Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Florida – Find Programs

When careers in the healthcare system are brought up, very few people think of sterile processing technicians. However, while the role might not be widely known, if you have ever been to a healthcare facility, you have benefitted from the work of a sterile processing tech.

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This is because the responsibilities of a sterile processing technician include providing doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals with the surgical instruments and equipment they need to conduct procedures. So, while they are not directly involved in patient care, they are directly involved in patient safety.

If you are interested in working in the healthcare sector, but only have a high school diploma, then you should consider becoming a sterile processing technician. The role is respected in the industry and can be relatively lucrative as well.

In this piece, we’ll cover exactly what you need to do to become a sterile processing technician in the state of Florida. We will also recommend the best schools where you can receive training for the position.

Licensing Requirements In Florida

In Florida, you do not require a license to practice as a sterile processing tech. Technically, the only qualification you need to practice is a high school diploma. However, going through a training program and getting a certification will be beneficial.

It will not only provide you with the necessary technical skills and training you need to work in the industry, but it will also help you when it comes to applying for jobs. This is because employers in the field will generally always prefer a candidate who has certification and training.

How To Get Sterile Processing Technician Certification In Florida

Achieving certification is the same as it is in every other state in the US. There are currently two organizations you can go through to get certified.

The first is the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). To get certification through the HSPA, and become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), you will need to pass the CRCST exam.

The second organization is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). To become certified through the CBSPD, you will need to pass the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) exam. If you pass this exam, you will become a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

Best Sterile Processing Technician Education Programs In Florida

If you want to prepare for either of the exams mentioned above, then it will be a good idea to go through a sterile processing technician program. Unfortunately, none of the programs listed below offer financial aid, so you may need to take out a student loan to pay the program fees.

Below, we will provide a list of the best schools that offer sterile processing tech training programs.

Tallahassee Community College

This community college offers a 30-hour Central Sterile Processing Technician Program. It prepares students for both the CRCST and SPDTC exams, and also teaches them the decontamination, packaging, inspection, and sterilization processes that need to be used to prepare medical equipment.

Florida Institute of Sterile Processing

The program that this school offers is entirely dedicated to training future sterile processing technicians. The course lasts for one month, and classes only take place on Saturdays to provide for candidates that already have jobs.

The program covers topics including infection control, sterilization, decontamination, chemical disinfection, and medical instruments. At the end of the course, the school gives you the option to take the CBSPD exam.

Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College offers a 30-hour Central Sterile Processing Technology program. It consists of lectures in a classroom, laboratory time, and hands-on training via an internship at the end of the course. The course teaches students how to sterilize, package, and ensure that medical equipment is operational.

The course also prepares students to take either the CRCST exam or the CBSPD exam.

Salary Expectations

In Florida, the average annual salary for a sterile processing technician is $36,560, or $17.58 an hour. This is lower than the national annual average salary for a sterile processing tech, which is $42,420 or $20.40 an hour.

While the average salary for a sterile processing tech is a bit lower in Florida, it reflects the cost of living in the state. Your actual salary will also depend on your experience level, training, and the employer you choose to work for.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is currently a high demand for sterile processing technicians in both Florida and many other states in the US. There is also projected to be an increase in the number of jobs in the industry in the years to come.

With proper training and certification, you should easily be able to find a sterile processing tech job in Florida.

Where To Find Work As A Sterile Processing Technician In Florida

You can find work as a sterile processing tech at the following healthcare facilities:

  • Medical companies
  • Private physician’s practices
  • Oral surgeon practices
  • Surgery centers
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient surgical centers
  • Central sterile processing departments
  • Dentist practices

FAQs

How much does it cost to take the CBSPD exam?

To take the CBSPD exam, it will cost you $128.

How long does CBSPD certification last?

Once you pass your exam and become certified, your certification will last for five years. After these five years have passed, you will need to apply for recertification.

How long is the CBSPD exam?

The CBSPD exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and is two hours long.

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319093.htm

https://sterileprocessingtech.org/fl/

https://www.sfcollege.edu/programs/6309/