Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Colorado

Medical tools and instruments must always be disinfected with zero margin for error. Professionals who ensure this is the case and thereby facilitate effective treatment for millions of patients every day are sterile processing technicians.

The field is expected to continue to grow in employment rates both nationwide and in Colorado. Individuals who would like to take advantage of this positive projection can do so by adopting the framework broken down below.

We spell out what candidates need to do to prepare for training, the types of training programs they can consider, specific institutions with prominent offerings, and the average annual salaries in the profession, among other key areas.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Colorado

Aspiring sterile processing technicians in Colorado can start their careers through the framework below.

Step 1: Educational Foundation

Apart from soft skills and transferable attributes, there are also basic educational requirements that can facilitate success as a sterile processing technician. A high school diploma, for example, is a common admission requirement among many training institutions.

Employers and certification organizations may also require this or at least a GED equivalent.

Step 2: Choosing an Academic Program

Aspiring sterile processing technicians in Colorado will be glad to know they don’t need years of training before they can start their careers. Of course, some programs are very thorough and can be completed in a couple of years.

However, most sterile processing technician programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. Some programs, in fact, take place entirely online and allow candidates to complete their education in a self-guided manner.

Participants need to choose training programs with comprehensive curricula and qualified instructors. We explore suitable alternatives in an upcoming section.

Step 3: Internship & Employment

After proper education, individuals may secure an internship placement to continue building real-world skills. Afterwards, they will be able to secure employment at any establishment that uses medical instruments.

Certification and networking are crucial for securing a job placement as a sterile processing technician in Colorado. We explore this topic further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Steps to become a medical biller and coder in Colorado

Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become certified as a sterile processing technician in Colorado, candidates must use a certifying body and meet its credentialing requirements. These requirements are quite similar with some variations.

For instance, to be certified by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, candidates must complete a training program or have 400 hours of practical experience. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution also offers a reputable credential for which candidates must have 12 months of work experience or have completed a sterile processing technician training program with a 70% grade.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Colorado

All of the schools below have excellent programs for prospective sterile processing technicians in Colorado.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Colorado by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Denver

Salary & Career Outlook

The distribution of the annual average salaries for sterile processing technicians in Colorado can be broken down as follows:

• The highest-paid are in the top 10% and they manage an annual average salary of $81,168;
• The lowest-paid in the bottom 10% manage an annual average salary of $40,764; and
• The median earner earns around $57,522 per year, according to Indeed.

Of course, the median earners are the most popular. Those who fall into the lower brackets tend to do so for reasons such as experience, work environment, professional credentials, and location.

Data obtained on indeed.com showed that the highest-paying cities in terms of annual income for sterile processing technicians in Colorado are as follows:

• Aspen, with an annual average salary of $91,668;
• Glenwood Springs, with an annual average salary of $83,398;
• Lakewood, with an annual average salary of $68,205; and
• Pueblo, with an annual average salary of $67,084.