How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Wisconsin

If you want to join the healthcare sector without obtaining a degree, you can consider a career as a Sterile Processing Technician also known as Central Processing Technician.

The profession is critical in the healthcare industry since it involves sterilization, decontamination, and processing of instruments, equipment, and other supplies.

Technicians in this industry are responsible for keeping patients and healthcare providers safe by maintaining sterile equipment.

Jobs for sterile processing technicians are crucial across the US, and in Wisconsin, they are growing at a five percent rate.

You can become part of this essential industry with a few months of training.

This article explains everything you need to know about how to become a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin.

Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Wisconsin: A Step-by-Step Approach

Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is simple since the Wisconsin state government does not prescribe any requirements for prospective candidates to join this sector.

The first step to joining this profession is to ensure that you’re a high school graduate with a GED or equivalent.

Choose and complete a secondary certificate or diploma program in sterile processing.

Other employers can hire you straight from high school, and you will get training and experience on the job.

However, it is recommended that you must first fulfill the following education and legal requirements:

• Education: You need a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a training program as a Sterile Processing Technician gives you an added advantage because it helps you gain the necessary skills and knowledge required in this industry.
• Training: Complete a technician training program to gain experience and knowledge.
• Certification: Getting a national certificate as a Sterile Processing Technician is not mandatory in Wisconsin, but it can significantly improve your job prospects. For instance, other employers expect technicians to have recognized certifications like the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) awarded by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
• Legal requirements: You are not required to be licensed to operate as a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin. When you complete your training, you can look for a job.

Obtaining Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician

Although certification is not required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in this industry, there are several advantages of obtaining this credential:

• Certification enhances your career prospects
• It helps standardize and maintain high qualities in the industry
• Employers prefer certified technicians

IAHCSMM offers different types of certification including introductory, entry-level, and secondary certification for instrumentation, central service management certification, endoscope reprocessing certification, and certification for central service vendors.

Certification is offered by IAHCSMM and CBSPD.

To obtain your Sterile Processing Technician certification, you should follow the steps below:

1. Know the certification requirements: Choose your career path and do some research about the requirements in your category. You can check with vocational schools or local health organizations to get details about certification requirements.
2. Enroll in an accredited program: Choose an accredited sterile processing training program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required in this field.
3. Gain experience: It is vital to gain practical experience in the healthcare setup. With hands-on experience, you will be able to apply the knowledge you gain in real situations.
4. Prepare for your certification examination: When you have gained the necessary experience and have completed your sterile processing technician program, you should take a certification exam offered by either CBSPD or IAHCSMM. These organizations provide the study materials for the exam.
5. Take your exam: When you have sufficiently prepared for the exam, schedule a date with any of the above organizations and take the certification exam. The exam tests your skills and knowledge in different areas related to sterilization, decontamination of equipment, and infection control. When you pass the exam, you will be awarded the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate.
6. Maintain certification: Obtaining certification is not an end since you need to keep pace with the education requirements that come with the demands of the profession. You need to stay up to date with the latest developments taking place in the field to show commitment to the profession.

With certification as a Sterile Processing Technician, your career opportunities and credibility in this field will improve.

You will become marketable because employers prefer certified technicians.  

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to different learning institutions where you can obtain a diploma or related qualification in sterile processing.

The following are some of the colleges you can consider to pursue a sterile processing training program.

Blackhawk Technical College

The college is located in Janesville, and it offers a Technical Diploma with 8 credits, and you can complete it in one semester.

The program costs $1,315.

Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire

• 6 Credit Technical Diploma
• Completed in less than one year
• Costs about $1,139

Mid-State Technical College

Located in Marshfield, the college offers a 6-19 Credits Technical Diploma.

Both part-time and full-time classes can complete this diploma in 16 weeks.

The cost per credit for in-state students is $146.20 for associate, certificate, diploma, and apprenticeship programs.

Each credit costs $219.30 for out-of-state students.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

The college is located in downtown Milwaukee, and it offers a technical diploma that can be completed in less than one year.

The fees vary depending on the number of credits undertaken by the trainee technician.

Waukesha County Technical College

The college is located in Pewaukee, and it offers a Technical Diploma in sterile processing technician training.

The six-credit diploma can be completed in less than one year, and the fee structure is credit-based.

Western Technical College

The college is located in La Crosse, and it offers a technical diploma designed to equip candidates with entry-level skills to diagnose, maintain, and repair medical equipment within the healthcare setting.

Non-resident students pay a tuition fee of $219.30 and residents $73.10 per credit for technical diploma and associate degree courses.

A diploma is completed in six months.

Herzing University in Milwaukee is another institution that offers online programs in sterile processing.

Salary

Sterile processing technicians get a mean annual salary of $36.020 or an hourly rate of $17.32 in Wisconsin.

Top earners get more than $46,750 depending on factors like skills, education, experience, location, and employer.

Final Thoughts

If you are interested in working in the healthcare industry without a degree, a career as a Sterile Processing Technician can help you achieve your dream.

The career is a rewarding one since it offers many opportunities and a steady income in Wisconsin.

Once you complete your training, you need to take a certification examination.

Certified technicians can apply for jobs in clinics, hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Milwaukee	$44,855
Madison	$44,408
Green Bay	$43,477
Kenosha	$44,524
Racine	$44,524
Appleton	$43,486
Waukesha	$44,686
Oshkosh	$43,205
Eau Claire	$43,389
Janesville	$44,227

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

* 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

What is the role of a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin?

Also known as a Central Sterile Technician, this healthcare professional must clean, sterilize, and decontaminate medical equipment to ensure patient safety.

What are the requirements to study sterile processing in Wisconsin?

To be eligible to undertake a sterile processing technician program in Wisconsin, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

How long does it take to complete a sterile processing technician course in Wisconsin?

Depending on the course you choose and number of credits, it usually takes less than one year to complete the program.

However, you will need to take a certification exam.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State