for the sterile processing technician program offered at CareerStep is $3,199.
In this program, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills all while helping to prepare for the CRCST or HPSA exam.
Students can take the program at their own pace and are given up to 8 months of full access.
Students can study online anytime and learn from any location they’d like.
Some of the courses included in this program are:
- Digital Technology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Practical Applications of Sterile Processing
- Program Orientation: Sterile Processing Technician
- Career Success in Healthcare
- Sterile Processing Foundations
2. MedCerts
Med Certs also offers a fully online sterile processing technician program.
You can set your schedule and study when you want.
It costs $242 to start, and $4,000 in total.
The school does offer monthly payment plans that come with interest rates.
Financial aid is also an option for those who qualify.
MedCerts also offers programs for those interested in becoming a medical assistant, phlebotomist, and more.
MedCerts also offers students resume-building and additional career support services such as job placement, etc.
Following completion of this program, MedCert will help match students with an externship site that is within close distance.
3. Penn Foster
In as little as two months, you can complete a sterile processing technician program through Penn Foster.
The cost is around $59 a month, and they strictly offer online training.
The monthly cost covers your digital textbooks and any study materials you’ll need to succeed.
The total cost of the program is $949.
Students enrolling in this program must have earned at least a high school diploma and have access to high-speed internet.
Students in this program will gain knowledge and skills to prepare them for a career as a sterile processing technician.
Online courses will cover various topics, including fundamental practices and procedures for aseptic techniques, HIPAA privacy regulations, and the duties and requirements of sterile processing technicians.
Graduates from this program will be eligible to take the exam to earn their certificate.
Some of the classes you will take in this program include:
- Building Blocks of Sterile Processing
- Allied Health Careers
- Sterile Processing Technology Part 1
- Sterile Processing Technology Part 2
4. Ashworth College
Ashworth College also offers a sterile processing technician program.
This program also helps prepare students to become important workers in any healthcare facility where they are needed.
If you’re an aspiring sterile processing technician, you’ll be prepared to take the exam offered through HSPA or CRCST following completion of this program.
Some of the lesson groups in this program cover subjects including patient privacy, medical terminology, quality assurance, bloodborne pathogens, aseptic techniques, and professional development.
The program costs $1,449 and takes about one year to complete, but can be completed in as little as three months.
Students will receive the necessary textbooks, access to the learning resource center, a student portal dashboard for additional lessons and support, an active online community, and much more once they are fully enrolled.
5. Herzing University
Finally, Herzing University offers a sterile processing technician program.
Students enrolled in this online program will learn about healthcare professionalism, hands-on skills to help them adjust to their critical role, and more.
The program has a total of 24 credits and includes topics on psychology, sterile processing, surgical instrumentation, microbiology, psychology, anatomy and physiology, sterile processing, and more.
Students can finish this program in as little as eight months.
The program costs a total of $515 per credit.
Payment plans are also available for students, in addition to financial aid, grants, and loans.
Salary
The average annual salary for sterile processing technicians in the United States is $39,640.
However, it depends on where you live, your education, additional skills, and experience.
The salary for a sterile processing technician can be as high as $49,268 per year or as low as $31,630.
