If you want to start your career as a Sterile Processing Technician, you should understand the potential salary and the factors that influence it.
As a vital part of the healthcare system, Sterile Processing Technicians play a significant role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures by maintaining and sterilizing medical instruments.
So in this article, we’ll delve into the world of Sterile Processing Technicians, their earning potential, the factors that can affect their salaries, how you can maximize your income in this essential field, why you should even choose this career, and so on.
Plus, we’ll also share an approach that can help you to start your career as a Sterile Processing Technician in as little as 6 months.
So let’s get started –
How Much Does a Sterile Processing Technician Make?
According to the BLS, the medical equipment prepares, including the Sterile Processing Technicians, earn a decent salary of $47,410 per year.
However, among them, the top 10 percent of the sterile processing techs earn up to $63,980. This more than average pay could be due to many reasons like – experience, expertise, leadership roles, education, skills, and so on.
We’ll get to that later.
Fascinatingly, the lowest 10% of the sterile processing techs earn around $34,020 per year. This data could typically be of the entry-level Sterile Processing Technicians as they lack in experience, and might have missed out on certification, and/or accredited education.
Hourly Salary
A sterile processing tech can typically earn an hourly wage of around $22.79 per hour. This is the average salary of the Sterile Processing Technicians, and this would certainly depend on your education, experience, and certification.
As you gain more experience, get certified, and have an accredited certificate of course completion, your earning potential can surely increase to an average range of $26 to $31 per hour.
Earning potential in Various Industries
Sterile Processing Technicians can work in various work settings, such as – Hospitals, Surgical Centers/Clinics, Outpatient Care Centers, Dental Offices, Long-Term Care Facilities, Laboratories, and so on.
As per BLS, here is the industry-wise average annual salary data for Sterile Processing Technicians:
- Offices of Dentists – $36,020
- Employment Services – $44,180
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals – $47,940
- Offices of Physicians – $49,650
- Outpatient Care Centers – $53,890
Top 5 States with the Highest Earning Potential
The earning potential for Sterile Processing Technicians varies significantly across the states.
These 5 states offer the highest compensation for Sterile Processing Technicians:
#5 Delaware
Annual Salary: $52,450
Hourly Wage: $25.22
#4 New Jersey
Annual Salary: $52,480
Hourly Wage: $25.23
#3 Alaska
Annual Salary: $55,000
Hourly Wage: $26.44
#2 District of Columbia
Annual Salary: $58,830
Hourly Wage: $28.28
#1 California
Annual Salary: $61,780
Hourly Wage: $29.70
So this was the list of the top 5 highest paying states for the Sterile Processing Technicians. Now, if you are stuck in the average pay, or want to know how you can increase your salary, let’s jump on to our next section.
How To Increase Your Salary As a Sterile Processing Technician?
As a Sterile Processing Technician, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your salary. By enhancing your skills, gaining additional certifications, and seeking out advanced opportunities, you can position yourself for higher pay and greater job satisfaction.
Here are some effective ways to boost your salary as a Sterile Processing Technician:
Gain More Experience
Experience is a critical factor in salary determination. The more years you spend working as a Sterile Processing Technician, the more valuable you become to employers.
Here are some tips –
- Right after your training try to get some externships. The best way to get that is by enrolling in a program that provides externship placement.
- After you get a job, try to volunteer for complex tasks and show your willingness to handle more advanced duties.
- And as you gain some experience, try to work in different healthcare settings. Actually, experience in various environments, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialty clinics, can broaden your expertise.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Certain specialties within sterile processing may offer higher salaries due to demand and complexity.
Areas to consider include:
Endoscope reprocessing: This specialty requires meticulous care and precision, often resulting in higher pay.
Surgical instrument management: Advanced knowledge of surgical instruments and their care can lead to specialized roles with better compensation.
Relocate to Higher-Paying Regions
Geographic location can greatly impact your salary as a Sterile Processing Technician. Some states and cities offer higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Check out the list of the top 5 paying states mentioned above.
Obtain Certification
Certification can significantly enhance your qualifications and earning potential. Consider obtaining the CRCST certification to demonstrate specialized expertise.
Network and Join Professional Organizations
Networking with other professionals and joining relevant organizations can lead to career advancement opportunities.
You can join the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This will provide access to resources, continuing education, and industry news.
You may also attend industry conferences and workshops. They offer valuable networking opportunities and can keep you informed about the latest advancements in the field.
Develop Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential for career growth. Effective communication helps you interact smoothly with patients, surgeons, and other medical staff.
Skills like – Manual dexterity, Attention to detail, Empathy, Active listening, and Clear articulation, can help you go a long way.
To sum up, increasing your salary involves a combination of gaining additional certifications, acquiring more experience, honing your skills, and specializing in high-demand areas.
So, you need to start working on that.
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Why should you choose to become a Sterile Processing Technician?
Choosing to become a Sterile Processing Technician can be a rewarding career path with numerous benefits. Whether you’re looking to enter the healthcare field quickly or seeking job stability and satisfaction, a career as a Sterile Processing Technician offers a compelling mix of advantages.
Here are some key reasons why you should consider becoming a Sterile Processing Technician:
Quick Entry Into the Workforce Without a DEGREE
One of the most significant advantages of becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is the ability to enter the workforce quickly without needing a degree.
This means you shouldn’t travel to campuses to get your classes and certainly you have saved yourself from student loan debts.
So, to become a Sterile Processing Technician you could enroll in an online training program which is typically short, with options to complete your education in as little as 6 to 8 months.
This allows you to start your career faster and begin earning a salary sooner than many other healthcare professions.
Better Pay
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical equipment preparers, including Sterile Processing Technicians, earn an average salary of $47,410 per year. But, you should know that the earning potential varies with states and specialties.
