A Career as a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana
Are you a detail-oriented person looking for a behind-the-scenes career in healthcare? If so, you might be interested in a career as a sterile processing technician. To learn more about this career and how to get started in the profession, keep reading below.
So what do sterile processing technicians do all day? Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, physicians’ offices and outpatient surgery centers, decontaminating and sterilizing used medical equipment. The job is vital to keeping patients safe from the spread of infectious particles that can lead to hospital-acquired diseases. Technicians will need to have an in-depth knowledge of medical equipment, sterilizing techniques and solvents, which can be acquired through training.
Sterile processing technicians do much more than cleaning. They are responsible for tracking repairs and maintenance on the equipment they clean, as well as performing inventory control. In fact, the job often requires pushing carts full of supplies throughout the hospital to deliver equipment for reuse. Those working in this profession should expect to work long hours, with weekends, holidays and off-shifts. On-call and overtime are also common to support emergency patient procedures.
Louisiana License Requirements for Sterile Processing Technicians
Louisiana does not have a licensing requirement for sterile processing technicians. However, those who work in this profession are subject to a great deal of scrutiny on a fairly regular basis. This oversight includes supervision by a licensed medical professional and frequent inspections by medical accreditation organizations, local health departments and internal review committees.
Louisiana Programs for Training Sterile Processing Technicians
Since you will need a great deal of knowledge about sterile processing techniques and equipment before working in the field, you will want to acquire training either through a reputable training program or on the job. In either case, a high school diploma or equivalent is a required prerequisite.
In Louisiana, there are a few programs for sterile processing training, including the following:
Southern University
In Shreveport offers a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate. Students in the program are prepared for careers in sterile processing, materials management and distribution. Students train through classroom instruction, laboratory time and clinical experience.
- Program Focus: The program is dedicated to excellence in sterile processing and distribution education, promoting an environment that fosters the development of a sterile conscience, critical thinking, cooperation, teamwork, professionalism, and the technical skills necessary to support patient care areas served by the Central Sterile Processing Management and Distribution Department.
- National Certification: While national certification is voluntary, the program prepares and encourages students to apply for the national certification exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) to become Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCST). The application process requires 400 hours of hands-on practice, which can be partially fulfilled during clinical rotations or six months of employment in the field. Students are given opportunities to work towards completing these required hours, with options for internships or provisional CRCST certification upon graduation and completion of the required hours in the field.
Fortis
In Baton Rouge offers a Sterile Processing Technician training. Students learn about the different types of medical equipment, cleaning procedures and how to store the equipment to avoid contamination. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory training and real-world experience.
Program Structure: The curriculum includes classroom study, practice in lab environments, and hands-on, real-world experience. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of their role in the healthcare industry.
Sowela Technical Community College
In Lake Charles, LA, offers a Certificate in Sterile Processing Technology.
- Program Details: It’s an 18 credit hour certificate of technical studies (CTS) program that prepares students for employment in the medical field as sterile processors.
- Certification: Upon successful completion, students receive a CTS in Sterile Processing Technology and meet the requirements to sit for the national Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
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.
Certification
There is no universally accepted credential for sterile processing technicians, and certification is not necessary in all cases. However, there are many accreditations that sterile processing technicians can achieve to help boost their career potential. In addition, various organizations may require those they hire to be certified, so you may wish to research what is expected in your area. In general, credentialing will help you to become employed, achieve promotion and increase your earning potential.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2022, Sterile Processing Technicians in Louisiana have seen an increase in their average annual wage to $34,430. The lowest 10% of earners in this field make about $28,270, while the highest 10% can earn upwards of $45,990. This represents an increase from the previously reported average wage of $30,930 in 2019. When compared to the national average salary of $41,480 for this occupation, Louisiana’s average is lower, but the gap has narrowed since 2019.
National vs. Louisiana Salaries:
| Percentile | National Average | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $31,570 | $28,270 |
| 25% | $36,240 | $29,990 |
| Median | $41,480 | $34,430 |
| 75% | $50,300 | $40,200 |
| 90% | $62,960 | $45,990 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Louisiana:
| Region | 10% Low | 25% QL | Median | 75% QU | 90% High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | $27,320 | $32,020 | $32,020 | $40,200 | $40,570 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $29,190 | $31,870 | $37,490 | $40,230 | $47,980 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $27,960 | $29,990 | $32,510 | $41,070 | $41,070 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the employment for Medical Equipment Preparers, which includes Sterile Processing Technicians, is projected to grow by 2% from 2020 to 2030, according to Projections Central. This growth is more modest compared to the national projection of 5% from 2022 to 2032 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2020, there were 540 employees in this occupation in Louisiana, and by 2030, the number is expected to reach 550. The state is also expected to see around 70 job openings each year over the decade, which includes new jobs created and replacements for vacated positions.
Employment Trends for Medical Equipment Preparers
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth (2020-2030/2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 540 | 550 | 2% | 70 |
| United States | 66,700 | 70,300 | 5% | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Projections Central – for the state-level projections for Louisiana, covering the period from 2020 to 2030.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – for the national employment projections, covering the period from 2022 to 2032.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana
Sterile processing technicians in Louisiana find work at organizations such as Christus Health, Steris Corporation, Ochsner Health, Lane Regional Medical Center, Sigma Systems, Inc. and Hancock Medical.
In Louisiana, sterile processing technicians can expect significant job growth in the coming years. In fact,Projections Central predicts a 7.7 percent increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.