How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Hampshire
A sterile processing technician plays an indispensable role in providing medical equipment and supplies that are sterile and safe. This is an important function that can help to prevent infections for patients and medical staff. In this role, you may also be called a central service technician.
Working as a sterile processing technician is a perfect career choice for anyone who would like to work in the healthcare field in New Hampshire but would rather not have continuous contact with patients. Instead, you’ll be behind the scenes decontaminating, sterilizing, preparing, distributing and storing instruments, supplies and equipment.
New Hampshire Sterile Processing Technician Requirements
While some individuals can secure employment as a sterile processing technician through on-the-job training, most attend postsecondary training. To be accepted to a community college or other certification program, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Training programs usually include classes in science, infection control and sterilization procedures, sterile processing regulations, preventing contamination and medical instrument packaging.
Training to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Hampshire
Formal training programs may be completed in a year or less, or you can choose to pursue an associate’s degree at a community college. Some training programs for sterile processing technicians in New Hampshire include:
Concord Hospital.
This hospital in Concord offers a surgical technology program that can be completed in four semesters. Students learn through both classroom and clinical training.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, ensuring it meets high standards of education and training.
- Clinical Sites: Training includes clinical sites at DNV-accredited hospitals such as Concord Hospital and Concord Hospital – Laconia, as well as the Orthopaedic Surgery Center accredited by the State of New Hampshire.
Great Bay Community College.
This community college school in Portsmouth, NH, offers an Associate in Science in Surgical Technology consisting of 70-71 credits.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers the latest procedures, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, sterile technique, and the instruments and supplies needed to assist during surgery. This prepares students to handle the responsibilities of setting up sterile fields, assisting surgeons during procedures, and maintaining sterile techniques.
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.
Is Certification Required for New Hampshire Sterile Processing Technician?
The state of New Hampshire doesn’t require sterile processing technicians to be certified, but there are national organizations that offer testing to obtain certification. Obtaining certification is a way to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge needed to accurately prepare and sterilize equipment and surgical instruments. Organizations that offer certification testing for central service technicians include the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Management (IAHCSMM).
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
In New Hampshire, the average annual salary for medical equipment preparers, also known as sterile supply processing technicians, is $42,460 as of 2022. This figure varies across different percentiles, with the lower 10% earning around $34,760 and the top 10% earning upwards of $53,640.
Nationally, the average annual salary for this occupation is slightly lower at $41,480. At the national level, the lowest 10% earn approximately $31,570, while the highest 10% can earn $62,960 or more.
The healthcare field, including the role of medical equipment preparers, continues to show promising growth. The projected growth rate for this occupation is estimated to be robust, aligning with the general trend of growth in healthcare-related careers.
National vs. New Hampshire Salaries for Medical Equipment Preparers:
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $31,570 | $41,480 | $62,960 |
| New Hampshire | $34,760 | $42,460 | $53,640 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in New Hampshire:
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,070 | $50,650 | $67,770 |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $36,210 | $41,100 | $48,150 |
| Manchester, NH | $32,500 | $40,080 | $50,170 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | $32,320 | $48,330 | $51,370 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in New Hampshire
The employment trends for medical equipment preparers in New Hampshire, as of the data updated on November 14, 2023, indicate a steady growth in this occupation. In 2020, there were 320 employees working as medical equipment preparers in the state. This number is projected to increase to 340 employees by 2030, representing a growth rate of 6%. Annually, there are expected to be around 40 job openings in this field within the state, accounting for both new positions due to growth and replacements.
Comparatively, at the national level, the employment for medical equipment preparers stood at 66,700 in 2022 and is projected to rise to 70,300 by 2032. This indicates a slightly lower growth rate of 5% at the national level, which is still considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationwide are estimated to be around 9,500.
This data reflects a positive outlook for those pursuing or working in the field of medical equipment preparation, both in New Hampshire and across the United States.
Employment Trends
| Parameter | New Hampshire (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Employment (Start of Period) | 320 employees | 66,700 employees |
| Projected Employment (End of Period) | 340 employees | 70,300 employees |
| Projected Growth Rate | 6% | 5% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 40 | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- New Hampshire Data: The employment figures and projections for New Hampshire are obtained from Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States Data: The national employment statistics and forecasts are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in New Hampshire
It’s impossible for doctors to do surgical procedures without access to instruments and equipment that are free of contamination. Every hospital in New Hampshire needs people in this role. You may also find employment opportunities in the offices of oral surgeons, dentists or outpatient surgical clinics.
Depending on the setting of your job, you may be able to work predictable hours, or you may have to work shifts at different hours such as days, nights or weekends. There’s a need for decontaminated and sterilized instruments and equipment at facilities all over the state of New Hampshire, especially in larger cities such as Manchester and Nashua.