AdminIf you want to work in healthcare but don’t have a degree or don’t have the money to go back to school, working as a sterile processing technician can be an excellent entry-level position. This job is often considered the best way into a medical career because it’s quick, pays well, and has a big impact on patient safety. It’s also an excellent stepping-stone into other healthcare careers such as nursing, medical assistant, and surgical tech.
As a sterile processing technician, you sterilize tools and equipment used during surgery and other medical procedures. This includes ensuring all instruments are clean before they’re used, packing supplies into surgical trays, and cleaning IV pumps. You’ll use washing, steam, gas, chemical, and ultrasonic systems to sterilize equipment. You’ll also keep detailed records of your work and equipment maintenance. You’ll also distribute equipment and supplies to various hospital departments.
A Sterile Processing Technician’s salary can vary depending on location, employer, and experience level. The most important factors are a person’s education and the number of years they’ve worked in the field. You can get a better idea of how much you should be making in this profession by researching the salaries of other people in the same job.
Generally, the more years of experience a sterile processing technician has, the higher their salary will be. This is because they will have more skills and knowledge of the job. The average sterile processing technician salary is around $45,000 per year, but this can vary depending on your location, employer, and skills.
You can also earn more as a sterile processing technician by gaining specialized training or certifications. For example, you can become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). This will allow you to perform sterilization and decontamination activities for all medical devices including operating room (OR) instrumentation.
Some hospitals hire sterile processing technicians on contract. This is known as SPD traveling and can be a great option for those looking for flexible hours or to travel. These jobs typically pay slightly less than an employee at a full-time facility.
The top five cities for sterile processing technician salaries are Bridgehampton, NY; Roslyn Estates, NY; Brooklyn, NY; Manhattan, NY; and Queens, NY. These cities all have higher sterile processing technician wages than the New York average. While it may seem tempting to move to one of these locations, you should consider the cost of living as well as other factors.