Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alaska

The following guide contains everything that an individual living in Alaska needs to know to start their career as a sterile processing technician. We don’t just list steps that help candidates secure employment; we also outline requirements and considerations individuals need to keep in mind to enjoy career opportunities and continue to grow.

We begin with a general look at the basic requirements before focusing on the training routes, arrangements, and programs. From there, we look into the licensing and certification requirements, which can help candidates stand out.

Finally, the guide concludes with relevant figures on average annual salaries and career opportunities for sterile processing technicians in Alaska.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska

The following steps are needed to become a sterile processing technician in Alaska.

Step 1: Soft Skills, Transferable Attributes & Basic Educational Qualifications

Prospective sterile processing technicians in Alaska need to have strong organizational skills. Cleanliness, attention to detail, and problem-solving are also critical skills to develop as early as possible in this profession.

As for basic educational qualifications, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent is usually enough to secure admission to top programs.

Step 2: Technician Training

Alaska is home to several amazing community colleges and technical institutions where residents from across the state can enroll in academic sterile processing technician programs. Depending on their preferences, candidates can choose between online and campus-based programs.

Additionally, they can go for faster programs that don’t necessarily take 2 years to complete. Options include diplomas, certificates, and non-credit courses that can be completed in 6 weeks to 6 months.

Step 3: Real-World Practice & Employment

After learning foundational principles, infection control, medical and surgical terminology, and decontamination at a suitable training program, candidates need practical, real-world experience. This is usually achieved through an internship.

Here, candidates can build confidence in their skills and may even secure full-time employment. Certified individuals also have an edge in job placement and career growth.

We discuss this in more detail below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Steps to become a dental assistant in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Alaska, sterile processing technicians who wish to become certified can pursue the credential offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). They may also consider other prominent alternatives, such as the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Certification is technically not compulsory under the law, but it gives professionals an edge in employment, higher salaries, and networking opportunities. Candidates must also renew their credentials with continuing education, which can open up several opportunities for career growth.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alaska

Aspiring sterile processing technicians in Alaska can start their careers the proper way at any of the following institutions.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Alaska by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

Data from the employment platform Indeed.com classified sterile processing technicians in Alaska into three categories based on their annual earnings. In the lower categories, professionals earn an average annual salary of $63,470.

In the higher categories, they fare better with an annual average salary of $133,688. However, the majority of professionals in this field will not be in the higher or lower ranges, but will be in the median range ($92,115), which is the third category.

Some factors that help push professionals’ yearly returns forward are experience and location.

Sitka currently has the highest average salary, at $111,678. Sterile processing technicians in Juneau and Anchorage are also among the highest in the state, with annual average salaries of $107,633 and $88,972, respectively.