Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Hawaii – Find Programs
There are a number of job opportunities in the healthcare sector, but you might be surprised to know that not all of them require a university degree. You do not need a degree to practice as a sterile processing technician, but despite this, the position is still respectable and relatively lucrative.
Sterile processing technicians have an important role to fulfill in the healthcare sector. They are responsible for distributing, cleaning, storing, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instruments, and sometimes even the operating room.
Sterile processing technicians are also in high demand throughout the US, which means it won’t be difficult to find work in the industry.
In this piece, we will be explaining how to become a sterile processing technician in the state of Hawaii. We will be covering topics such as how to become certified, the best schools to study at, and more.
Licensing Requirements In Hawaii
There are no licensing, certification, or training requirements in Hawaii to become a sterile processing technician. However, it will be in your best interests to go through a training program and become certified.
This is due to the fact that most employers in the state of Hawaii, and throughout the US, prefer certified candidates. So, you will gain an advantage over candidates that are less qualified than you when you enter the job market.
How To Get Sterile Processing Technician Certification In Hawaii
To gain certification in Hawaii, you have a few options available to you. You can become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by passing the CRCST exam provided by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Another option available to you is becoming a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) by passing the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
You can also go a different route, and become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing the NBSTSA exam.
This will also allow you to practice as a surgical technologist, which is a slightly different role that has a few more responsibilities.
Best Sterile Processing Technician Education Programs In Hawaii
In-person sterile processing technician training programs are relatively scarce in Hawaii due to the state’s low population. However, you can still receive adequate sterile processing technician training from an online institution.
Below we have provided a list of the best institutions to receive sterile processing technician training programs in the state of Hawaii.
University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College
Kapiolani Community College is based in Honolulu and offers a surgical technology program. The program covers material that includes how to set up an operating room, how to help surgeons during medical procedures, and medical terminology.
The training program consists of both hands-on training and classroom time and helps prepare students for the NBSTSA exam. However, the information covered will also prepare a student for the CRCST exam.
Ashworth College
Ashworth College is an online institution and offers an Online Sterile Processing Technician training program. The course covers a variety of topics, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, aseptic procedures, and sterilization procedures.
While the program lacks any hands-on training, its purpose is to prepare candidates for the CRCST exam.
Penn Foster College
Penn Foster College is another online institution that offers a sterile processing technician training program. The training program is a diploma, and when you have completed it, you will receive a Sterile Processing Career Diploma.
This training program covers topics including how to sterilize medical supplies and surgical instrumentation. Its main purpose is to provide students with the information they will need to take and pass the CRCST exam.
Salary Expectations
Working in a sterile processing technician role can be quite rewarding, as sterile processing techs are paid relatively well. The national average salary for a sterile processing technician is $42,420, or $20.40 an hour. However, the average annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Hawaii is $49,740.
This is just an average, though, and your actual salary will depend on the experience you have, the training you have received, and the employer you choose to work for.
Job Outlook
Sterile processing techs are very sought after at the moment, and this trend is expected to continue. In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that sterile processing tech and surgical technologist roles are projected to increase by 6% by 2031. This projected job growth is one of the most appealing aspects of working in this field.
Where To Find Work As A Sterile Processing Technician In Hawaii
You can find sterile processing technician roles at facilities like:
- Medical companies
- Private physician’s practices
- Surgery centers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Central sterile processing department
- Dentist practices
- Oral surgeon practices
- All healthcare providers
You will likely find sterile processing technician positions at these facilities in Hawaii’s major cities, such as Honolulu and Waipahu.
However, they will likely be limited due to Hawaii’s low population, so you may need to head to the mainland to pursue career opportunities.
FAQs
What are some of the qualities that make a successful sterile processing technician?
Some of the qualities that make for a successful sterile processing technician include good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team.
What are some of the potential hazards you will face while working as a sterile processing technician?
Sterile processing techs don’t have particularly dangerous jobs. However, they need to follow safety protocols, as they often deal with dangerous chemicals and biological agents.
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