Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Rhode Island
To keep risks of infection to a minimum, all medical facilities must sterilize certain kinds of equipment. That includes a wide variety of devices used in hospitals, surgery centers and dental practices. Sterile processing technicians are employed nationwide to help ensure that thorough sterilization efforts are carried out. These technicians achieve their goals by following strict decontamination procedures.
Are you considering becoming a sterile processing technician in Rhode Island? If so, you can look forward to some enticing future benefits. For starters, technicians working in the state make good money compared to the profession as a whole. They also have the freedom to seek employment in many different types of healthcare facilities. In addition, sterile processors belong to a growing segment of the U.S. economy.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare for work in this promising field.
Are There Statewide Standards in Rhode Island?
In some states, you can only work as a sterile processing technician if you meet standards that cover all local jurisdictions. This is not true for Rhode Island. That means that you do not have to:
- Get a license to start working
- Seek official certification as a sterile processing technician
- Take periodic classes to renew your professional credentials
At first glance, the lack of official standards makes it much easier to work in Rhode Island. However, that’s only partially true. Even without statewide regulations, you may find it to your advantage to seek out training before you start filling out job applications in your area.
Why is this the case? Statewide standards may not be your only concern when entering this profession. In your area, prospective employers may give preference to people who already possess the skills needed to work as a sterile processing technician. If your skill set is sub-par, you may not get any serious consideration for open positions.
How can you avoid this possibility? By taking a training course that covers all aspects of a sound education for sterile processors. You may also want to follow up such a course by taking a national certification exam. The most well-known and respected providers of these exams include:
- The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
Training Options
There is a substantial lack of in-state training programs for sterile processing technicians in Rhode Island. However, you can overcome this by enrolling in an online program instead. Providers of these kinds of programs include:
- Penn Foster – To complete the Penn Foster program, you must pass a total of 12 sterile processing-related courses. Most successful graduates require six to nine months to achieve this goal. Graduates are ready to sit for the IAHCSMM exam.
- MedCerts – MedCerts combines detailed sterile processor training with one-on-one mentorship. The organization also includes job placement services in your tuition. It takes three months to complete this program.
- Ashworth College – You have up to a year to complete the Ashworth program for sterile processing technicians. At the end of your training, you will qualify for the IAHCSSMM certification exam.
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.
How Much Do Sterile Processors Make in Rhode Island?
Sterile processing technicians belong to a group of professionals know as medical equipment preparers. In Rhode Island, medical equipment preparers make an average of almost $44,000 annually. This is higher than nationwide salary expectations by about $4,000.
Job Forecasts for Sterile Processors and Other Medical Equipment Preparers
In the U.S., the labor market for medical equipment preparers is in the early years of a projected boom period. Between 2018 and 2028, the total number of employed professionals will increase by several thousand. The overall rate of expansion is estimated at an encouraging 8 percent. If you’re considering entering a field of work, this is just the kind of news that you want to hear.