How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah

If you are interested in the medical field, you must already know how important it is to disinfect medical tools and equipment.

Unless medical equipment is disinfected, patients across chambers, hospitals, and medical centers can find themselves exposed to infections that can be very dangerous.

So, a sterile processing technician ensures that this job is taken care of.

Medical workers are needed throughout the United States and the world.

So, Utah is no exception. But how do you become a Sterile processing technician in Utah? Let us walk you through that.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah

Before we give you the step-by-step guide for becoming a sterile processing technician in Utah, it’s important to understand that you do not require a license or certificate to get into this line of work.

While that might make it appear easy, there are still certain things to keep in mind.

Step 1: Get Your Education

Needless to say, the first and foremost thing you have to do before you can become a sterile processing technician is get your high school diploma or equivalent.

This is a minimum requirement that the majority of healthcare facilities, like clinics and hospitals, ask for.

The next thing you can do is complete a formal training program for sterile processing.

Even though the state of Utah doesn’t require you to get formal training, it can come in handy.

These programs help you get the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your best in the medical field.

Students get to know about infection prevention, surgical instrumentation, sterilization techniques, and so on.

These programs can last up to a year and sometimes offer internships where students can get hands-on experience.

Step 2: Work Experience

As mentioned, it is not necessary to get formal training in sterile processing in Utah to get employment.

However, employers do prefer it if you have the necessary education.

On top of that, employers also prefer it if you have work experience.

You can gain that experience through externships or internships in medical facilities.

The reason this is recommended is that students get hands-on experience dealing with sterilization techniques, equipment, and so on.

It isn’t necessary for you to get experience in this particular field either.

You can work in surgical technology or medical assisting for the required experience.

There are three main important things to keep in mind when looking for employment related to sterile processors:

• You have to be at least 18 years old.
• You need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• You need to have some prior experience in the medical field or that you have completed a training program for sterile processing.

Step 3: Get National Certification

Perhaps the most important step is to get a national certification.

While it is not mandatory to get a national certification in Utah for sterile processing, some employers might want you to have it.

A national certification shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge in sterile processing, and this can increase your job opportunities.

Here are the certifications you can get:

• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certification
• Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification

To get these certifications, you need to pass the necessary exams and meet the eligibility requirements.

Different examinations have different criteria, so proceed by keeping that in mind.

Plus, there will be background checks conducted too.

After you have got the formal training and the certifications, you can start applying for jobs.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Utah

Even though you do not require formal training, it’s always a good idea to get one.

Here are the top schools for getting sterile processing training.

Mountainland Technical College (MTECH)

It is a community college with three campuses across Orem, Spanish Fork, and Lehi.

The sterile processing technician training program offered by the college prepares students for working in a healthcare setting.

It is a 9-month or 800-hour program that follows the standards of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

The estimated tuition of the program is $2,660.

The great thing is that the college also assists with job placement after graduation.

Penn Foster

The next option you have is Penn Foster, which offers online education.

It has 12 courses that teach you about Medical terminology, infectious diseases, and, most importantly, sterile processing techniques.

The program prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam.

Tooele Technical College

Another option you have is getting online training from Tooele Technical College.

It has 80 hours of training and prepares you to appear for the IAHCSMM certificate exam.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Utah

Utah has many medical facilities, which means the demand for sterile processing professionals is quite steady.

But what’s the salary for this job role?

The annual median salary for a sterile processing technician in Utah is $43,000.

The range is typically between $27,709 and $43,451.

Of course, with time and more experience, technicians can expect their salary to increase.

Plus, it is recommended that you stay updated with industry advancements.

Moreover, location is another important factor when it comes to salary.

For instance, with respect to region-specific salary, Saint George in Utah offers more salary to these technicians than Lehi.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Salt Lake City	$43,478
Wales	$41,084
Provo	$41,673
Sandy	$43,360
Orem	$41,673
Ogden	$41,986
West Jordan	$43,321
Layton	$41,829
Beaver	$41,084
St. George	$45,390

Regional Salary in Utah

* 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

Is Getting a License Necessary For Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah?

No, it is not mandatory to get a license to work as a sterile processing technician in Utah.

That said, you can take a licensing exam and get licensed.

This can increase your employment opportunities.

Do I Need Prior Experience Before Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah?

It depends on the employer you are working for.

Most employers prefer if you have prior experience working in a healthcare setting or at least have formal training.

How To Land a Job As a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah?

Apart from getting an education and certification, the most important thing you have to do to get this role is actively hunt for jobs.

Visit websites of medical facilities, contact clinics and hospitals, and apply if there are any openings.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State