Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Wyoming
Every day, doctors and dentists across America use scalpels, picks and other implements while providing care for their patients. When a procedure is completed, medical facilities don’t throw this valuable equipment away. Instead, they rely on employees called sterile processing technicians to decontaminate it before its next use. This specialized job calls for both serious know-how and a commitment to total consistency.
Sterile processors are hard at work in Wyoming, just as in every other state across the country. It takes considerable time and effort to become one of these respected, essential professionals. However, the process may not be as hard to complete as you might think. Just keep reading to learn more about joining the ranks of Wyoming sterile processing technicians.
What’s the Law for Sterile Processors Working in Wyoming?
What’s the law in Wyoming regarding licensing and state registration? As in the vast majority of states, Wyoming doesn’t directly oversee people who work as sterile processing technicians. This means that there is no state board or agency that requires you to:
- Apply for a license in Wyoming
- Register to work as a sterile processor in Wyoming
- Take steps to renew your in-state credentials
In other words, you don’t have to go through the same mandated procedures as nurses and doctors. Why not?
The Role of Employers
While their skills are vital, sterile processing technicians work in a very controlled environment. The rules for this environment are set by each medical facility, not the state. Hospitals, dentists’ offices and other facilities have compelling reasons to hire competent processors. For example, they want to maintain their reputations so they can continue to attract business. In addition, they don’t want to be held liable for poor conditions that endanger patient safety and well-being.
Getting Trained as a Sterile Processor
There are currently no dedicated sterile processor training programs in Wyoming. However, this does not mean that state residents have no available training resources. As long as you have Internet access, you can gain the knowledge you need from a reputable online provider. Examples of the best-rated online options include:
- Ashworth College – Ashworth divides sterile processor training into five units or groups. Topics covered range from infection control to use of medical terminology. When you complete your coursework, you’ll have all the skills you need to go to work.
- Penn Foster – Penn Foster is one of the top resources for comprehensive processor training. They support your training efforts with an extensive remote learning system that includes all required materials.
- MedCerts – If you’re a visual learner, MedCerts might be a preferred training option. The company provides an entirely video-based environment for sterile processing instruction.
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.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations
Sterile processing technicians in Wyoming now earn an average annual salary of $41,930, which is slightly higher than the national average. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the average annual salary for these technicians across the United States is $41,480. In Wyoming, the lower 10% of earners in this field make around $31,560, while the top 10% earn as much as $53,910. Nationally, the salary range is broader, with the lowest 10% earning $31,570 and the highest 10% making up to $62,960.
National vs. Wyoming Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $41,480 | $41,930 |
| Lowest 10% (Annual) | $31,570 | $31,560 |
| Highest 10% (Annual) | $62,960 | $53,910 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Wyoming
| Region | Lowest 10% | Median | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins, CO | $34,480 | $43,640 | $106,950 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $31,810 | $40,700 | $58,560 |
| Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $32,780 | $43,050 | $49,310 |
Medical Equipment Preparers Employment Trends in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the employment landscape for Sterile Processing Technicians, also known as Medical Equipment Preparers, is experiencing significant growth. As of 2020, there were 80 employees in this occupation in the state. This number is projected to increase to 90 by 2030, reflecting a growth rate of 13%. This growth rate is notably higher than the national average, which is projected at 5% from 2022 to 2032, with an increase from 66,700 employees to 70,300 employees. Additionally, Wyoming is expected to have 10 annual job openings in this field from 2020 to 2030, compared to 9,500 annual openings nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
Employment Trends for Medical Equipment Preparers
| Category | Wyoming (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (Start of Period) | 80 employees (2020) | 66,700 employees (2022) |
| Projected Employment (End of Period) | 90 employees (2030) | 70,300 employees (2032) |
| Projected Growth | 13% | 5% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 10 | 9,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Wyoming-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 Wyoming
Working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Wyoming offers a promising and growing career path within the healthcare industry. The state is experiencing a significant growth rate in this field, with a projected increase of 13% in employment from 2020 to 2030, surpassing the national average growth rate. This indicates a strong demand for professionals skilled in sterilizing and preparing medical equipment, a critical role in ensuring patient safety and the effective operation of healthcare facilities. With an expected 10 annual job openings over the next decade, Wyoming presents ample opportunities for those seeking to enter or advance in this vital healthcare profession. The role not only offers job security but also contributes significantly to the healthcare system in Wyoming.