Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Louisiana – Find Programs
Sterile processing technicians work behind the scenes in the healthcare sector, yet their role is still extremely important. A sterile processing technician’s duties include packaging, storing, distributing, cleaning, and sterilizing medical instruments.
The reason that sterile processing technician jobs are so important is simple: healthcare professionals need sterile medical equipment. If medical tools like surgical instruments don’t go through the sterilization process, patients could contract infections and diseases from dirty medical instruments.
One of the best things about this career path is the fact that you don’t need a degree to enter the field. Despite this, sterile processing technicians are well-paid and well-respected in the industry.
In this piece, we will tell you exactly what you need to do to become a sterile processing technician in Louisiana. This article will cover topics such as how to become certified and the best places for training in the state.
Licensing Requirements In Louisiana
There are no licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians in the state of Louisiana. When it comes down to legality, all you need to practice as a sterile processing technician is a high school diploma or equivalent.
However, you will definitely benefit from becoming certified. Most employers in the industry prefer candidates with certification because sterile processing technicians must adhere to strict protocols. Failure to prepare medical equipment correctly can cost a patient their life, in the worst-case scenario.
How To Get Sterile Processing Technician Certification In Louisiana
If you want to become certified in the state of Louisiana (or any other state), there are a few options to consider.
The most common path to a career in this field is becoming a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). To accomplish this, you must pass the CRCST exam provided by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) with a score of 70 or higher.
Another option is to go through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and pass the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) exam. If you achieve a passing score on this exam, you will become a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).
You can also go a different route and become certified as a surgical technologist. Surgical technologists can work in both sterile processing and surgical technology.
To become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you will need to go through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and pass the NBSTSA exam.
Best Sterile Processing Technician Education Programs In Louisiana
There are several sterile processing technician training programs in Louisiana. Many of these training programs are in-person classes, but there are also some online programs that will provide you with the same materials and knowledge.
Below are the best sterile processing technician schools in Louisiana:
Southern University
Southern University is located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and offers a sterile processing technician training program. The program prepares students for sterile processing technician careers and covers topics like materials management and how to go about distributing surgical supplies.
The program consists of lessons in a classroom, hands-on experience, and laboratory training.
Fortis College
Fortis College has many locations across the US, but the campus in Louisiana can be found in Baton Rouge. All of the campuses offer a sterile processing technician program that will help students prepare for the CRCST exam.
The training program covers topics like medical terminology, how to help a surgical team, how to properly store medical instruments, and more. The course consists of lessons in a classroom, hands-on practice, and laboratory training.
Sowela Technical Community College
This community college in Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers a short course in sterile processing technology. The program’s duration is only 18 hours, with a focus on preparing students for careers in sterile processing instead of training them to pass the CRCST exam.
Penn Foster College
Penn Foster College is an online institution that offers a sterile processing program intended to help students prepare for the CRCST exam. If you pass the course, you will receive a Sterile Processing Career Diploma.
Salary Expectations
The average mean salary of a sterile processing technician working in Louisiana is $33,460. Unfortunately, this is quite a lot lower than the national mean annual salary of a sterile processing technician, which is $42,420.
On average, sterile processing technicians in Louisiana earn the lowest salaries in the country. If you want to earn a better salary, California pays sterile processing technicians the most.
Job Outlook
Sterile processing technicians are currently in high demand – no matter which state you’re in. The number of jobs in the industry is also due to increase by 6% by 2031, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So, it won’t be very difficult for you to land a job if you are certified, and have gone through a training program.
Where To Find Work As A Sterile Processing Technician In Louisiana
Sterile processing technicians generally work at the following facilities:
- Central sterile processing department
- Dentist practices
- Oral surgeon practices
- Surgery centers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Medical companies
- Private physicians’ practices
FAQs
What do sterile processing technicians wear at work?
Sterile processing technicians are required to wear surgical masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields. Protocols may differ depending on the healthcare facility where an SPT is employed.
Can sterile processing technicians wear jewelry?
No, rings, watches, and other jewelry cannot be worn in the decontamination, sterilization, or preparation areas. This is because these items are not sterile, and could contaminate medical equipment.
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