Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Idaho – Find Programs
Sterile processing technicians play a critical role in the healthcare industry with a plethora of support roles. They’re responsible for the safety and sterility of the medical and surgical environment, which is vital. They also ensure the sterility of medical tools, supplies, and equipment.
Although not always recognized, these medical experts provide essential support to healthcare systems.
An Idaho career in sterile processing is not difficult to secure as qualifications can be attained quite easily. If you are looking to become an SPT in the state, there are a range of programs that will enhance your prospects of passing the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) national certification exam*.
*Note: The HSPA exam used to be known as the IAACSMM national certification exam.
What is Needed to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho
In Idaho, there are no formal requirements and regulations for the sterile processing technician profession. As such, it is very possible to cement a future in the field without undergoing any specified training. Nor are you required to have a college degree, although you usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED.
It is probable that most prospective employers will require some form of qualification for the role. It is advisable that you undergo some form of training or obtain certification through a surgical technology program.
This would enhance your chances of being selected for a position at a healthcare organization. It would also display your aptitude as a candidate for a role in the industry.
Sterile Processing Technician Certification That Employers Look For
As mentioned, there are several training programs available in Idaho to provide the needed skills and knowledge. With these, you can sit for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association certification examination. Securing one or more accreditations is a significant step in improving your chances of landing a job.
There are many viable certification options. You could become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT). Alternatively, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) accreditation is also a worthy choice.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Idaho
So, how would you go about securing one of the above certifications in Idaho? We have listed a few options below, but there are several other schools and programs in the state of Idaho that you could also consider. You do have a number of choices if you want to forge a career as a central sterile processing technician or one of the related fields.
CEI – Sterile Processing Technician Course
Under a qualified instructor’s guidance, the CEI SPT course provides detailed education on the steps needed to fulfill the tasks and responsibilities of a sterile processing technician. It includes material giving you the chance to better understand the role’s crucial concepts.
What you will learn
You will be instructed in the following tasks and skills
- Inspecting, decontaminating, and cleaning surgical instruments and medical equipment.
- Medical terminology relating to the profession of a sterile processing technician.
- Inventory management skills.
- Sterilizing and preparing medical equipment.
- Maintaining accurate records of processes and equipment maintenance within a sterile processing department.
- Distributing medical supplies for surgical procedures.
- Troubleshooting medical equipment malfunctions.
- Taking part in ongoing education and training related to the sterile processing department’s functions.
The course also offers applicants the chance to take part in practical clinical work to apply the skills and knowledge attained.
Certification
Successful completion of the CEI course qualifies you to take the HSPA-sanctioned CRCST examination. It includes a voucher for prepaid admission to the same.
Cost
The course can be completed at your own pace and costs $2,795.00. For further information, request assistance via the CEI website.
Penn Foster Online – Sterile Processing Career Diploma
The Penn Foster online Sterile Processing Career Diploma can be completed at your own pace. It assists successful applicants with an understanding of the fundamentals of sterile processing.
The diploma course relays a framework of the competencies and responsibilities required for a career in the sterile processing field. Emphasis is placed on professional skill development.
What you will learn
The diploma will provide fundamental education and training in the following facets, among others.
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Aseptic technique principles
- Medical terminology relating to the profession
- Requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
Certification
Successfully completing the program qualifies you to sit for the HSPA-certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. The cost of this certification is included in the price of the Penn Foster diploma.
Cost
The enrollment price, along with any grant or discount information is available on the Penn Foster website.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) – Surgical Technology Program
CWI offers a Surgical Technology program that provides training for individuals seeking careers as surgical technologists or central service technicians within the healthcare industry. In these roles, you assist surgical staff to ensure the efficient and safe functioning of surgical procedures. It places a primary focus on patient care and safety.
What you will learn
- Sterilization, disinfecting, and preparation of medical equipment and surgical instruments.
- Familiarizing yourself with surgical procedures.
- Anticipating the surgeon’s needs.
- Preparation of the sterile table with the necessary instruments, equipment, medications, solutions, and supplies.
- Gowning and gloving of the surgeon and support staff.
- Assisting with the preparation of sterile dressings and a sterile field.
- Maintaining a sterile field and preventing contamination during a surgical procedure.
- Conducting pre and post-surgical inventory counts.
- Assisting with terminal cleaning and pre-surgical preparation.
As a trainee, you will participate in 120 surgical procedures, including 90 specialty procedures.
Certification
After finishing the surgical technology program at CWI, you will be eligible to sit for the NBST/NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. The CST accreditation means you can find employment in Idaho or nationally as a surgical technologist or central sterile processing technician.
Cost
For the price of the program and grant application information, visit the CWI website.
Salary Prospects for Processing Technicians and Surgical Technologists in Idaho
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that job opportunities for surgical technologists and processing technicians should increase by around 7% from 2020 to 2030.
The mean annual salary in Idaho is just over $47,000, or an hourly rate of $22.50. This rate is shy of the national average, although cost-of-living expenses are not taken into account.
Employment Within Idaho As a Sterile Processing Technician
A sterile processing technician is sought after in outpatient centers, doctor’s practices, and hospitals, along with aftercare and step-down facilities. Sterile processing technicians are essential parts of the healthcare support structure. They ensure the ongoing sterile condition of medical environments and equipment.
Face-to-face communication with patients is negligible, but SPTs play a huge role in their well-being. They assist doctors, surgeons, and support staff immeasurably through their job functions.
If you’re looking to become a sterile processing technician in Idaho, your route is not difficult. Concentrate on gaining a form of accreditation and experience to make your path forward that much easier.
The best places to find SPT jobs in Idaho are on job websites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
FAQs
Is a surgical technologist the same as a sterile processing technician?
The two carry very much the same job specification apart from one thing: a surgical technologist has more interaction with doctors and patients. Apart from assisting the doctors and surgeons more closely, surgical technologists carry the same mandate and their training is very much the same as an SPT, and they both work out of the same department.
Is it really stressful to work as a sterile processing technician?
No, it’s not considered to be particularly stressful to work as an SPT when compared to other roles within the healthcare industry.
Sources:
https://cwi.edu/program/surgical-technology