How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Hampshire

Sterile processing technicians – also known as central service technicians – are the true unsung heroes of the medical industry.

It’s one of the most respected career paths in any hospital or medical facility, and the demand for quality SPTs who are good at what they do has never been greater.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an SPT, there’s no better time than right now – you’ll be welcomed with open arms!

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician – Step by Step

Becoming a sterile processing technician could be the best decision you ever make, but that doesn’t mean it will come easy.

Considering how essential SPTs are to the medical industry, employers must ensure their employees are adequately trained, certified when necessary, and vetted before working.

While requirements vary from one state to the next, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about becoming an SPT in New Hampshire – that way, you know what you’re signing up for and can verify it’s something you’re truly interested in.

With that said, let’s take you through it step-by-step!

High School Diploma or GED

Most employers in the state of New Hampshire require sterile processing technicians to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.

This proves that the individual has the basic skills and a basic understanding of medical concepts and terminology – it ensures a solid foundation to build upon.

For those who don’t have a high school diploma, the GED test can be taken online for just $36 per subject – there are four test subjects (Science, Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts) for a total of $144.

You can also choose to take the test in person at one of their GED test centers, but it’ll cost $40 more ($184).

Complete Postsecondary Training Program

Once you have your high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in a postsecondary training program – which isn’t necessarily required in New Hampshire but is undoubtedly recommended considering the skills and experience you’ll gain.

Don’t worry; most training programs will only take 1-2 years to complete.

The most prominent SPT training programs in New Hampshire include:

• Concord Hospital
• Great Bay Community College
• University of New Hampshire

Training programs are designed to give students a combination of in-classroom learning and hands-on, on-the-job experience.

It’s the most opportune way to get your feet wet in the industry and will teach you everything you need to know to enter an internship with confidence – trust us; you won’t regret it!

Complete Internship

By now, you’re ready to begin an internship to get an authentic taste of what this career has in store for you.

Most internships last anywhere from 250 to 400 hours (6-10 weeks), and you will be paid for your time – so make sure you give your all because this is when it starts to count.

Only the best will succeed!

When searching for an internship, find one that’s accredited by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) – one of the two leading accrediting bodies in the United States.

Don’t worry; your educator or training program can help you uncover quality internship opportunities in your local area.

Obtain National Certification

There’s no statewide licensing program in New Hampshire, which means you won’t need to obtain a state-issued license to work as a sterile processing technician in NH.

With that said, most employers will require you to get a national certification via one of the two accrediting bodies in the United States:

• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
• Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) [formerly IAHCSMM]

The HSPA is praised for its status as an international association, but it will require 400 hours (10 weeks) of on-the-job experience, which can be achieved through an internship or training program.

Meanwhile, the CBSPD requires at least one year of experience or a Certificate of Completion from a training program.

Enter the Workforce

As a certified sterile processing technician, you can enter the workforce and officially begin your career in one of the country’s finest, most stable industries.

And since most states don’t require a state-issued license, your national certification allows you to move to another applicable state, if needed.

Online job search engines – such as  Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor – will be a great place to start when looking for a job.

You can also utilize your network of educators, internships, and fellow SPTs to keep an eye out for jobs in your area – or, of course, go job hunting with a resume in hand.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Hampshire

There’s nothing quite like enrolling in an SPT training program.

The people you’ll meet, the skills you’ll adopt, and the future you’ll create for yourself make this an experience you’ll remember forever.

If you’re looking for a trusted and accredited program in New Hampshire, here are a few places to consider:

Concord Hospital

• Location: 250 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301
• Program: Surgical Technology Program
• Course Length: one year
• Tuition Cost: $8,500

Located just 20 miles north of Manchester, NH, and 70 miles north of Boston, MA, the Concord Hospital offers a Surgical Technology Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

The program is divided into four quarters – one for each season in the year.

Great Bay Community College

• Location: 320 Corporate Dr. Room SW113, Portsmouth, NH 03801
• Program: Surgical Technology
• Course Length: 5 semesters (67-69 credits)
• Tuition Cost: $215 per credit (in-state) or $490 per credit (out-of-state)

Located 10 miles southeast of Dover, NH, 40 miles east of Manchester, NH, and just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Bay Community College offers a Surgical Technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) with limited openings.

University of New Hampshire

• Location: 105 Main St, Durham, NH 03824
• Program: Sterile Processing Technician
• Course Length: one year
• Tuition Cost: $3,000

Located in the heart of Durham, NH – just 20 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean – the University of New Hampshire offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that can be completed online.

It’ll prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, which is offered by the HSPA.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in New Hampshire

Sterile processing technicians make an average of $45,322 per year (between $39,982 and $50,521) in the United States – right on par with the average salary in New Hampshire, which is $45,920 (between $40,510 and $51,187).

It’s not only one of the most desired careers in the state but also one of the most stable and rewarding careers – financially, mentally, and emotionally.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Manchester	$46,500
Nashua	$49,129
Concord	$46,509
Derry	$47,762
Rochester	$46,537
Salem	$48,404
Dover	$46,727
Merrimack	$49,129
Londonderry	$49,129
Bedford	$46,500

Regional Salary in New Hampshire

* 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

Where can I find work as a sterile processing technician in New Hampshire?

Most sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, medical facilities, surgery centers, health clinics, and dental practices.

What is the current state of SPT employment opportunities in New Hampshire?

There will always be a demand for sterile processing technicians, but things are getting a little competitive in New Hampshire.

Once certified, do I have to work in New Hampshire, or can I move to another state?

Since New Hampshire doesn’t issue a state license for SPTs and certifications come at the national level, you can work in another state if needed.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State