How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Delaware

Have you considered a career aiding surgeons in medical procedures by decontaminating and organizing their medical tools?

It may not sound all that glamorous, but Sterile Processing Technicians do important work in the healthcare field — without ever having to go to medical school.

If that sounds great to you, we’re gonna tell you how to become an SPT in the state of Delaware!

How to Become an SPT

Delaware doesn’t require any sort of certification or degree to become a Sterile Processing Technician — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get certified anyway.

Though you technically just need a high school diploma or GED to apply for SP jobs, job candidates with more experience and training usually get the job over people without it.

Luckily, the HSPA has been certifying people since 1971.

The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

You can obtain your certification through one of the HSPA’s four levels of certifications:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) – the base-level certification for SPTs
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) – an endoscope-specific certification
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) – an advanced instrument certification
• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) – a certification for SPT management

To take the test, you’ll have to provide all the necessary documentation with your application and be officially accepted.

That’s the first hurdle — next, you’ll have to study like you would for any test!

Luckily, the HSPA provides all you’ll need: online courses, content outlines, reference materials, and the HSPA’s Certification Handbook.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll be certified for the next year; then you can renew your certification by paying a $50 fee and submitting evidence of continuing education courses.

Sterile Processing Schools in Delaware

If you want more robust training, Delaware has one school you can attend to help you prepare for your SPT certification test.

Delaware Technical Community College

While not for Sterile Processing specifically, Delaware Technical Community College’s Dover campus offers an Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology.

This program covers the roles of each and every person in the operating room, how to ensure operating rooms are properly set up for procedures, and how to organize and manage medical tools before, during, and after procedures.

It’s the only degree of its kind in Delaware, and as an associate degree will take about two years to complete.

Salary

On average, Sterile Processing Technicians in Delaware make $46,078 a year.

However, with time, training, and experience, you could find yourself making over $51,000!

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wilmington	$47,364
Dover	$47,491
Newark	$47,328
Milford	$47,729
Seaford	$46,938
Middletown	$47,334
Smyrna	$47,384
New Castle	$47,364
Georgetown	$47,729
Rehoboth Beach	$47,911

Frequently Asked Questions

How many programs are there for Sterile Processing in Delaware?

There are no programs for Sterile Processing in Delaware.

However, Delaware Technical Community College’s Dover campus has a Surgical Technology degree that’s the only one of its kind in the entire state.

Do I need to be certified to practice as a Sterile Processing Technician in Delaware?

No, Delaware is not one of the four states that requires certification for Sterile Processing Technicians.

However, certification will increase your salary and job chances in the long run.

How much could I make as a Sterile Processing Technician in Delaware?

In Delaware, the average yearly salary for Sterile Processing Technicians is $46,078.

However, you could earn as much as $51,000!

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State