Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in North Carolina
If you’re a detailed-oriented person who enjoys both physical labor and clerical work, a career as a sterile processing technician might be a good fit for you. Sterile processing technicians typically work in a hospital environment, disinfecting and sterilizing medical equipment. The job is essential to a functioning healthcare system, as properly processed equipment keeps patients safe from the spread of pathogens.
Aside from needing a great deal of knowledge about cleaning and sterilization equipment and techniques, sterile processing technicians are often responsible for the tracking and distribution of the inventory with which they work. In addition, technicians may spend a significant portion of the day delivering equipment throughout the hospital. Added to the time spent working on the equipment itself and the potential for long hours, including overtime, sterile processing technicians are often performing physical work. As such, physical stamina is a must for anyone considering this career.
North Carolina Licenses for Sterile Processing Technicians
Sterile processing technicians do not need to be licensed in North Carolina, nor is there a statewide oversight board for the profession. However, those working in the field will need to work under a licensed professional, typically a registered nurse. Additionally, sterile processing technicians work in a regimented environment, requiring adherence to procedures at all times.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Courses in North Carolina
Training in the field can be acquired either on the job or by taking a course through a university or trade school. A high school diploma or equivalent is a required prerequisite for training. Below is a small sampling of the available programs for sterile processing technicians in North Carolina.
- Fayetteville Technical Community College, with campuses in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Spring Lake, NC, offers a Central Sterile Processing course. Students will receive entry-level competence through training and be qualified to sit for credentialing upon completion.
- Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, offers a Central Sterile Processing Technician course. Students will learn the principles of sterilization and disinfection, along with inventory control, quality assurance and instrument distribution.
- Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC, offers a Sterile Processing Technician course. Students will be trained to apply the standards of disinfection and sterilization in the workplace, as well as how to inventory and distribute supplies.
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College with campuses in Asheville, Candler, Marshall and Arden, NC, offers a Central Sterile Processing course. The program takes 180 hours to complete, and students will be qualified to take a certification exam upon graduation.
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.
Obtaining Credentialing
Accreditation is not universally required to work as a sterile processing technician. However, many organizations and hiring managers will look for certified candidates to fill positions. In addition, acquiring credentialing is a great way to gain promotions and increase your earning potential.
There are many organizations through which you can seek credentialing, so making an inquiry to potential employers as to their preferred choice is recommended before deciding.
Potential Earnings for Sterile Processing Technicians in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sterile processing technicians in North Carolina made between $25,340 and $43,290 in 2019. The average annual wage in the state was $33,100, somewhat below the national average of $39,530 for this field. However, it should be noted that salaries often vary by location, depending on the local cost of living.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
In North Carolina, medical equipment preparers, including sterile processing technicians, have an average annual salary of $38,230. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, which stands at $41,480. The salary range in North Carolina sees the lowest 10% of workers earning $31,200 or less, while the highest 10% earn $48,430 or more.
National vs. North Carolina Salaries for Medical Equipment Preparers
| Description | United States | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $41,480 | $38,230 |
| 10% Earn Less Than | $31,570 | $31,200 |
| 10% Earn More Than | $62,960 | $48,430 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in North Carolina
| Region | 10% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | $32,850 | $38,500 | $45,620 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $33,520 | $40,750 | $49,740 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the employment trends for medical equipment preparers are showing significant growth. As of 2020, there were 2,130 employees in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 2,400 employees by 2030, indicating a growth rate of 13%. Additionally, there are projected to be around 300 annual job openings from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a robust job market for medical equipment preparers in North Carolina.
Comparatively, on a national level, the employment for medical equipment preparers was 66,700 in 2022 and is projected to reach 70,300 by 2032, marking a 5% growth rate, which is considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationally from 2022 to 2032 are estimated to be 9,500.
Employment Trends
| Category | North Carolina (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (Start of Period) | 2,130 employees | 66,700 employees |
| Projected Employment (End of Period) | 2,400 employees | 70,300 employees |
| Projected Growth | 13% | 5% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 300 | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- North Carolina Data: The employment trends for North Carolina are sourced from Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central is a key resource for state-specific employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
- United States Data: The national employment trends are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a part of the United States Department of Labor and is the primary federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in North Carolina
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in North Carolina presents a promising career opportunity in the healthcare sector. With a projected employment growth rate of 13% from 2020 to 2030, the state offers a robust job market for this role. Sterile Processing Technicians in North Carolina are responsible for the critical task of sterilizing and preparing medical equipment and instruments, ensuring they meet strict hygiene standards. This role is essential in hospitals and surgical centers, contributing significantly to patient safety and the smooth operation of healthcare services. With competitive salaries and a growing demand for skilled technicians, this career path is both stable and rewarding for those interested in a healthcare support role.