How much does a sterile processing technician make?

Salary.com reports that as of September 12, 2024, the average annual pay for Sterile Processing Technicians in the U.S. is $40,390. However, the salary range can go up to $50,038 or down to $32,175. According to the BLS, the mean annual salary for Sterile Processing Technicians is $47,410 per year.

What is a sterile processing technician?

According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) plays an important role in indirectly providing patient care. They carefully prepare, install, assemble, clean, and sterilize all the health care and laboratory equipment used in medical exams, surgeries, and other clinical procedures. They also ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and that instruments, equipment, and supplies are safe for reuse across patients daily.

An SPT plays an integral role in ensuring the success of surgeries. Sterile processing technicians usually work in clinics, hospitals, doctor's offices, and other settings that use medical equipment.

What does a sterile processing technician do?

According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) regularly performs several duties, including:

• Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
• Sterilizing, wrapping, organizing, and preparing medical equipment and surgical instruments into instrument trays for use during clinical procedures
• Laying out surgical gloves and gowns before each medical procedure
• Collecting and manually cleaning used and contaminated medical equipment, supplies, and instruments for sorting and decontamination
• Preparing and packing decontaminated medical tools and supplies for sterilization
• Operating and monitoring sterilization equipment
• Examining supplies meticulously to ensure their cleanliness
• Checking and reporting any problems or issues with the sterilization equipment to surgeons or supervisors and requesting replacements
• Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, sterilized items and supplies
• Reordering medical and surgical supplies, controlling the inventory, and checking the expiration dates of products
• Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately

ZipRecruiter also notes that SPTs use specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure that all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe for the patient. They review inventory and assess equipment and materials to prepare the surgical suite for each procedure.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. This course prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). You will receive vouchers for the exams after successfully completing the course, coursework, and your financial obligation.

Can I test-out of medical terminology content if I have previous knowledge of medical terminology?

Yes. This course includes two, optional, Test-Out Exam features that will allow you to test out of content and graded assessments if your score demonstrates the level of mastery required (80%). It does not count toward your overall score in this course if you do not achieve the minimum score required for mastery. Please note: Third party funded students may not be eligible.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."