Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in New York
The importance of sterile processing technicians in the medical industry cannot be overstated. Cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment is vital to prevent severe complications from medical procedures, including the potential spread of contagions, which lead to patient mortalities. This career is an excellent fit for anyone whose abilities include attention to detail, critical thinking, physical stamina and customer service.
Sterile processing technicians receive used and expired equipment from surgical and medical areas and clean, sterilize and process them for reuse. Technicians are also involved in tracking and delivering inventory to the various departments of a medical center or, in the case of a contract company, to the businesses with whom they hold contracts. The job requires regular quality control including frequent inspection of packaging for openings or tears.
New York Licensing for Sterile Processing Technicians
New York does not require licensing for sterile processing technicians, nor is there any statewide oversight for the career. However, as a healthcare career, the profession will need to meet the specifications of various healthcare regulatory bodies. In fact, this profession tends to be highly regulated due to the extreme importance of sterility in the medical field. Additionally, sterile processing technicians will need to work under a licensed professional, usually a registered nurse.
Training for New York Sterile Processing Technicians
Sterile processing technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent to work in the field. Job-specific training can be acquired on the job or through a reputable training program. For those interested in greater career progression opportunities, they might consider an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
A few of the possible training programs offered in New York State include the following:
New York Institute of Career Development
Offers an online central service technician program in NYC to earn a Sterile Processing Certificate.
Overview of the Sterile Processing Course at NYCD
- Duration: The course can be completed in as little as 7-11 months.
- Format: It is a self-paced online course, allowing students to study at their convenience.
Course Objectives
After completing the Sterile Processing course, students will be able to:
- Understand Aseptic Techniques: Recognize fundamental practices and procedures.
- Pathogen Identification: Identify common pathogens in medical settings and precautionary measures.
- HIPAA Compliance: Understand privacy rules and regulations and patient information handling.
- Role of Sterile Processing Technician: Recognize duties and requirements in the healthcare setting.
- Medical Knowledge: Grasp basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, microorganisms, and medical terminology.
- Regulations and Standards: Identify industry regulations, best practice standards, and responsible organizations.
- Instrumentation Knowledge: Understand surgical instruments, decontamination, sterilization practices, and equipment transport.
- Inventory Control: Learn procedures for effective inventory control and tracking.
- Quality Assurance and Safety: Recognize quality assurance practices and workplace safety procedures.
- Teamwork and Communication: Understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and customer relations.
- Workplace Skills: Gain basic concepts of technology, writing, communication, and math skills used in the workplace.
Course Structure and Support
- Immediate Access: Students gain immediate access to online course materials, including ebooks, lesson texts, and HD video training.
- Mentor Support: Access to a team of mentors for guidance throughout the course.
- Flexible Learning: No due dates or deadlines, with up to two years to complete the course.
- Specialty Career Support: Assistance with interview preparation, resume writing, and job searches.
Certification Exam Preparation
- CRCST Exam Prep: The course prepares students to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam.
- Exam Cost Coverage: The cost of study materials and the exam (a $150 value) is covered by the school.
Why Choose NYICD?
- Industry Certification: Nationwide industry certification and study materials are included in the cost.
- Flexible Online Learning: Study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.
- One-to-One Support: Personalized support from industry professionals.
- Engaging Training Materials: Hours of video training with career tips from industry experts.
- Affordable Tuition: Graduate debt-free in a matter of months.
Capital Region BOCES
Albany, NY, offers a Sterile Processing Technician Program. Students will be prepared to decontaminate, package, and sterilize medical equipment.
Program Overview
- Objective: The program trains students to become sterile processing technicians, who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, packaging, and sterilizing medical equipment and devices.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience at Albany Medical Center and Ellis Medicine.
Role of Sterile Processing Technicians
- Duties: Technicians handle a range of equipment from complex medical devices to simple hand-held surgical instruments.
- Importance: Their work is essential to patient care and successful patient outcomes.
Program Success
- Job Placement Rate: The program boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates over its three years of operation.
Program Essentials
- Duration: The part-time program runs from September to April.
- Class Hours: Classes are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Clinical Experience Locations: Clinical training is offered at Albany Medical Center, Ellis Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospital.
Admission Requirements
- Educational Background: A high school transcript or equivalency diploma is required.
- Interview: Candidates must successfully complete an interview.
- References: Professional and personal references are needed.
- Health Requirements: A physical exam and immunizations are required.
Cost
- Application Fee: $30
- Commitment Fee: $100 (non-refundable; credited toward tuition)
- Books: Approximately $110
- Tuition: $3,940
Rochester Educational Opportunity
Rochester, NY, offers a Sterile Processing Technician course. Previous program graduates have found work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and contract sterilization organizations.
Program Overview
- Objective: The program aims to train individuals for vital roles in operating rooms, health facilities, decontamination rooms, sterile supply areas, and more.
