Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Jersey

Millions of people receive medical care daily, and all of them rely on sterile processing technicians, even if they don’t know it. In New Jersey and across the country, sterile processing technicians ensure that medical instruments are clean, well-functioning, and free of germs.

The steps to become a sterile processing technician in the United States are quite straightforward, and we break them down below. We explore educational opportunities, training programs, average annual salaries, and more.

We also look at the certification process and its benefits when starting a career as a sterile processing technician in New Jersey.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Jersey

Below are the steps required to become a sterile processing technician in New Jersey.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

In New Jersey, the basic requirements to become a sterile processing technician include completing high school. At this level, candidates can begin to take classes in biology, medicine, and chemistry.

Additionally, foundational skills such as attention to detail, organizational skills, and cleanliness are crucial for success in the profession.

Proper Education

Proper education for a future sterile processing technician includes developing a strong knowledge of microbiology, the use and storage of surgical instruments, medical and surgical terminology, and infection control. Several community colleges and technical schools in the state offer amazing programs designed for this particular purpose.

What’s more, individuals also have a great deal of flexibility regarding their chosen pathway. Depending on personal preference and availability, candidates can choose fast-tracked or two-year programs.

They can also choose virtual, campus-based, or hybrid programs.

Clinical Internship

To consolidate their theoretical knowledge and practice what they have been taught, prospective sterile processing technicians in New Jersey usually go for a clinical externship. Through this, they will become familiar with how a medical establishment operates and how to perform their duties properly.

Some individuals may also secure direct job placement upon completion of the internship at the same establishment.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Steps to become a medical biller and coder in New Jersey

Licensure & Certification Requirements

New Jersey has no mandatory requirements for sterile processing technicians to become licensed. The state has no business with certification either, but professionals who become certified usually have an advantage, and, as a result, most sterile processing technicians in the state are certified.

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification (CRCST) is one of the most common credentials to pursue in the field. This credential is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) (formerly known as the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management).

The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) also offers nationally recognized credentials.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Jersey

The following are the top training programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians in New Jersey.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Jersey by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Jersey City

Salary & Career Outlook

An average sterile processing technician in New Jersey may earn $70,006 annually, putting them in line with the national average. Professionals in the state may earn an annual average salary of $59,985 if they are in the bottom 10% and $81,702 if they are in the top 10%.

Some factors that can help candidates rise quickly include experience, credentials, and the employers they work for. The specific location within the state where a sterile processing technician works is also important.

Holmdel and Morristown boast annual average salaries of $76,274 and $76,010 for sterile processing technicians in New Jersey, making them the top-paying destinations. The townships of Brick and Hackensack follow, with annual average salaries of $74,077 and $73,891, respectively.