Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Mexico

New Mexico is a wonderful place to learn as a future sterile processing technician. In addition to the government not interfering in the process through stringent oversight and regulation, the field is also encouraging, thanks to career opportunities, job openings, and competitive salaries.

Page readers will understand everything they need to know before starting this career in New Mexico. These include specific steps for education preparation, education duration and structure, licensing and certification, and more.

The guide also includes relevant figures showing how much a sterile processing technician in New Mexico can earn at different stages of their career.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Mexico

Below are the necessary steps to succeed as a sterile processing technician in New Mexico.

Step 1: Choosing a Training Program

Residents of New Mexico can complete a sterile processing or central processing technician training program to build the skills necessary to become thriving sterile processing technicians. Some of these programs are held online, and others are in person.

Another major distinction between sterile processing technician programs is that some lead to certificates and associate degrees, while others are non-credit courses, best suited to preparing for certification.

We have provided a list of suitable programs below.

Step 2: Finishing a Program & Internship

Completing an academic training program prepares candidates to develop their skills through an internship. In fact, almost all worthwhile programs will either require an internship or offer an alternative.

Some people may secure employment after their internship.

Step 3: Job Placement

Candidates who have the right skills can secure employment as sterile processing technicians in New Mexico. They can work in hospitals and clinics, physicians’ offices, and surgical centers, and more.

Professionals are advised to obtain certification to streamline this process. The following section outlines how to obtain certification as a sterile processing technician in the state.

Step 4: Career Advancement

Finally, even after securing employment, sterile processing technicians can further their skills through continuing education. They can also pursue advanced training to become surgical technicians, surgical technologists, licensed practical nurses, or registered nurses.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Many sterile processing technicians in New Mexico pursue certification to enhance their career opportunities. For instance, certified professionals enjoy better employment opportunities, higher pay, and opportunities to network and grow through continuing education resources.

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association is among the most popular in the field for this reason. It is well respected by employers, provides a platform for peer interaction, and requires continuing education, which compels professionals to improve.

Earning the credential involves passing a professional examination organized by the HSPA.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Mexico

The following schools are among the top programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians in New Mexico.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Mexico by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey by the employment platform Indeed.com can categorize sterile processing technicians in New Mexico by annual earnings. The data shows that the most popular category is the median earners.

They report an annual average salary of $71,317 on Indeed.

Some professionals are in the bottom 10% and those who are in the top 10%. Those who are in the bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $57,235, while those who are in the top 10% make an annual average salary of $88,864.

Research shows that factors such as employment, professional credentials, work environment, and location determine where candidates fall on the salary spectrum. Concerning location, the best places with the highest averages are as follows:

• Los Alamos has an annual average salary of $80,520.
• Rio Rancho, with an annual average salary of $78,376; and
• Truth or Consequences, with an annual average salary of $77,025.