Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alabama

It is crucial for sterile processing technicians starting their careers in Alabama to have a long-term perspective. Those who do so will not only focus on starting their careers as quickly as possible but also on making informed decisions along the way to ensure abundant career opportunities in the future.

This is why we have provided the detailed resources below.

Here, we don’t just explore everything that individuals need to know for sound education, but also the best way to prepare for training, various employment opportunities, and certification and licensing considerations.

Readers will also understand how much they can earn as sterile processing technicians in Alabama.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alabama

The following is a step-by-step framework for starting a successful career as a sterile processing technician in Alabama.

Formal Training

Residents of Alabama must complete a formal academic program before they can call themselves fully qualified sterile processing technicians. However, candidates don’t necessarily need to complete a 2-year, campus-based program to earn an associate degree.

It is common for candidates to go for faster options, including both online and campus-based programs that can be completed in only a few weeks.

A high school diploma or GED may be required to enter the top programs. We explore suitable options to consider in another section of the guide.

Practicing in a Clinical Facility

Academic programs are excellent at providing students with foundational knowledge of key principles, including decontamination, medical and surgical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and more. However, before they can perform their duties at a high level, candidates must practice in a clinical facility.

This is why an internship typically follows an academic program on the path to a successful career as a sterile processing technician in Alabama.

Certification & Career Growth

After an internship, candidates can secure full-time employment as sterile processing technicians. However, they must always keep an eye on career growth.

Certification and advanced education are effective ways to achieve this. Those who continue to develop their skills can eventually work as surgical technologists, sterile processing supervisors, surgical technicians, clinical medical assistants, and ultimately as registered nurses.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Steps to become a dental assistant in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

While it is possible to secure employment as a sterile processing technician in Alabama without a license, candidates should pursue certification to gain leverage and opportunities for career growth. Thankfully, there are several organizations with reputable credentials to consider.

These organizations, such as the HSPA and the CBSPD, welcome candidates with formal education to sit for their credentialing exams. Individuals with enough practical experience can also qualify.

The HSPA credential is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Those who hold this credential must continue to maintain and renew it yearly, with continuing education credits.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alabama

Below are some schools in Alabama offering excellent training programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alabama by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Birmingham

Salary & Career Outlook

The most popular salary category for sterile processing technicians in Alabama is the median category, where candidates earn an annual average salary of $37,352 according to Indeed. This is in line with the national average as well.

However, depending on factors such as experience, location, credentials, and work environment, candidates may earn more or less than the average. Those who fare well on these criteria can earn an annual average salary of $70,019, which is good enough to place them in the top 10%.

For those still optimizing key factors, they may earn an annual average salary of $19,925, which is in line with the bottom 10%. The salary ranges can also be grouped by location.

Trussville, with an annual average salary of $105,145, ranks first. It is followed by Dothan, with an annual average salary of $95,966; Alabaster, with an annual average salary of $89,247; and Montgomery, with an annual average salary of $64,671.