Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arizona

Becoming a sterile processing technician in Arizona is an excellent way to become a key player in the healthcare industry without spending years in training. Candidates in this profession are usually notable for their meticulousness and cleanliness.

They ensure that medical instruments are sterilized and ready for use. For their efforts, they are well-paid and enjoy opportunities for career growth.

The guide below helps Arizona residents start their careers with confidence by outlining everything they need to know. We provide a detailed overview of the educational options and benefits, licensing and certification requirements, and specific programs with a solid reputation for graduate success.

We also show candidates what to expect from their yearly returns and how they can scale as they go along.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arizona

The framework below is adopted by a majority of successful sterile processing technicians in Arizona when entering into the profession.

Earning a Certificate or an Associate Degree

Technical proficiency for sterile processing technicians involves developing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical and surgical terminology, microbiology, and infection control. This is usually obtained by attending a worthwhile training program.

As it happens, busy students can make their lives easier by attending online programs and fast-track programs. In this case, they will be able to learn independently and graduate in a couple of months.

Alternatively, those who have the time to pursue a more rigorous education can choose to attend campus-based programs. These programs can be completed in 6 months for certificate tracks, and 2 years for an associate degree.

Real-World Experience

The most successful sterile processing technicians in Arizona are the most well-rounded ones. This means that they don’t just understand the theoretical foundations of the profession, but are also great at the practical aspect.

Ultimately, practical, real-world proficiency for new candidates in the profession is built through a clinical internship that provides real-world experience.

Employment & Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are plentiful for sterile processing technicians in Arizona, particularly those who have completed formal education and have become certified. We explore certification opportunities in the next section.

After certification, candidates will be able to secure employment at any institution that uses medical instruments. They will also be able to continue growing by gaining additional skills and advancing to more advanced designations, including sterile processing supervision, clinical medical assisting, surgical technology, and more.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Steps to become a dental assistant in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The process of becoming certified in Arizona is straightforward. Naturally, candidates must choose a certifying body and pass a certification examination before they can receive their chosen credentials.

Even though certification is not compulsory by law, going through these steps remains very popular, as it offers significant career advantages over those who are not certified.

One of the most common credentials in this discipline nationwide is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCS) credential from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. The Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician credential from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution is also highly respected in the field.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arizona

The following schools are notable for excellent sterile processing technician programs in Arizona.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arizona by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salaries of sterile processing technicians in Arizona can be divided into three broad categories. We have the bottom 10%, who are among the lowest-paid in the state, the median earners, and the top 10%, who are among the highest-paid.

In the first category, candidates typically earn an annual average salary of $52,043. This is because they are yet to optimize crucial factors that can improve their returns, including experience, credentials, work environment, and more.

Along the way, they will quickly improve their standings and become median earners, taking home an annual average salary of $72,894 according to Indeed. In the top 10%, the highest-paid earn an average annual salary of at least $102,098.

Location is another factor that can generally improve these numbers. The most favorable places in the state are Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Gilbert, with annual average salaries of $88,067, $87,201, and $85,453 for sterile processing technicians.