Sterile Processing Technician Careers in Illinois
Are you interested in working as a sterile processing technician and want to learn more about the career? Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices and physicians’ offices, ensuring that the tools used in medical and surgical procedures are suitably cleaned and sterilized. The work is the perfect fit for anyone who enjoys physical labor and is extremely detail-oriented and organized.
Sterile processing is the backbone of any hospital’s infection control policies, as the proper decontamination and sterilization of medical equipment prevents the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, sterile processing technicians are responsible for the control and distribution of this highly specialized equipment, often engaging in its delivery throughout the hospital. The department keeps meticulous records of equipment processing, and technicians will need to be well-versed in clerical procedures.
Illinois Sterile Processing Technician Licensing Requirements
Illinois does not require sterile processing technicians to be licensed, nor is there a statewide program for professional oversight. Even without licensing, though, the profession is not without significant supervision. As one of the hospital’s most vital areas for infection control, central sterilizing departments are frequently audited and inspected to ensure the proper procedures are followed at all times.
Educational Opportunities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Illinois
Sterile processing technicians need to have extensive knowledge of the equipment they work with and the various techniques used for cleaning and sterilizing them. For this profession, training can be acquired on the job or through a reputable training program. A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite in either case.
A few of the potential training programs in Illinois include:
College of DuPage
In Glen Ellyn offers a Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician Certificate. In one semester, students will learn the basics of central sterile processing including aseptic technique, theories and practices.
Program Structure:
- The program is a 12-credit program that can be completed in as little as one semester.
- It consists of four courses: CSPD 1111, CSPD 1211, SURGT 1000, and HLTHS 1110.
Certificate Earned:
- Upon completion, students earn a certificate in Central Sterile Processing Distribution.
Program Highlights:
- Small class sizes for personalized attention.
- Instruction from dedicated instructors with professional experience.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without overwhelming debt.
- Utilization of top-notch facilities and equipment in the Health and Science Center (HSC).
Lincoln Land Community College
In Springfield, IL, offers a Central Sterile Service Technician Certificate of Completion. This 16-week program prepares students to sit for a certification exam upon completion.
Program Structure:
- The program includes a combination of classroom instruction and laboratory experience.
- It is offered in fall and spring semesters.
Degrees & Certificates:
- LLCC offers a Certificate of Completion for this program.
- Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician certification exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the Certified Registered Central Service Technician examination through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Program Courses:
- The program consists of two classes: HLT 109 and SGT 100.
Penn Foster College – Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification
Take the first steps towards a career as a sterile processing technician with Penn Foster’s Sterile Processing Career Diploma. As a student in the program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Sterile Processing Accreditation
Credentialing is a great way to advance your career, as it can open up more opportunities for employment and advancement. In addition, some organizations may require technicians to obtain certification within a specific timeframe. Many organizations in the United States offer credentialing for sterile processing technicians, so it is essential to research the preferences in the organizations in which you intend to become employed.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
Sterile Processing Technicians in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $39,970, with the lower 10% earning around $33,410 and the top 10% earning approximately $57,520. This reflects a competitive wage in comparison to the national average salary for this profession, which stands at $41,480. Entry-level positions in Illinois may offer wages closer to the lower percentile, but there is potential for salary growth with experience and advancement in the field.
The job outlook for surgical technologists, a role similar to sterile processing technicians, is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating a steady demand for these healthcare professionals.
National vs. Illinois Salaries:
| Percentile | National Average | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $31,570 | $33,410 |
| 25% | $36,240 | $36,410 |
| Median | $41,480 | $39,970 |
| 75% | $50,300 | $47,780 |
| 90% | $62,960 | $57,520 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Illinois:
| Region | 10% Low | 25% QL | Median | 75% QU | 90% High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | $33,650 | $34,920 | $35,720 | $44,350 | $51,180 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Illinois
In Illinois, the employment landscape for Medical Equipment Preparers is looking stable with a projected growth of 4% from 2020 to 2030. The state had 2,440 employees in this occupation as of 2020, and this number is expected to rise to 2,530 by 2030. This growth is anticipated to generate approximately 310 job openings each year over the decade, which includes new positions and replacements for vacated ones.
Comparatively, the national employment for Medical Equipment Preparers is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is considered faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The United States is expected to have 66,700 employees in this field in 2022, with a projected increase to 70,300 by 2032, leading to about 9,500 job openings annually.
Employment Trends for Medical Equipment Preparers
| Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth (2020-2030/2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2,440 | 2,530 | 4% | 310 |
| United States | 66,700 | 70,300 | 5% | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Illinois-specific employment projections, the data is sourced from Projections Central, which offers the 2020-2030 long-term projections for state-level occupational employment.
- The national employment projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides the 2022-2032 employment projections for various occupations across the United States.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois
In Illinois, Sterile Processing Technicians can anticipate a steady job market with a projected 4% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030. With an average annual salary of $39,970, these healthcare professionals are compensated at a rate that is competitive with the national average, considering the cost of living in the state. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and salary increases with experience and additional qualifications. Illinois provides a stable environment for Sterile Processing Technicians, with an expected consistent stream of job openings annually, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled individuals in this critical healthcare support role.