Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Oregon

Oregon is an amazing place to work as a sterile processing technician. This is so not only because of the abundance of employment opportunities, but also because of the strong professional network, amazing training programs, competitive pay, and platforms for career advancement.

To secure these benefits, candidates must ensure they launch their careers the right way. Below, we outline the steps to start a career as a sterile processing technician in Oregon.

We evaluate educational opportunities, licensing and certification requirements, unique training programs, and average annual salary projections across multiple brackets.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Oregon

The following is a step-by-step framework for launching a thriving career as a sterile processing technician in Oregon.

Preparatory Steps

To prepare for their career as sterile processing technicians, candidates must complete education and certification requirements. A high school diploma or GED helps to secure admission into top programs.

Other common admission requirements include passing a criminal background check and providing proof of vaccination against some common diseases.

Finishing a Suitable Program

Most sterile processing technician training programs in Oregon allow candidates to study online. However, students may also choose programs that offer only campus-based education.

At the end of their training, students should have sufficient foundational knowledge in areas such as microbiology, surgical terminology, infection control, and sterile storage. It is also important to spend time in training to prepare for certification.

One section that follows analyzes some of the best destinations for sterile processing technician education in Oregon.

Completing Practical Training

The best academic institutions allow candidates to develop technical proficiency in foundational topics, but they are limited in the amount of real-world training they can provide. This is why sterile processing students are typically advised to complete an internship for practical training.

Job Placement & Continuing Education

Once they complete all the steps above and obtain certification, candidates can secure employment. However, the field requires professionals to keep growing through continuing education.

This can also help them pivot into leadership roles or into surgical technologist, surgical technician, or even licensed practical nurse positions.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical biller and coder in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

There is no requirement in Oregon for a sterile processing technician to register with the state or obtain a license before launching their career. The major requirements remain proper education and certification.

Certification is crucial because employers value it. Employers value it because it demonstrates professionalism, provides evidence of expertise, and helps professionals grow. Two major organizations offer well-regarded credentials for sterile processing technicians in Oregon.

These are the HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) and the CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution). The HSPA offers the popular Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Oregon

Oregon offers the following high-quality programs for future sterile processing technicians.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Oregon by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

In Oregon, a sterile processing technician’s annual salary depends on several factors. These work together to categorize candidates.

In the first category, we have the bottom 10%, most likely just starting. In this bracket, professionals earn an average annual salary of $62,869.

In the second category, the median bracket, they earn an annual average salary of $77,705, according to Indeed. Sterile processing technicians in Oregon can earn an average annual salary of $96,040 in the top 10% bracket.

For the best locations with the highest average salaries, the data show Clackamas at $84,624 and Newport at $80,690.

Portland, with an annual average salary of $77,010, is also among the top three.