Sterile Processing Technician Careers in Indiana
Are you looking for a career in healthcare where you can work behind the scenes supporting essential medical procedures by cleaning and sterilizing equipment? Sterile processing technicians are vital to the ongoing safe operation of the hospital, as their work prevents the spread of infections between patients. If you are interested in this career, you will need to have an eye for details, good physical stamina and an affinity for clerical work.
In addition to cleaning, sterile processing technicians are responsible for inventory control and tracking. Equipment must be stored under specific conditions and remain adequately packaged. Technicians have the responsibility for monitoring storage rooms and inspecting packaging regularly. Meticulous record-keeping is necessary to ensure proper procedures can be tracked for quality assurance. Technicians also spend a significant amount of time on their feet, cleaning and delivering equipment to and from various areas in the hospital.
Since sterile processing technicians work to make equipment available for medical and surgical procedures, they tend to work long hours, with the potential for mandatory overtime. Those in the field should expect to work weekends, holidays and off-shifts as well as take on-call to clean equipment used in emergent surgical procedures.
Licensing Requirements for Indiana Sterile Processing Technicians
Licensing is not required for sterile processing technicians in many states, and Indiana is no exception. However, sterile processing technicians work under significant oversight, including direct supervision by a licensed professional, usually a registered nurse. In addition, central sterile processing departments are subjected to regular inspections, both internal and external.
Educational Programs for Training Sterile Processing Technicians in Indiana
Since sterile processing technicians need to have a great deal of knowledge about the equipment they clean, sterilizing equipment and cleaning procedures, it is necessary to acquire the proper training before working in the field. Traditionally, training for this career was offered on the job through hospitals and sterile processing contracting companies. However, these positions were typically available to those already employed by an organization that needed such positions filled. By contrast, modern sterile processing technicians can directly enter the career through attendance at a reputable training program.
In Indiana, the following program is available:
Ivy Tech Community College
With numerous campuses throughout Indiana, offers a Healthcare Specialist Program. Students in the program can choose to specialize in one of several healthcare specialties including central sterile processing. Students are promised individual attention, advising and instruction, with particular attention given to those who are struggling.
Degree Types Offered
- Associate of Applied Science – Clinical Support: A career-ready degree for those interested in a healthcare career but unsure of the specific role. It requires 60 credit hours over 4 semesters, with a cost of $10,204.
Long-Term Certificate
- Healthcare Specialist – Clinical Support: Offers an introduction to various aspects of healthcare with hands-on skills for immediate employment. It requires 30 credit hours over 2-3 semesters, costing $5,102.
Short-Term Certificates
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer: For starting a career as a personal trainer. Requires 21 credit hours over 2-3 semesters, costing $3,571.
- Central Service Technician: Prepares for a non-patient-care role in the healthcare industry, potentially leading to Surgical Technologist training. Requires 21 credit hours over 2 semesters, costing $3,571.
- Certified Nursing Aide (CNA): For those interested in hands-on resident care. Requires 5 credit hours over 0.5-1 semester, costing $850.
- Dementia Care: Focuses on long-term healthcare and dementia care. Requires 3 credit hours over 1 semester, costing $510.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) Technician: For a healthcare career working directly with patients, especially in cardiac care. Requires 18 credit hours over 2-3 semesters, costing $3,061.
- Home Health Aide: For those aiming to provide care in home settings, requiring completion of a CNA certificate. Requires 5 credit hours over 1 semester, costing $850.
- Long Term Care Specialist (Geriatric Care Specialist): For those with a passion for helping adults in later life stages, especially in long-term care settings. Requires 16 credit hours over 2-3 semesters, costing $2,721.
- Nutrition and Wellness: For a career in home-based healthcare with a focus on meal planning. Requires 3 credit hours over 1 semester, costing $510.
- Pharmacy Technician: For those interested in working with medications and in pharmacies. Requires 19 credit hours over 2 semesters, costing $3,231.
- Phlebotomy Technician: For those interested in being part of a medical team, comfortable with blood and needles. Requires 18 credit hours over 2 semesters, costing $3,061.
- Qualified Medication Aide (QMA): For CNAs with at least 1,000 hours of experience looking to advance their careers. Requires 5 credit hours over 1 semester, costing $850.
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.
Accreditation
Many organizations offer credentialing tests to sterile processing technicians. Although there is no universal requirement for credentialing, some employers may require specific types of certifications. To increase your employment potential, you may wish to research the preferences of the organizations in which you hope to become employed. In general, acquiring certifications is a great way to gain employment and achieve promotion.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
Based on the latest data from O*NET Online, Sterile Processing Technicians in Indiana have seen an increase in average wages. As of the latest figures, the average wage for this occupation in Indiana is $39,770 annually. The lowest 10% of earners make approximately $31,930, while the highest 10% earn around $53,740. This places Indiana’s average slightly below the national average wage for this occupation, which is $41,480. The lowest 10% nationally earn $31,570, and the highest 10% earn up to $62,960.
National vs. Indiana Salaries:
| Percentile | National Average | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $31,570 | $31,930 |
| 25% | $36,240 | $35,240 |
| Median | $41,480 | $39,770 |
| 75% | $50,300 | $47,000 |
| 90% | $62,960 | $53,740 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Indiana:
| Region | 10% Low | 25% QL | Median | 75% QU | 90% High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $29,450 | $30,300 | $38,550 | $38,550 | $49,780 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Indiana
In Indiana, the field of Medical Equipment Preparers is expected to see a healthy growth of 7% from 2020 to 2030. The state had 1,180 employees in this occupation as of 2020, and this number is projected to rise to 1,260 by 2030. This growth is anticipated to create approximately 160 job openings each year over the decade, which includes new positions and replacements for those vacating their roles.
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 (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth (2020-2030/2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 1,180 | 1,260 | 7% | 160 |
| United States | 66,700 | 70,300 | 5% | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Indiana-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 Indiana
In Indiana, Sterile Processing Technicians can expect a positive employment outlook with a projected 7% growth in the field from 2020 to 2030, slightly above the national average. With an average annual salary of $39,770, these professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system, ensuring the cleanliness and sterility of medical equipment. The state’s growth in this sector suggests a healthy demand for these technicians, with an estimated 160 job openings each year, offering both new and experienced workers ample opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings across Indiana.