Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Minnesota – Find Programs
Starting a career in healthcare can be an exciting and rewarding prospect. There are many career paths to explore and one excellent option is that of a sterile processing technician.
This article will explore the job prospects and training required to become a sterile processing technician in Minnesota.
Sterile Processing Technician Responsibilities
The main responsibility of sterile processing technicians is to ensure surgical instruments and medical equipment is properly sterilized. Other responsibilities include:
- Decontaminating Equipment
- Inspecting Equipment
- Packaging Sterilized Equipment
- Inventory Management
- Quality Assurance
- Communication With Other Medical Staff
Salary & Employment Projections For Sterile Processing Technician Careers In Minnesota
The mean annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Minnesota is around $44,420 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job prospects for medical equipment preparers are projected to rise in the coming years. This makes it a great prospect for those that want good career options.
Minnesota Licensing Requirements For Sterile Processing Technicians
There are no guidelines in place in Minnesota in regard to sterile processing licenses which may be surprising as many roles in healthcare require licenses. It is possible to find sterile processing jobs that offer on-the-job training.
It is far more common for employers to have their own ungoverned requirements. This will typically mean that some form of accreditation is required for sterile processing roles.
Sterile Processing Technician Accreditation
For most sterile processing technician jobs in Minnesota, employers will look for some form of certification.
Certification prepares students to enter the workplace. It provides them with the knowledge and experience required for the role.
Taking a sterile processing program course will give graduates a far greater chance of being employed.
School Programs For Sterile Processing Technician Training In Minnesota
Sterile processing technician grads will receive training in the healthcare core curriculum. It will teach them all about health sciences and the sterilization process for medical and surgical equipment.
Courses available in Minnesota include:
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
The central services technician course available at Minneapolis Community & Technical College combines class and lab work with hospital-based practice settings.
Sterile processing technician majors will be provided with key knowledge. This is needed to pass the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution national certification exam.
Anoka Technical College
Anoka’s sterile processing program is a preliminary course that can be taken before a degree in Surgical Technology.
The course is ideal for entry-level positions or for those that want to continue their studies.
Saint Paul College
Students can gain 30 credits from Saint Paul’s sterile processing program. The course combines in-person and online learning.
FAQs
Where can sterile processing technicians work?
Sterile processing technicians will be able to work in any healthcare setting sterilizing instruments. This includes:
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ Offices
- Dental Practices
- Laboratories
- Clinics
Does a sterile processing certificate guarantee employment?
A sterile processing certificate does not guarantee employment. However, the certificate prepares students for the role and this is looked on favorably by potential employers.
Do sterile processing programs cover medical terminology?
Sterile Processing programs cover a lot of topics. These include medical terminology and sterilization procedures.
Some courses may include work experience in a hospital setting which can be extremely beneficial.
Sources
https://sterileprocessingtech.org/in/
https://www.herzing.edu/become/sterile-processing-technician
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-a-sterile-processing-technician-do
https://resources.workable.com/sterile-processing-technician-job-description