Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine
Have you ever thought that you’d like to work in the healthcare field but are afraid you might not really enjoy interacting with patients all day long? If so, consider a career as a sterile processing technician, sometimes called a central service technician.
All surgeries and medical procedures require sterilized equipment before they can be performed. Sterile equipment helps prevent infection, and as a sterile processing technician, you’d be responsible for sterilizing and decontaminating instruments as well as storing and distributing them.
Maine Requirements for Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician
It’s not impossible to find an opportunity to work as a sterile processing technician and receive on-the-job training, but it’s much more common for employers to require completion of a formal training program. These are offered at postsecondary schools such as vocational schools and community colleges. Admission to these programs usually requires a high school diploma or the equivalent, and many healthcare settings require you to pass a background check and a drug test.
Formal Training to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine
When you attend a training program to become a sterile processing technician, you’ll learn about subjects such as microbiology, medical terminology, infection control, sterilization procedures and surgical instruments. Training usually involves both classroom and hands-on experience. Programs in surgical technology can prepare you to work as either a sterile processing technician or a surgical technologist.
Some programs in Maine that can prepare you to become a sterile processing technician include:
Eastern Maine Community College.
At this community college in Bangor, ME, students can pursue an Associate of Science degree in surgical technology. Students learn about infection control, surgical instruments, medical terminology and aseptic techniques.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Certification Preparation: Prior to completing the program, students will take the national boards for Certification in Surgical Technology, preparing them to become Certified Surgical Technologists.
Southern Maine Community College
This community college with locations in Brunswick and South Portland offers an associate’s degree in surgical technology, which consists of 67 credits. Part of the time is spent at the college and part is spent at Maine Medical Center gaining clinical experience.
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 Technician Certification in Maine
The state of Maine doesn’t require certification to work as a sterile processing technician. Some national organizations, including the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Management (IAHCSMM) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), offer certification testing. Obtaining certification through one of these organizations demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed for this profession, which can help you to be more competitive in the job market.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
Sterile Supply Processing Technicians in Maine earn an average annual salary of $37,500, with the lowest 10% earning around $32,580 and the highest 10% earning approximately $45,530. This state’s average is slightly above the national average salary of $41,480 for this occupation. In the broader region, salaries can vary, with the Portland-South Portland area showing higher average earnings than the state average, and the Bangor area showing lower averages.
National vs. Maine Salaries:
| Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $31,570 | $36,240 | $41,480 | $50,300 | $62,960 |
| Maine | $32,580 | $34,810 | $37,500 | $43,380 | $45,530 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Maine:
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta-Waterville, ME | $33,110 | $35,840 | $37,810 | $41,230 | $43,860 |
| Bangor, ME | $31,860 | $34,580 | $37,350 | $40,100 | $42,530 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $32,150 | $34,570 | $37,230 | $40,050 | $43,560 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $33,190 | $35,630 | $38,170 | $43,220 | $45,410 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Maine
In Maine, the field of Medical Equipment Preparers, including Sterile Supply Processing Technicians, is expected to experience steady growth. As of 2020, the state had 370 people employed in this occupation, and projections indicate a 5% increase, with an estimated 390 employees by 2030. The growth rate is on par with the national average. Additionally, there are projected to be 50 annual job openings from 2020 to 2030, including both new positions and replacements.
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 370 | 390 | 5% | 50 |
| United States | 66,700 | 70,300 | 5% | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Maine Data: The employment data for Maine is sourced from Projections Central and covers the period from 2020 to 2030. Projections Central is a reputable source for state-level labor market projections.
- United States Data: The employment data for the United States is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and covers the period from 2022 to 2032. The BLS is a well-recognized federal agency that provides comprehensive labor market information.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine
As a sterile processing technician in Maine, you’ll be the first line of defense against infection. Your job may involve working days, evenings or weekends. Job opportunities are most common in hospitals but can also be found in outpatient surgical clinics and the offices of dentists and oral surgeons. Medical equipment and supplies that are properly decontaminated, stored and delivered are needed at medical and dental settings across the state of Maine, especially in areas such as Portland, Lewiston and Bangor.