Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Arizona – Find Programs
In the healthcare industry, a sterile processing technician plays an essential role. They ensure that medical equipment is sterile and that surgical instruments are ready for patient care.
As the demand for healthcare professionals grows, so does the need for qualified technicians. In turn, this has created several career opportunities within the medical field. With the proper training and education, new workers can succeed and secure their careers in health care.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different schools in Arizona that provide sterile processing technician certification and the projected salary within this industry. We’ll also provide information on where to find work as a qualified processing technician. This should give students a well-rounded overview of their future careers.
Certification And Licensing Requirements
In the state of Arizona, the Department of Health Services doesn’t have any specific licensing or certification requirements for individuals who want to work as sterile processing technicians. However, those applying for these positions should have a few basic skills to improve their chances at employment.
Sterile processing technicians work with surgical instruments. They prepare all the necessary equipment medical professionals may need during surgical procedures. Because of this, securing employment can be challenging without certification.
In fact, medical equipment preparers must at least have knowledge of infection control procedures and sterilization methods.
If candidates have completed a sterile processing program their chances of employment are much higher. The same applies to those who have worked as part of an operating room team in a healthcare facility before.
Although this is true for most skilled professionals, it is particularly important within the healthcare sector.
Prior work experience may be a substitute for hands-on training. Still, it’s difficult to get work within a sterile processing department without first understanding sterilization procedures. So, it may be best to enroll in a program that provides you with the necessary certification.
Training Options And Education Programs In Arizona
In Arizona, there are a few educational institutions that offer certification for sterile processing or a sterile processing technician program. On average, students enrolled in a program will take between 9 – 12 months to complete their training. After this time, they are able to seek full-time employment as a technician.
Brookline College Tempe
- Program: Certificate – Sterile Processing
- Accreditation: Brookline College (Tempe) is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Learn more: Brookline College Tempe Sterile Processing Program
Brookline College Tucson
- Program: Certificate – Sterile Processing
- Accreditation: Brookline College (Tucson) is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Learn more: Brookline College Tucson Sterile Processing Program
East Valley Institute of Technology
- Program: Certificate – Sterile Processing Technician Program
- Accreditation: East Valley Institute’s Adult Education programs, including the Certificate for a Sterile Processing Technician, are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Learn more: EVIT Sterile Processing Technician Training
Pima Medical Institute
- Program: Certificate – Sterile Processing Technician
- Accreditation: The Pima Medical Institue of Phoenix, Arizona is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Learn more: Pima Medical Institute Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program
Salary Expectations For Sterile Processing Technicians
On average, a sterile processing technician in Arizona can expect to earn just under $43,000 a year. Senior processing technicians may potentially make more than the predicted annual income. In fact, some professionals may earn more than $60,000 a year.
As a junior processing technician, salaries may start at around $25,000 – $28,000 a year. This salary will increase with experience. It may also be higher for individuals who work in a sterile processing department in a private practice or hospital.
The future job market for sterile processing technicians
As with any occupation, employees have a vested interest in the employment trends and job market of their industry. Without first assessing the trajectory of their field, employees may find themselves in an industry where the competition for positions is too high.
Luckily, the number of sterile processing technician job openings is projected to grow by 4,900 by the end of 2030. This means an 8.3% increase in career opportunities for individuals working in this field. In turn, this should lead to long-term job security for qualified technicians.
It’s important to remember that highly-trained individuals have a better chance of securing these job openings. This is opposed to workers with no prior experience or training. Thus, securing a certificate in sterile processing may be invaluable in this competitive field.
Some employers may need employees to complete an online training course. Or, they may need to do a training program that takes several weeks to complete. This ensures they have the skill sets necessary to undertake the role.
Still, this may take time. Employers prefer to hire workers who already have a certain level of expertise. The reason for this is that it costs less to train qualified individuals. Similarly, most programs use hands-on learning for real-world experience.
Where to find work as a sterile processing technician in Arizona
Sterile processing technicians usually work with doctors, dentists, and surgeons. Most workers can find employment within hospitals, private practices, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
The need for sterile processing technicians is present anywhere that uses medical equipment. This means that qualified technicians may be able to find work outside of hospitals. They also have more opportunities to work in almost any medical environment they choose.
References
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319093.htm