How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Vermont

The medical field is vast and there are many job roles outside of being a doctor or nurse.

Most of the work that takes place in the field happens behind the scenes.

One such job role that most people do not know about is being a sterile processing technician.

These are the people who make sure that all medical equipment is properly sanitized and disinfected so that patients are not exposed to infections.

If you live in Vermont and are interested in becoming a professional, it’s important to know the steps you need to take to enter this field.

Although you would be working far away from patients, you could still potentially save many lives if you take up this job.

Let us walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a sterile processing technician in Vermont.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Vermont

First things first, you do not need any kind of license or certificate to start working as a sterile processing technician in Vermont.

That might come as a surprise since most medical workers need some kind of certification to work in that particular sub-field.

However, that is not the case with sterile processors.

That said, there are still certain requirements.

You might think it is unusual that such an important job role does not require certification in Vermont.

This is because the responsibility is of the employers to hire competent and qualified technicians.

Hence, let us see the steps you need to take that can increase your chances of getting hired for this role.

Step 1: Get Your Education

A high school education or equivalent is very important if you want to get into this field.

Most employers want you to have a high school diploma.

Plus, you have to be at least 18 years old to get into this profession in Vermont.

Apart from a high school certificate, another thing that can come in handy is getting proper sterile processing education.

To get formal training, you can get into any school you like that offers the relevant course.

You can acquire the skills as well as the knowledge required to excel in the medical industry with the help of these programs.

Students learn about sterilization procedures, surgical instruments, and infection control, among other topics.

Even though it is not mandatory, some employers might need you to have a sterile processor certificate from a national organization.

For that, you need to get formal training and take the certification exam from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Step 2: Work Experience

Again, work experience is not mandatory, but certain employers want that in these technicians.

If you do get hands-on training, it can increase your employability a lot.

Get into internships or externships that can make your resume more impressive.

Plus, if you get hands-on training, you will have more expertise in dealing with instruments.

A lot of the education organizations that offer courses on sterile processing can help you get internships.

Note that you do not have to necessarily get work experience working as a sterile processor.

Some employers also prefer it if you have experience working in some other medical sub-field such as medical assistant or surgical technology.

Step 3: Get National Certification

As we mentioned before, it is a good idea to get a certificate in sterile processing.

For that, you need to take the certification exams and pass them.

The more certificates you have, the higher your chances of getting hired.

Here are the certifications you can opt for:

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

The school you enroll in prepares you for these certification exams.

Remember that once you do get the certification, you have to renew it every year.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Vermont

There are not many schools in Vermont that offer a sterile processing course.

That said, here are the top schools you can enroll in to become a sterile processing technician in Vermont.

Penn Foster

The best option you have when it comes to getting sterile processing training is Penn Foster.

The school offers an online program that consists of 12 classes and takes anywhere between 6 to 9 months to finish.

The best part is the course is flexible and you can learn on your own time.

At the end of your training, you will be well prepared to sit for the certification exams.

You will learn about medical terminology, aseptic technique principles, and so on.

Ashworth College

Ashworth College is another college that offers an online program.

The course is divided into 5 modules and covers topics such as decontamination techniques, basic medical terminology, and equipment knowledge.

Once you are done with the course, you will be prepared to sit for the HSPA certificate exam.

The estimated tuition for this course is $1,200.

MedCerts

Another option you have is taking the online course from MedCerts.

Unlike other options, MedCerts offers a video series on sterile processing techniques.

It also offers individual mentoring sessions and additional resources so that the students become well-rounded.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Vermont

Sterile Processing is a job that is witnessing a lot of demand in the present times.

Especially after the pandemic, there has been an increased demand for this role.

The average annual salary of these professionals in Vermont is $39,000.

As you gain more experience, your salary also increases.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Burlington	$44,719
Essex	$44,719
Rutland	$45,030
Colchester	$44,719
South Burlington	$44,719
Bennington	$45,830
Brattleboro	$46,041
Montpelier	$44,311
Essex Junction	$44,719
Barre	$44,311

Regional Salary in Vermont

* 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

Do I Need To Get a Certificate to Work As a Sterile Processing Technician in Vermont?

There is no state-wide mandate that requires you to have a license.

However, employers prefer workers who have proper certifications.

What Is The Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Vermont?

The average annual salary of sterile processing technicians in Vermont is $39,000.

But with more experience, certifications and advancing to a senior role you can expect your salary to be upwards of $50,000 range.

What Certification is Best for Being a Sterile Processing Technician?

Any national certificate can help you to get more employment opportunities.

However, one of the most preferred ones is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State