Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and medical equipment.
Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for ensuring that medical equipment and instruments are properly sterilized to prevent the spread of disease and infection.
In this article, we will discuss the steps to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina, available schools offering programs, and salaries, and answer frequently asked questions about the profession.
Page Navigation
- Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the annual fees for holding my Sterile Processing Technician license in South Carolina?
- What skills are important for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?
- What is the job outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians in South Carolina?
- Is certification required to become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina
- Meet the Educational Requirements: To become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina, a high school diploma or GED is required. Some employers may prefer or require the completion of a sterile processing technician program, which can be completed through a technical school, community college, or vocational program.
- Gain Work Experience: While not always required, gaining experience in a healthcare or medical environment can be beneficial when applying for jobs as a Sterile Processing Technician. Consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic or applying for an entry-level position in a healthcare facility.
- Obtain Certification: The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) offer certification programs for Sterile Processing Technicians. While not required by law, many employers prefer or require certification.
- Apply for Jobs: Once you have completed the necessary education and certification requirements, you can start applying for jobs as a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina. Look for job postings on job boards or the websites of local hospitals and medical facilities.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina
There are several schools in South Carolina that offer Sterile Processing Technician programs.
These programs can vary in length and cost.
Here are some of the schools offering programs:
Trident Technical College
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Trident Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics.
The program consists of two semesters of coursework and hands-on training in sterilization, instrument processing, infection control, and anatomy and physiology.
Students will also learn about medical terminology and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.
The program requires students to complete a clinical practicum where they will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
This program lasts one semester and costs approximately $1,000.
Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College, located in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sterile processing departments of healthcare facilities.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and consists of three courses, including Introduction to Sterile Processing, Sterilization and Disinfection, and Medical Terminology.
In addition to classroom instruction, students will have hands-on training in a simulated sterile processing environment, where they will learn about the proper handling, cleaning, and sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
This program lasts three semesters and costs approximately $4,000.
Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the sterile processing departments of healthcare facilities.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and consists of three courses, including Sterile Processing, Sterilization and Disinfection, and Medical Terminology.
The program includes hands-on training in a simulated sterile processing environment, where students will learn about the proper handling, cleaning, and sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment.
Students will also learn about infection control, anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
This program lasts one semester and costs approximately $1,000.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in South Carolina
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Trident Technical College | 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406, USA |
| Greenville Technical College | 506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, USA |
| Midlands Technical College | 151 Powell Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States |
Salary
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina is $36,904 per year.
Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and certification.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in South Carolina
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $35,370 |
| Charleston | $36,250 |
| North Charleston | $36,250 |
| Greenville | $36,060 |
| Rock Hill | $37,570 |
| Mount Pleasant | $36,250 |
| Spartanburg | $35,870 |
| Sumter | $34,130 |
| Hilton Head Island | $35,630 |
| Florence | $34,400 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 330 | $42,570 | $20.47 | $48,010 | $31,650 |
| Columbia, SC | 250 | $41,340 | $19.88 | $52,800 | $29,970 |
| Florence, SC | 160 | $32,920 | $15.83 | $38,530 | $28,730 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 240 | $43,360 | $20.85 | $54,780 | $35,200 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 50 | $41,330 | $19.87 | $52,620 | $34,080 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 90 | $43,400 | $20.87 | $59,600 | $36,930 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the annual fees for holding my Sterile Processing Technician license in South Carolina?
As of 2023, there are no annual fees for holding a Sterile Processing Technician license in South Carolina.
What skills are important for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?
Some important skills for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina include attention to detail, strong communication and organizational skills, knowledge of infection control practices, and the ability to work well in a team.
Additionally, knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy can be beneficial in this field.
What is the job outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians in South Carolina?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in South Carolina, as well as the rest of the United States, is favorable.
The BLS projects that employment in this field will grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Is certification required to become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?
While certification is not required by law, many employers prefer or require certification from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