However, when you are just starting out the salaries are competitive, but there are several ways to increase your earning potential.
Gaining experience, pursuing additional certifications, and honing your skills can lead to better pay.
High Demand
Sterile Processing Technicians are in high demand across the healthcare industry. The projected employment growth for medical equipment preparers, including Sterile Processing Technicians, is about 8.3% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth translates to approximately 7,900 new job openings, providing numerous opportunities for aspiring Sterile Processing Technicians.
Variety of Work Settings
As a Sterile Processing Technician, you have the opportunity to work in various healthcare setting, enhancing your skills and career prospects.
The healthcare facilities where Sterile Processing Technicians can work are as follows:
- Hospitals
- Surgical Centers/Clinics
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Dental Offices
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Laboratories
Job Satisfaction and Job Security
Sterile Processing Technicians play a crucial role in patient safety. Knowing that your work directly impacts patient safety and successful surgical outcomes provides a strong sense of job satisfaction.
Additionally, the healthcare industry is known for its job security, as there will always be a need for skilled Sterile Processing Technicians in hospitals and surgical centers.
If you find these reasons compelling enough to choose to start a career as a Sterile Processing Technician, then in the next section, we’ll discuss how you can start your career as a certified Sterile Processing Technician faster.
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-> Sterile Processing Technician Requirements
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What is a Sterile Processing Technician?
Sterile Processing Technicians are crucial members of the healthcare team who are often called the backbone of patient safety. This is because they play a vital role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of healthcare facilities.
These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for use.
Their work is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring that healthcare providers can perform their duties without risk to themselves or their patients.
Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is a rewarding career choice for those interested in the healthcare field and dedicated to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Duties of a Sterile Processing Technician
Here are the duties of a Sterile Processing Technician:
- They clean and decontaminate medical instruments to remove all organic and inorganic residues.
- They operate specialized sterilization equipment to ensure instruments are free of harmful microorganisms.
- They assemble and package sterile instrument sets according to specific guidelines.
- They manage inventory levels of sterile supplies and instruments, ensuring they are well-stocked and within expiration dates.
- They participate in quality assurance activities, monitoring sterilization processes, and maintaining accurate records.
- They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure timely delivery of sterile instruments and equipment.
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Education
There are several educational paths to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician, each varying in length and depth.
Associate Degree Programs: These programs take about 2 years to complete and provide a more comprehensive education, often including general education courses alongside specialized training.
Certificate or Diploma Programs: These usually take around 1 year to complete and are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes.
Online Programs: The fastest route, typically taking about 6 to 8 months. These programs offer flexibility and can be completed at your own pace.
Each educational path includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, ensuring that students gain practical experience in a healthcare setting.
Certifications
Certification is an important step in becoming a recognized Sterile Processing Technician. It validates your skills and knowledge, making you more attractive to employers.
There are several types of certifications available for Sterile Processing Technicians:
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)
- Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
- Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL)
- Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
Among them, the CRCST certification is the most popular certification among Sterile Processing Technicians nationwide.
The HSPA offers it and it covers all aspects of sterile processing, including decontamination, sterilization, and inventory management.
So, with the proper training and CRCST certification, you can embark on a rewarding career ensuring the safety and efficiency of healthcare facilities.
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How to start your career as a Sterile Processing Technician in 6 months?
You can start your career as a Sterile Processing Technician with a quick and efficient approach. The approach is to enroll in the right training program.
So today, we bring to you Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician Certification Training Program.
Preppy offers a comprehensive and accelerated pathway to becoming a certified Sterile Processing Technician, allowing you to jumpstart your career in less than six months.
Here’s how you can achieve this:
Enroll in Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician Certification Training Program
Preppy provides a 100% online and self-paced Sterile Processing Technician Certification training program. This program is designed to fit your schedule, making it possible to complete the coursework quickly and efficiently.
Complete the Program in as Little as 120 Days
The program is structured to be completed in as little as 120 days. This accelerated timeline is perfect for those looking to enter the workforce swiftly. You will receive a thorough curriculum that covers all necessary aspects of sterile processing, ensuring you are well-prepared for certification exams.
Earn a University Certificate from Auburn University
Upon finishing the Sterile Processing Technician training, you will receive a university certificate from the renowned, non-profit, 150-year-old Auburn University. This certification adds significant value to your resume, making you a competitive candidate in the job market.
Gain Hands-On Experience with Externship Placement
Preppy’s program includes an externship placement at a local healthcare facility near your residence. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying your knowledge in real-world settings, making you job-ready post-completion of your training program.
Prepare for the CRCST Certification Exam
The curriculum is designed to prepare you thoroughly for the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) Certification exam, which is the most popular certification for Sterile Processing Technicians nationwide. Preppy provides all the study materials and resources you need to pass the exam confidently.
Affordable and All-Inclusive Program
Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician certification training program is not only efficient but also affordable, costing just $1599, all-inclusive.
Additionally, as a bonus, you receive a free laptop to assist with your studies, which you can keep even after completing the course.
Start Your Career
Once you have completed the program and passed the certification exam, you will be ready to start your career as a certified Sterile Processing Technician.
With the comprehensive training, and with resume, and career support from Preppy, you can confidently apply for jobs and enter the healthcare workforce swiftly.
So, if you want to start your Sterile Processing Technician career faster, then check out Preppy’s program and take the first step towards a rewarding career today.
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Conclusion
The Sterile Processing Technicians play a vital role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of healthcare facilities.
It is a rewarding career choice for those interested in the healthcare field and are dedicated to maintaining high standards of patient safety.
We hope this article succeeded in enlightening you about the Sterile Processing Technicians, their earning potential, the factors affecting their salaries, how to increase your salary, and much more.
Finally, if you want to start your career in less than 6 months, you can check out Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician training program.
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