Sterile Processing Technician Schools in California

A sterile processing technician is a professional who is in charge of disinfecting tools and equipment used in a surgical environment. The discipline offers candidates solid career potential, along with the opportunity to work closely with top medical professionals and gain a sense of how the medical field works.

Individuals may then leverage this knowledge to continue to grow on the job or even pursue more complex disciplines. In the following guide, we analyze everything that California residents must keep in mind in their attempts to become successful sterile processing technicians.

These include the educational requirements, licensing and certification requirements, and career growth opportunities, among others.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California

The following is the general process necessary to become a sterile processing technician in California.

Step 1: Fulfill Basic Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is the basic educational requirement for admission into a sterile processing technician training program. For the foundational skills requirement, students need a basic knowledge of first aid, communication and collaborative skills, and a problem-solving mindset.

Step 2: Complete Formal Education

Proper education should be an absolute priority for anybody who wants to become a sterile processing technician in California. Several training arrangements are available, including campus, hybrid, and strictly online programs.

Additionally, candidates can choose from short-term certificate programs, long-term certificate programs, or associate degree programs.

Step 3: Practical Experience

Sterile processing technician training programs offered by academic institutions are great for developing a solid knowledge of fundamental principles in the discipline. However, to be proficient enough to work in a real-world environment, students typically have to complement their education with practical experience that can be obtained through an internship.

Step 4: Employment & Career Opportunities

Properly trained sterile processing technicians have several career opportunities. Even after completing a training program and securing employment, candidates may immediately begin to work on their management skills to take on more managerial and supervisory positions.

The majority of sterile processing technicians also go on to work as sterile processing technologists, clinical medical assistants, surgical technicians, and licensed practical nurses.

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• Learn how to become a medical biller and coder in California

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Sterile processing technicians in California don’t need a state license to work professionally. They only have to pass a certification examination and receive proper training.

The Certifying Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) is the most popular certifying organization for professionals in this field.

Apart from leading to job opportunities, becoming certified by the CBSPD is also a great way to enjoy credibility and career advancement opportunities in the field. To qualify for certification, candidates need 400 hours of experience within 6 months of the exam or earlier.

Candidates must also participate in ongoing education in order to renew their certified status periodically. Another notable certifying organization to consider is the International Association of Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in California

Below are the top schools to receive foundational education as an aspiring sterile processing technician in California.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in California by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

Sterile processing technicians in California can earn up to $64,185 in annual average salary, which is the figure for the median earners. A survey of professionals in the state obtained this figure, which is slightly above the national average.

Candidates can fall above or below the median figure, depending on where they are, concerning crucial factors like experience, work environment, employer, and professional credentials. Those who are above the median figure can manage up to $89,174 in the top 10% bracket.

In the bottom 10% bracket, those who fall below the median can still manage an annual average salary of $46,198.

Sorting the data strictly by location, we find that Sacramento and Palo Alto have the highest returns for sterile processing technicians in California. Those who work here earn an annual average salary of $87,372 and $78,877, respectively.

Sterile processing technicians in Santa Rosa and San Diego are also well-rewarded, with annual average salaries of $75,221 and $73,636, respectively.