If you’re planning to embark on a career as a Sterile Processing Technician in the heart of Pennsylvania, you have come to the right place.
This career is all about dedication, precision, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare.
In this comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide, we will take a look at the steps to become a Sterile Processing Technician, the salary you can expect, the best Sterile Processing Technician programs, and answer some of your important questions.
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How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania in 4 Steps
Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is an interesting journey.
You should be prepared to put in hard work, lots of time, and unwavering commitment.
Here’s how you can become a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania:
Step 1:
It all begins with your educational foundations.
Before you even get started, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED.
This is your starting point.
With this, you can pursue certification or enroll in a formal education program.
You can begin your education with The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution and the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association as they both offer certification exams.
Step 2:
While not mandatory, obtaining a certificate will enhance your professional standing.
During your program, you will dive into all of the practical, hands-on aspects of the profession as you train.
You will gain a lot of valuable and unforgettable experience via internships, externships, and on-the-job training.
During this, you will master cleaning, sterilizing, and decontaminating medical equipment.
Step 3:
Now you need to accumulate experience.
Ensure that you never turn down a job or a chance to learn as it could prove invaluable later.
Seek out opportunities to work in diverse settings including dentists, surgical centers, and hospitals.
This experience is absolutely invaluable when it comes to refining your skills and preparing to succeed in your role.
Step 4:
Now you can begin to search for a job with all of the information you have learned.
You should actively begin searching across Pennsylvania via online job boards, industry events, and hospital career pages, and look to expand your professional network.
You should also commit to ongoing learning and professional development in order to succeed in this career.
The Best Sterile Processing Schools in Pennsylvania
Looking to kick off your career in Sterile Processing in Pennsylvania?
Great, now you need to know where to start!
Check out the schools below to get the best start to your new career.
Aseptic Technical Solutions
Based in Philadelphia, Aseptic Technical Solutions offers both live virtual and in-person options for the Sterile Processing Technical Certificate.
It also offers a great self-paced virtual option that will help people who already work in the field to begin their certification.
This course prepares you to take the CRCST exam.
With the in-person option, you will be placed in an externship to obtain your work experience hours.
Prices for this course begin at $2,000 and the length of the course will depend on which type of course you enroll in.
Central Source SPD
Located in Philadelphia, this excellent Institute, Central Source SPD, offers a 16-week course that will get students ready to take the (CRCST) exam.
You’ll be guided by experienced instructors who’ll help you navigate your new career and help you network with other professionals.
The price is $1200 for this course and payment options are available.
Community College of Allegheny County
Also situated in Philadelphia, this great community college offers a thorough Central Service Technician Program that can be completed in just one semester.
This program includes everything from record-keeping to specific techniques.
This program also includes experience in hospitals and preparation for your exams.
Pricing is available on the application.
Harrisburg University
Harrisburg University in Philadelphia offers a very well-priced and thorough Sterile Processing Technician program.
This program covers a huge range of topics that will put you a peg above your peers education-wise.
This program runs for 6-9 months and is priced very fairly at $1050.
The Standard Salary Rates in Pennsylvania as a Sterile Processing Technician
In the diverse healthcare landscape that exists in Pennsylvania, Sterile Processing Technicians are very valued considering they play a substantial and crucial role.
On average, Entry level positions start at $43,817 per year.
With more experience, additional certification, and years in the industry, you can command salaries up to $79,586 per year.
These factors may depend on your specific location and the healthcare facility you work for.