- Responsibilities: Students learn about decontamination procedures, preparation and packaging for sterilization, monitoring various sterilization processes (steam, Ethylene Oxide, dry heat, liquid chemical sterilization), maintaining product sterility, and handling storage distribution, inspection, and inventory control of supplies, instruments, and equipment.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Surgery Centers
- Contract Sterilization Organizations
Admission Requirements
- Income Verification
- NYS Residency
- Photo Identification
- Social Security Card
- I-94 or Green Card
- Minimum Passing TABE Entrance Score
Program Specific Requirements
- Educational Requirement: Diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE)
- Age Requirement: 18 years or older
- Health Requirements: Physical with current vaccinations, may require two PPDs within one year, Flu Vaccine
- Interview: Candidates must undergo an interview process.
Related Programs
REOC also offers other health care programs such as:
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Home Health Aide
University of Buffalo’s Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center
Offers a Central Sterilization Technician course. The program provides classroom instruction to those with no experience in sterile processing. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Program Overview
- Role: Central Sterilization Technicians are responsible for many vital services within operating rooms, health facilities, decontamination rooms, and sterile supply areas.
- Responsibilities: The program covers decontamination procedures, preparation and packaging for sterilization, monitoring various sterilization processes (steam, Ethylene Oxide, dry heat, liquid chemical sterilization), maintaining product sterility, and managing storage distribution, inspection, and inventory control of supplies, instruments, and equipment.
Class Schedule, Length & Delivery
- Enrollment: Open Enrollment
- Class Days: Monday through Thursday
- Class Times: 5:00 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.
- Program Length: 15 weeks
- Course Delivery: Combination of in-person, remote, and online classes
Qualifications to Start
Before starting the class, applicants must:
- Meet Minimum TABE Scores: Reading (550) and Math (519)
- Attend a Program Information Session
- Complete the Allied Health Customer Service Program: A 7.5-week prerequisite program
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
The program covers:
- Roles and Responsibilities of Sterile Processing Technicians
- Decontamination and Disinfection Processes
- Processing Patient Care Equipment
- Basics of Anatomy/Physiology and Microbiology
- Infection Prevention
- Preparation and packaging of Instruments and Specialty Devices
- Types of Surgical Instruments and specialty devices
- Sterilization Techniques
- Inventory Control, Storage & Distribution
- Sterile Storage
Completion and Certifications
Upon successful completion, students earn:
- BEOC Certificate of Completion
- Customer Service Certification from NRF
- National CSPDT Certification from CBSPD (CBSPD Certification Board)
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.
Certifications
Sterile processing technicians can acquire certification through various organizations. Requirements may vary by employer, but one popular accreditation is offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM). Attaining a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) accreditation is a great way to showcase your professional skills and experience to potential employers.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
In New York, the average annual salary for medical equipment preparers, including sterile processing technicians, is $49,070 as of 2022. This is notably higher than the national average of $41,480. The salary range in New York shows that the lower 10% of workers earn about $36,650, while the top 10% earn around $64,440. In comparison, at the national level, the lowest 10% earn approximately $31,570, while the highest 10% can earn up to $62,960.
These figures indicate that sterile processing technicians in New York enjoy a competitive salary, significantly higher than the national average, with a substantial portion of technicians earning well above the national median.
National vs. New York Salaries for Medical Equipment Preparers:
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $31,570 | $41,480 | $62,960 |
| New York | $36,650 | $49,070 | $64,440 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in New York
The employment trends for medical equipment preparers in New York indicate a positive growth outlook. In 2020, the state employed approximately 4,180 individuals in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 4,830 employees by 2030, representing a significant growth rate of 16%. Annually, New York is expected to have around 610 job openings in this field, which includes both new positions due to growth and replacements.
Comparatively, at the national level, the employment for medical equipment preparers was 66,700 in 2022, with a projection to rise to 70,300 by 2032. This indicates a national growth rate of 5%, which is considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationwide are estimated to be around 9,500.
This data suggests that New York is experiencing a higher growth rate in this field compared to the national average, indicating strong job prospects for medical equipment preparers in the state.
Employment Trends for Medical Equipment Preparers in New York
| Parameter | New York (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Employment (Start of Period) | 4,180 employees | 66,700 employees |
| Projected Employment (End of Period) | 4,830 employees | 70,300 employees |
| Projected Growth Rate | 16% | 5% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 610 | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- New York Data: The employment figures and projections for New York are obtained from Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central is a key resource for state-specific employment projections, widely used for workforce planning and analysis.
- 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 York
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in New York offers a promising career in the healthcare sector, with an average annual salary of $49,070 as of 2022, notably higher than the national average. The state is experiencing a robust job growth in this field, projected at 16% from 2020 to 2030, significantly outpacing the national rate. In this role, technicians are responsible for sterilizing and preparing medical equipment and surgical instruments, a critical function in hospitals and surgical centers. With the increasing demand in New York’s healthcare facilities, this career path not only provides job security but also opportunities for professional advancement in a vital area of medical services.