Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New York

New York is a wonderful place to practice as a sterile processing technician. There is an abundance of employment opportunities and several training programs offering quality education.

The purpose of this guide is to make the process of becoming a sterile processing technician in New York even more enjoyable for interested individuals by analyzing each step in detail. We also provide a few resources that are sure to prove valuable, such as a list of top programs and annual average salary projections.

Students will also discover several steps and factors they can optimize to improve their career prospects and subsequent earnings.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New York

These are the steps necessary to enter into the sterile processing technician career as a resident of New York:

High School Diploma or GED

In most cases, employers of sterile processing technicians and training programs in New York will prioritize hiring only individuals who already hold a high school diploma or GED. A solid foundational understanding of topics in biology and chemistry is also vital.

Completing Formal Education

Although it is technically possible to acquire crucial skills on the job, completing a formal educational program is the most common and widely accepted way to launch a successful career as a sterile processing technician. Students typically look to community colleges and technical institutions that offer robust programs, often accompanied by hands-on training opportunities.

Others with busy schedules and prior commitments may choose flexible online programs with self-paced arrangements. Regardless, candidates should gain crucial skills in infection control, decontamination, surgical instrument usage, and surgical terminology before graduating.

Completing an Internship

The majority of sterile processing technicians in New York complete an internship while pursuing their education. This enables them to develop practical skills and apply their expertise in a real-world work environment.

In some cases, certain schools make internships a compulsory part of their coursework. Some participants may also receive permanent job placement as a result of their internship experience.

Certification and Employment

Certification is typically a crucial component of becoming a sterile processing technician, particularly after candidates have completed a formal training program. In the next section, we examine the key certification steps and alternatives.

After becoming certified, fresh sterile processing technicians may go on to prepare a resume and secure employment. They can also improve their career prospects by developing management skills or advancing to related but more advanced positions, such as a surgical technician.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become certified as a sterile processing technician in the state of New York, professionals often look to two major certifying organizations: the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Certifying Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Both organizations expect candidates to have formal training and practical experience before they can qualify for certification. Both of them also have professional examinations that candidates must pass, after which they will become officially certified.

Certification status must be maintained by participating in continuing education courses on a periodic basis. This may also include workshops and seminars.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New York

The following schools offer amazing sterile processing technician programs for individuals in New York.

#New York

Queensborough Community College

Online, NY Online Only

Queensborough Community College offers an immersive Certified Sterile Processing Technician program that can be completed entirely online.

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Tuition
$2,795 - $3,290 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

#New York

SUNY Schenectady

Online, NY Online Only

SUNY Schenectady County Community College provides a flexible and comprehensive sterile processing technician program that can be completed in 12 months or less.

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Tuition
$2,795 - $3,290 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

#New York

LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, NY Campus + Online

LaGuardia Community College offers an in-person Central Service Technician Certificate Program, which prepares students for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.

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Tuition
$1,500 per Program
Contact
  • (718) 482-7244

  • aceprofessional@lagcc.cuny.edu

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New York by city:

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary of a sterile processing technician in New York is usually around $52,715 at the start of a career. Ultimately, candidates will be able to improve their earnings from this figure, which belongs to the bottom 10%, to a $101,567 figure, which belongs to the top 10%.

Most sterile processing technicians in the state will fall among the median earners as opposed to the bottom or top 10%. In this category, the annual average salary to expect is $73,172.

Factors that influence yearly returns for professionals in this field include location, credentials, work environment, and employer. Focusing on location, the top places to practice as a sterile processing technician in New York include Glens Falls, with an annual average salary of $84,191; Bethpage, with an annual average salary of $74,720; and New York, with an annual average salary of $71,833.