Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Michigan- Find Programs
Are you looking for a career in sterile processing in Michigan?
You’ve come to the right place. We’re looking at the top schools in Michigan with the best courses. We also look at certification, salaries, and where to find work.
Let’s get into it.
Licensing Requirements In Michigan
Like most states, Michigan doesn’t require a license or specific education for sterile processing technicians.
However, the best job positions look for certifications that you’ll need to study towards. A typical career path includes obtaining your high school diploma and then completing a secondary program in sterile processing.
Some employers might provide the on-the-job training that’s needed. Otherwise, you might get internship training during your studies. This means you’ll be ready to get going from the start of your new job.
Certification
One way to get certified is through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). There are five levels of certification, but to be a sterile processing technician you’ll need the entry-level certification.
To obtain this you’ll need to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam. Also, you need to provide evidence of 400 hours of practical experience.
Best Education Programs
Michigan Healthcare Academy
There are a few options to choose from at the Michigan Healthcare Academy. Let’s break it down:
- The Daytime Central Sterile Processing Technician Training Program requires two days per week of study. It takes place over 12 weeks.
- The Accelerated Sterile Processing Technician Program takes place four times per week and can be completed in five weeks.
- The Evening Central Sterile Processing Technician Program is also 12 weeks long and takes place two days per week in the evening between 6 pm-9 pm.
Each of these courses prepares you for the (CRCST) certification exam.
Course requirements include:
- Being 18 years or older.
- English fluency.
- Ability to lift at least 20 lbs.
- Passing a criminal background check.
- High school diploma (equivalent).
Dorsey College
The Sterile Processing Technician course provides a theoretical and practical form of studying. There’s a hybrid model of study where some classes happen at the Dorsey College campus and others are online.
There is a total of six months of contact time over seven months. In this you’ll cover:
- Overview of surgical instruments.
- Anatomy and physiology
- Assembly and packaging of equipment.
- Decontamination, sterilization, cleaning, and disinfection.
- Distribution and storage of medical and surgical supplies.
- The role of a medical equipment preparer.
- Medical terminology.
- Professionalism and communication skills.
- Safety and risk management.
- Microbiology.
Successful completion will see you have a full career in sterile processing technology.
Oakland Community College
The Sterile Processing program is a 13-week course that takes place two times a week between 6 pm-9 pm.
The focus is to provide entry-level training and experience to upcoming sterile processing technicians. Plus, you’ll get 96 hours of real-world experience at partnering hospitals.
To register you’ll need to complete:
- Basic math and English tests.
- A background check.
- TB clearance.
- Immunizations: Influenza, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Covid-19, and Tdap.
Washtenaw Community College
The Sterile Processing (CTSPTF) certificate allows you to practice the theory you learn at ambulatory surgery centers, clinics, and service departments in hospitals.
The course covers:
- Fundamentals of central processing.
- Instruction and practice in aseptic technique.
- Supply and distribution.
To apply you need to be over 18 and agree to a background check.
Delta College
The Sterile Processing Technician – Advanced Certificate is designed to prepare you for your exam and career.
During the fall you complete the following:
- Fundamentals of Sterile Processing.
- Medical Terminology.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology.
- Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider.
- College Composition.
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.
Then during the winter semester, you’ll complete the 400-hour Sterile Processing Externship. That’s the total you need before receiving your certification!
Monroe County Community College
The Sterile Processing Technician program is a 12-week (63-hour) course. It takes place on Tuesday and Thursday between 6 pm-9 pm.
The course has hands-on lab and healthcare facility experience and in-person lectures. The entire qualification costs $1,995.
You’ll cover the following:
- Infection prevention, disinfection processes, and decontamination.
- Knowledge of specialty devices and surgical instrumentation processing.
- Knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, microbiology, and physiology.
- Processing, testing, distribution, cleaning, and assembly of patient equipment.
- Sterilization, decontamination, and packaging of surgical instruments.
Lansing Community College
The Sterile Processing Technician (STPR) program is a two-course certificate that includes an externship, lectures, and lab work.
You can complete the course in one semester. You’ll take the lab and lecture courses in the first 8 weeks of the spring or fall semester. The 128-hour externship takes place during the last eight weeks of the same semester.
The course is based on campus and will set you back $1,316.50. But you’ll be fully ready for your exam.
Outlook On Sterile Processing Technician Jobs
Jobs as a sterile processing tech in Michigan are quite competitive. They appear to be declining slightly because the positions are being filled so quickly.
This means that being certified is super important if you want to work in-state.
Salaries
The mean annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Michigan is about $39,220. This is slightly lower than the US average of $42,420.
Where To Find Work
Most sterile processing technicians in Michigan find work at:
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
- Medical facilities
The highest-paying jobs are found in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
FAQ
What state pays the most for sterile processing technician jobs?
California is the top-paying state for sterile processing technician jobs with a mean yearly wage of $ 55,930.
What career growth is there in sterile processing?
Many medical equipment preparers go on to pursue nursing and surgical technology.
Is becoming a sterile processing tech hard?
It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to get certified. There is a large amount of theoretical work and 400 hours of practical experience required.
Sources:
https://sterileprocessingtech.org/mi/
https://mihealthcareacademy.com/courses/sterile-processing-technician/
https://www.dorsey.edu/sterile-processing-technician/#career_outlook
https://www.oaklandcc.edu/ce/sterile-processing
https://catalog.delta.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=4948&returnto=1599
https://catalog.delta.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=4948&returnto=1599#
https://www.lcc.edu/academics/health-and-human-service-careers/surgical-technology/index.html
https://www.lcc.edu/hhs/documents/advising-guides/chse/chse-advising-guide.pdf