Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana

When preparing for a career as a sterile processing technician in Indiana, individuals must understand the profession’s scope, roles, and responsibilities, as well as possible work environments. Just as importantly, they must also have a clear grasp of what to do regarding education and certification.

Below, we dive into the requirements that all Indiana residents must understand to start their sterile processing technician career the right way. We let candidates know what to do to prepare for training and what to do after training to continue growing on the job.

We also explore the annual average salary categories professionals fall into and the factors that determine them.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Indiana

The following framework is typically used to launch a successful career as a sterile processing technician in Indiana.

Step 1: Meeting Foundational Requirements

The foundational requirements to become a sterile processing technician in Indiana include understanding job responsibilities, a high school diploma or GED, and transferable skills. These transferable skills include interpersonal, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.

Step 2: Enrolling in a Training Program

After meeting the foundational requirements, the next step for an aspiring sterile processing technician in Indiana is enrolling in a training program. During a program, students learn infection control, infection prevention, decontamination, sterilization, microbiology, surgical and medical terminology, and other key topics.

Some sterile processing technician programs can be completed in a few weeks, others in a few months, and others in a few years.

Step 3: Finishing a Program

To complete a training program, aspiring sterile processing technicians in Indiana must possess both theoretical and practical skills. Practical skills in the field can be acquired through an internship.

In fact, the best programs usually insist on an internship or make it optional for those who would like to participate.

Step 4: Job Placement

Those who have completed all of the above steps can then put together a resume and start applying for sterile processing technician positions. Hospitals, laboratories, surgical centers, and virtually any other establishment that uses medical instruments at scale will always need sterile processing technicians.

Certification can be very effective for job placement and other professional opportunities. We discuss this in more detail below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical biller and coder in Indiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Anyone can work as a sterile processing technician in Indiana as long as they have the right training. There is no law requiring licensing.

Employers may filter candidates by certification. In this case, those who are certified have a significant edge, which is why certification is very popular.

Individuals seeking the best credentials can consider earning a Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential from the HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association). They may also consider the certification issued by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution.

After earning certification from either of these organizations, professionals must continue to renew their credentials. The major way to do so is through continuing education.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana

Below are the most prominent programs to consider when launching a career as a sterile processing technician in Indiana.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Indianapolis

Salary & Career Outlook

Location is one of the factors that determines how much a sterile processing technician in Indiana will make at the end of the year. Data obtained from indeed.com showed the cities with the highest yearly averages to be as follows:

• Fishers, with an annual average salary of $74,094.
• Carmel, with an annual average salary of $72,248; and
• Newburgh, with an annual average salary of $69,261.

Other factors include experience, professional credentials, and the specific work environment and employer. The data also shows that, on a general level, the annual average salary distributions in the state for sterile processing technicians are as follows:

• Professionals in the top 10% make an annual average salary of $83,933.
• In the bottom 10%, the annual average salary is $53,512; and
• In the median category, set the annual average salary to $67,018 according to Indeed.