How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Oklahoma
Sterile processing technicians are vital to the health and safety of anyone undergoing a medical, dental or surgical procedure. These essential technicians are responsible for decontaminating, cleaning and sterilizing used surgical tools and equipment before they are reused. The services a central sterile processing department provides are widely responsible for preventing the transmission of infectious particles between patients. You are well-suited to this career if you are detail-oriented, have physical stamina and good clerical skills.
Aside from cleaning equipment, the regular duties of sterile processing technicians include tracking inventory, picking up and delivering supplies, and keeping meticulous maintenance and cleaning records. For those who work in a hospital setting, the days can be long, and mandatory overtime is often assigned. In addition, technicians should expect to work off-shifts, weekends, holidays and take regular on-call.
License Requirements for Sterile Processing Technicians in Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not have a licensing requirement for sterile processing technicians, nor is there a statewide oversight board to track professionals. However, central sterile processing departments are typically overseen by a licensed professional, usually a registered nurse. In addition, this department is a common target for internal and external review and inspection due to its vital role in infection control and prevention.
Programs for Training Sterile Processing Technicians in Oklahoma
Prior to training as a sterile processing technician, you will need to have acquired a high school diploma or equivalent. There may be occasional opportunities for on-the-job training for those who are already employed by a hospital or surgical center. However, those who wish to enter the field directly will need to acquire their knowledge through a training course.
Some available programs which include central processing training in Oklahoma include:
- Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City offers a career program for Surgical Technology. Surgical technologists work in operating rooms, assisting with procedures, stocking supplies and cleaning and sterilizing equipment. Teaching is accomplished through a mixture of classroom instruction, laboratories and hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are prepared to sit for a certification examination.
- Moore Norman Technology Center, with campuses in Norman and Oklahoma City, offers a Surgical Technology program. In addition to the decontamination and sterilization of surgical tools and equipment, surgical technologists scrub into procedures and provide operating room assistance. Students will attend clinical rotations at local hospitals and be prepared to work in high-stress environments.
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.
Accreditations
Becoming certified in any profession is a smart move for anyone who wants to improve their employability and accelerate their career potential. There is no universal standard for acquiring credentialing for sterile processing technicians, but many organizations do prefer to hire certified techs. As there are several agencies through which accreditation is possible, you may wish to reach out to potential employers to inquire about their preferences.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the average annual salary for Medical Equipment Preparers, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, in Oklahoma is $37,650. This figure contrasts with the national average, where these technicians earn an average of $41,480 annually. In Oklahoma, the lowest 10% of earners in this field make about $28,350, while the highest 10% earn around $48,760. Entry-level technicians in Oklahoma can expect to start with salaries closer to the lower percentile, with opportunities for increased earnings as they gain experience and expertise.
National vs. Oklahoma Salaries for Sterile Processing Technicians
| Percentile | United States | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $31,570 | $28,350 |
| 25% | $36,240 | $31,200 |
| 50% (Median) | $41,480 | $37,650 |
| 75% | $50,300 | $40,070 |
| 90% | $62,960 | $48,760 |
Salaries by Region in Oklahoma
| Region | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | $31,020 | $37,060 | $38,240 | $40,940 | $49,560 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Oklahoma
The employment trends for Medical Equipment Preparers in Oklahoma show a positive growth outlook. According to the data from Projections Central (2020-2030) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022-2032), the field is experiencing significant growth in the state.
In 2020, there were 690 employees working as Medical Equipment Preparers in Oklahoma. This number is projected to increase to 770 by 2030, representing a 12% growth over the decade. This growth rate is notably higher than the national average, indicating a particularly strong demand for these professionals in Oklahoma.
Furthermore, there are projected to be 100 annual job openings in Oklahoma from 2020 to 2030. These openings are expected to arise due to both new job growth and the need to replace workers who leave the field.
Nationally, the employment for Medical Equipment Preparers is also growing, but at a slower rate compared to Oklahoma. In 2022, the national employment figure was 66,700, with a projection to reach 70,300 by 2032, marking a 5% growth. The projected annual job openings on a national level are 9,500.
Table of Employment Trends
| Category | Oklahoma (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (Start of Period) | 690 employees | 66,700 employees |
| Projected Employment (End of Period) | 770 employees | 70,300 employees |
| Projected Growth | 12% | 5% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 100 | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Oklahoma-specific data, the source is Projections Central, which offers state-level long-term projections for the period from 2020 to 2030.
- For the national data, the source is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides federal-level employment projections for the period from 2022 to 2032.
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Oklahoma
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Oklahoma offers a promising career path with a positive job outlook. In this role, technicians are responsible for the sterilization and preparation of medical equipment, a critical function in healthcare settings. The state of Oklahoma, with a projected 12% growth in this field from 2020 to 2030, presents a robust job market for these professionals. The average salary for Sterile Processing Technicians in Oklahoma is competitive, with opportunities for advancement and increased earnings as technicians gain experience and expertise. This profession not only offers job security but also the satisfaction of contributing significantly to patient care and safety in medical facilities across the state.