How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Philadelphia	$48,096
Pittsburgh	$44,642
Allentown	$45,675
Erie	$41,864
Upper Darby	$48,096
Reading	$45,085
Scranton	$42,069
Bethlehem	$45,675
York	$44,429
Harrisburg	$44,084

Regional Salary in Pennsylvania

* 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 does the role of a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania contribute to the healthcare system overall?

Sterile Processing Technicians play an enormous & pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of medical instruments in healthcare industries.

They also play a huge role in patient safety, even if behind the scenes.

Are there specialized areas within Sterile Processing that are in demand in Pennsylvania?

The demand for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pennsylvania is strong anyway.

However, there is also a specific demand for technicians with expertise in reprocessing advanced medical equipment and processing specialized surgical instruments.

How does the location of Pennsylvania impact job opportunities for Sterile Processing Technicians?

In the rural areas of Pennsylvania, Sterile Processing Technicians are in very high demand in healthcare facilities.

However, urban areas offer a far higher concentration of job opportunities.

You could consider exploring opportunities in a multitude of locations to broaden your horizons professionally.

Are there programs or initiatives in Pennsylvania that support ongoing education for Sterile Processing Technicians?

Yes!

Pennsylvania is very well-known for its commitment to healthcare success and excellence.

This is why there are a multitude of programs supporting the education of healthcare professionals.

You can explore local institutions and resources offering professional development opportunities.

In addition to a certification, what other qualifications are highly regarded in Pennsylvania for Sterile Processing Technicians?

Employers may look for Sterile Processing Technicians who have additional qualifications including knowledge of the latest sterilization technologies, proficiency in specialized equipment, or experience handling specific medical instruments.

Staying updated with the latest industry advancements can really set you apart from your peers.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State