How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine

Have you ever thought about working in healthcare but didn’t want to be a doctor or nurse?

Then becoming a sterile processing technician could be the perfect career for you.

Sterile processing techs play an important role in ensuring that hospitals and surgery centers have clean medical tools and supplies.

In this article, I will go over everything you need to know to become a sterile processing technician in Maine, including the steps to take and the schools you can attend.

Following this guide is the first step to starting an exciting new healthcare career where you make a difference every day.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine, Step-by-Step

Entry Requirements

A day in the life of a sterile processing tech is diverse yet demanding, as you’ll have the opportunity to support surgery schedules, interact with medical staff, and uphold stringent safety protocols.

Several key attributes are necessary to prepare for this multifaceted role.

Education

Most employers require candidates to hold a high school diploma or GED at a minimum.

Formal sterile processing education then builds upon this foundation.

Background Check

As you’ll work closely with sensitive medical equipment and patient privacy information, passing a thorough background check is essential for ensuring a secure work environment.

Teamwork

Sterile processing technicians interact frequently with surgeons, nurses, and other staff.

Demonstrating cooperation, clear communication, and responsiveness to requests is a plus.

Do these criteria resonate with your strengths?

With the right training under your belt, sterile processing offers a truly vital yet rewarding job.

Education Needed

After meeting the basic requirements, you will need to enroll in a training program.

There are a few different schools throughout Maine that offer programs to become sterile processing techs.

These programs teach you everything you need to know, like safety procedures, how to clean and package medical equipment, inventory management, and more.

The programs also include hands-on experience working in real healthcare facilities.

Certification

While not required in Maine, getting certified after your training is highly recommended.

Employers like to see that you passed the certification test to prove your skills.

There are two main certifications: Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) and Central Service Technician (CRCST). Certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge expected by industry standards.

Gain Experience

Some healthcare workplaces require sterile processing tech candidates to have previous experience in the field.

Try to find an internship during or after your training program to get hands-on experience before applying for jobs.

This will make you a stronger candidate, and you can ask the internship site for a reference later.

Job Search

With your education and experience, you are ready to apply for sterile processing jobs throughout Maine.

Search online job boards and directly on the websites of hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers.

You can also talk to your instructors and internship contacts to see if they know of any openings.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Maine

Are you ready to jumpstart an in-demand career?

Let’s check out some top schools for learning the tools of the trade:

Maine Medical Center School of Surgical Technology

Complete this comprehensive program in just two years for around $7,500 total.

That’s a steal compared to many medical programs! Graduates are top candidates for SPT roles.

Southern Maine Community College

Partnering with Maine Med’s elite school, Year 1 is classroom/clinical and costs $2880.

While Year 2 lets you polish your skills at SMCC and costs $3360.

Four semesters of experience set you up for success.

Eastern Maine Community College

Talk about a sweet deal—their surgical tech training is a free short-term course through the Workforce Development department!

Unlike other short programs that just scratch the surface, EMCC ensures you master the crucial skills hospitals seek.

All books, tuition, materials, and exam fees are free.

Weigh factors like cost, experience gained, location, and supporting credentials.

With dedication to one of these intensive yet rewarding programs, your future in the field looks bright.

Online Sterile Processing Technician Programs

Sauk Valley Community College

Provides a 14-week online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program.

The course requires a commitment of 16 hours per week.

Important subjects covered include sterilizing, disinfecting, and cleaning medical equipment.

With the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate, you’ll have the necessary skills to start a career in the healthcare industry.

The course costs $4,000.

The U.S. Career Institute

Offers a self-paced online sterile processing program to prepare graduates for the CRCST exam administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

The course costs $1,479, and the CRCST exam cost is included in the tuition, which is valued at up to $140.

Salary

According to the BLS, the average salary for sterile processing techs in Maine is approximately $56,360 per year.

Salaries can range from around $45,000 for those just starting to $71,000 for technicians with more experience and additional certification.

The more credentials you have, the higher your income potential will be.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Portland	$44,701
Lewiston	$44,248
Bangor	$41,419
South Portland	$44,701
Auburn	$44,248
Bangor	$41,419
Biddeford	$44,490
Saco	$44,610
Augusta	$42,607
Westbrook	$44,701

Regional Salary in Maine

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the education requirements?

Most sterile processing technician training programs in Maine take between 6 and 14 months to finish, depending on the school.

Do I need certification to get a job as a sterile processing tech in Maine?

While the state does not require certification, it is highly recommended to be competitive for job openings.

What personality traits are important for this career?

The ability to pay close attention to detail and be organized is key, as sterile processing techs must ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and packaged.

Strong communication skills are also beneficial.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State