Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Illinois

This page contains a collection of resources that analyze all of the requirements and considerations that aspiring sterile processing technicians in Illinois need to consider when attempting to enter this discipline. We begin with a general analysis of the fundamental requirements and the steps involved in preparing for a training destination.

We then examine possible training alternatives, employment and career growth opportunities, and licensing/certification requirements. The page also contains a quick but detailed overview of some of the best training programs for candidates to consider.

Finally, we conclude with an analysis of the annual average salary figures for sterile processing technicians in Illinois and the factors influencing specific numbers.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois

Sterile processing technicians in Illinois typically begin their careers following the steps below:

Admission Requirements

On a fundamental level, future sterile processing technicians in Illinois are expected to have a high school diploma or GED. Some training programs and employers require one as a qualifying requirement.

Foundational skills like communication, organization, planning, and attention to detail are also very critical.

Completing a Training Program

Sterile processing technicians typically complete a training program at the start of their careers. These programs may be offered by a community college or by vocational institutions.

Some programs will also have very convenient arrangements that allow candidates to complete their entire coursework online. Others may implement a hybrid training approach, where students spend some time learning online and other times learning on campus.

As for the program length, some sterile processing technician training programs in Illinois take a few weeks to complete, while others can last for two years and lead to a valuable associate degree.

Career Opportunities

After settling into the job and mastering their roles, sterile processing technicians can take advantage of career opportunities by participating in managerial courses and qualifying to work as sterile processing supervisors.

Ultimately, most professionals in the field also go on to work as surgical technologists, clinical medical assistants, surgical technicians, and licensed practical nurses, among others.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state of Illinois does not have specific agencies responsible for issuing licenses to sterile processing technicians. Consequently, certification is the only approval that candidates will need from a professional organization.

As it happens, those who would like to become certified as sterile processing technicians in Illinois have two choices regarding their certificates. They may either choose a credential offered by the International Association of Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or one issued by the Certifying Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The IAHCSMM allows candidates to become certified with proper education and 400 hours of practical experience, while the CBSPD expects applicants to have at least 6 months of experience with education or 12 months of full-time work experience without formal education.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Illinois

The schools below are excellent providers of sterile processing technology training in Illinois.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Illinois by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Chicago

Salary & Career Outlook

Data obtained from a survey of sterile processing technicians in Illinois showed the annual average salary to be distributed according to factors like experience, location, and establishment of employment. Focusing on location, candidates in Berwyn enjoy the position of being the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $97,595.

The second is those in Peoria, with an annual average salary of $79,937. Mattoon and Chicago are third and fourth, thanks to average salaries per year of $77,802 and $75,51,6, respectively.

Analyzing from a general lens, sterile processing technicians in the state of Illinois can expect to earn an annual average salary of $55,521 in the bottom 10%, an annual average salary of $98,148 in the top 10%, and an annual average salary of $73,819 in the average category.