Sterile Processing Technicians play a critical role in ensuring the safety and health of patients.
These healthcare professionals are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments and equipment.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania, this article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to become one, information about schools offering programs in the state, average salaries, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Obtain a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania.
If you don’t already have one, you can obtain a high school diploma or GED by taking classes at a local adult education center or community college.
Step 2: Complete a sterile processing technician training program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Accredited programs ensure that you receive high-quality training and that your education meets industry standards.
You can find accredited programs in Pennsylvania by searching online or contacting the CAAHEP or ABHES.
During your sterile processing technician training program, you will learn about microbiology, infection control, sterilization techniques, and surgical instruments.
You will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in healthcare facilities.
Step 3: Gain work experience in the field of sterile processing.
Most employers prefer candidates with at least one year of experience.
You can gain work experience by applying for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics.
Step 4: Obtain certification through a recognized organization such as the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Certification is not required in Pennsylvania, but it can increase your job prospects and earning potential.
To obtain certification, you will need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of sterile processing techniques, infection control, and surgical instruments.
You can prepare for the exam by studying the materials provided by the certifying organization.
Step 5: Apply for jobs as a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania.
You can apply for jobs through online job boards, hospital career websites, or by networking with professionals in the field.
Be sure to highlight your education, work experience, and certification on your resume and cover letter.
Overall, becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania requires a combination of education, training, work experience, and certification.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
HACC offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that consists of 32 credit hours.
The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in a healthcare setting.
The curriculum includes courses such as microbiology, infection control, surgical instrumentation, and sterile processing techniques.
The program also includes clinical rotations in healthcare facilities, where students can gain hands-on experience.
Reading Area Community College (RACC)
RACC offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that consists of 16 credit hours.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sterile processing and supply chain management in healthcare facilities.
The curriculum includes courses such as medical terminology, infection control, and sterile processing techniques.
The program also includes a clinical practicum, where students can gain hands-on experience in a healthcare facility.
Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC)
WCCC offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that consists of 16 credit hours.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sterile processing in healthcare facilities.
The curriculum includes courses such as microbiology, infection control, and sterile processing techniques.
The program also includes a clinical practicum, where students can gain hands-on experience in a healthcare facility.
Each of these programs can typically be completed in one year and cost around $5,000-$10,000.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Harrisburg Area Community College | 1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA |
| Reading Area Community College | 10 S 2nd St, Reading, PA 19602, USA |
| Westmoreland County Community College | 145 Pavilion Ln, Youngwood, PA 15697, USA |
Salary
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania is around $42,000 per year.
However, salaries can range from $36,000 to $48,000 depending on factors such as experience, location, and certification.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $40,500 |
| Pittsburgh | $37,600 |
| Allentown | $38,470 |
| Erie | $35,260 |
| Upper Darby | $40,500 |
| Reading | $37,970 |
| Scranton | $35,430 |
| Bethlehem | $38,470 |
| Lower Merion | $40,500 |
| Bensalem | $41,600 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 170 | $45,260 | $21.76 | $57,550 | $37,380 |
| Erie, PA | 50 | $39,020 | $18.76 | $47,550 | $34,150 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 220 | $44,190 | $21.25 | $54,550 | $36,970 |
| Lancaster, PA | 90 | $42,860 | $20.61 | $53,600 | $36,470 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,330 | $50,030 | $24.05 | $59,010 | $39,770 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 460 | $45,650 | $21.95 | $55,770 | $37,100 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 120 | $43,720 | $21.02 | $56,080 | $36,110 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 70 | $42,790 | $20.57 | $50,540 | $36,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for obtaining certification as a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there are no specific state requirements for certification as a Sterile Processing Technician.
However, most employers prefer candidates who are certified through a recognized organization such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM.
Most sterile processing technician programs in Pennsylvania can be completed in one year.
What is the job outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pennsylvania?
The job outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pennsylvania is positive, with an expected growth rate of 7% from 2019-2029.
What are the annual fees for holding my certification as a Sterile Processing Technician in Pennsylvania?
The annual fees for certification through CBSPD or IAHCSMM vary but typically range from $50-$150 per year.
