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 future career opportunities.

This is why we have provided the detailed resources below.

Here, we don’t just explore what individuals need to know for solid education, but also the best ways to prepare for training, identify employment opportunities, and navigate 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 most employers will consider them 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 pursue faster options, including online and campus-based programs that can be completed in 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 complete clinical practice.

This is why an internship typically follows an academic program and is a key step toward 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 monitor their 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 expand career opportunities. Fortunately, there are several organizations with strong reputations 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 maintain and renew it annually, including completion of 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, with candidates earning an average annual 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 meet these criteria can earn an average annual salary of $70,019, placing them in the top 10%.

For those still optimizing key factors, the average annual salary is $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 ($95,966), Alabaster ($89,247), and Montgomery ($64,671).