Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Massachusetts – Find Programs
Are you interested in a career as a sterile processing technician?
You’ve made a great choice and you’ll be making a true difference in the lives of others.
But where do you get educated?
That’s where we come in. We’ve got a list of the top schools that educate and train in the sterile processing technician field in Massachusetts. We’ll also look at certifications, career outlooks, salaries, and where to find work.
Ready to get your career going? Let’s get into it.
Licensing Requirements In Massachusetts
You don’t need a license to work as a sterile processing technician in Massachusetts, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for certification to further your career prospects.
Also, since sterile processing work involves infection control you are likely to have a superior that is licensed such as a registered nurse.
Certification
One of the most popular ways to get certified is through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). You’ll complete a certification exam to obtain your accreditation. The HSPA is both a national and international association.
While you don’t have to have it for a career as a sterile processing technician in Massachusetts, most employees generally look for this to ensure employees have the basics to do the job including knowing about:
- Medical terminology
- Infection control
- Sterilization of surgical instruments
- Sterilization of medical devices
You’ll also need to show you have experience in the sterile processing field. This is a major factor for employers.
Best Education Programs
Quincy College
Here you can complete a Central Sterile Processing Technology Certificate. This provides students with entry-level training to prepare them for the HSPA certification exam and a career in sterile processing.
You’ll have access to laboratory practicals and theory, ensuring you have a well-rounded knowledge base. Here’s a list of the Central Sterile Processing Technology Certificate modules:
- Central Processing Clinical Practicum
- Medical Terminology
- Applied A&P for Health Care Professions
- Central Processing
- Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist
- Central Processing Lab
Justice Resource Institute (JRI)
The JRI offers free Central Sterile Processing Training (CSP) and Job Placement Services. The point of this program is to provide training in central processing through a 12-week program. You’ll then join an externship to complete the required 400 hours.
You’ll learn about:
- Decontamination
- Preparation and packing
- Sterilization
- Anatomy and physiology (An introduction to possibly further your career into other healthcare fields)
Once your Central Sterile Processing Training is complete, you’ll be ready to sit for the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) exam set out by the HSPA.
There are a few entry requirements to note, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a GED or high school diploma
- Pass a drug test for marijuana
- Have intermediate math and English skills
- Be able to stand for at least eight hours
- Have the capacity to push and pull up to 75 lbs
- Provide proof of the COVID/FLU vaccinations
- Commit to rotating shifts (weekends and holidays included)
Massachusetts Bay Community College
The Central Processing Technology Certificate starts at the beginning of each semester. It requires attendance on one evening per week. The spring and fall classes take 15 weeks, while the summer semester is ten weeks.
In this program you’ll cover:
- Sterilization
- Instrumentation
- Infection control
- Disinfection
- Instruction in the basic sciences
- Materials management
- Decontamination
- Medical terminology
There are also 200 hours of clinical practice throughout the course. This takes place in multiple ambulatory surgical settings and hospitals in Boston.
Please note, by agreeing to complete the sterile processing technicians program you may be subject to a background check for these medical facilities to provide access to your practicals.
Outlook For Sterile Processing Technician Jobs
The need for sterile processing technicians is growing in Massachusetts and shows no signs of slowing down. There is a 5% increase projected between 2018-2028. But we can’t forget that the pandemic affected things drastically in the healthcare sector. So, job growth in sterile processing might be even higher.
Salaries
The mean annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Massachusetts is $49,360. This makes it one of the highest-paying states for this kind of work.
If we compare the mean salary in Massachusetts to the national mean salary of $42,420, that’s almost $7,000 more.
Where To Find Work
Sterile processing technicians find work in a variety of medical facilities. Some of the more popular options include:
- Hospitals
- Dental practices
- Oral surgeon practices
- Day procedure hospitals
Here are a few medical facility options to look at in Massachusetts:
- Clinical Management Consultants
- Mount Auburn Hospital
- Nesco Resources
- Boston Medical Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital
FAQ
How many practical hours do I need to be certified?
You need at least 400 hours of active practical hours to obtain CRCST certification.
What do employers look for in a sterile processing technician?
You need to have attention to detail and a desire to learn and grow. Sterile processing department standards constantly change. You need to show a willingness to keep up and advance your knowledge.
Sources:
https://sterileprocessingtech.org/ma/
https://bostoncareer.org/hospital-central-service-technician/
https://www.massbay.edu/academics/health-sciences/surgical-technology/central-processing
https://quincycollege.edu/program/central-processing-technology-certificate/#overview
https://myhspa.org/certification/get-certified/crcst-application.html