Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina

To become a sterile processing technician in South Carolina, candidates must, naturally, complete the training program. However, choosing and completing a training program is only one of several steps that candidates must fulfill, not just to start their careers, but to do so the right way.

Interested individuals in the state who are still unclear about what all these steps and requirements entail will be glad to know that we have covered everything they need to know below. These include how to prepare effectively for training, which training programs to choose, the steps necessary for employment, and the certification and licensing requirements.

The guide also showcases annual average salary figures for sterile processing technicians in South Carolina, and how to optimize these numbers.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina

Below are the steps to become a thriving sterile processing technician in South Carolina.

Completing a Training Program

Community colleges and technical schools across South Carolina offer sterile processing technician programs. Candidates have a few options to consider when choosing the exact program type.

For example, it is possible to complete a fast-track program in only a few weeks or a few months. Alternatively, candidates can go for 2-year programs leading to an associate degree.

Of course, institutions sometimes offer advice on suitable programs based on a candidate’s preferences.

Completing an Internship

After education, sterile processing technicians need to build on their academic qualifications with real-world experience. This is why it is common in the profession for students to undertake internships.

What’s more, those who do impressively well during their internship period can also use this avenue to secure permanent employment at the same medical establishment.

Securing Employment

Upon completing both theoretical and practical education, individuals can secure employment as sterile processing technicians. However, they will have a better chance of doing so if they pursue certification, as we explore below.

Finally, sterile processing technicians can continue learning and developing to facilitate career growth. The career can serve as a launchpad into other disciplines such as surgical technology, medical assisting, and nursing.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical biller and coder in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) are the most prominent credentialing organizations for sterile processing technicians. These organizations all offer recognizable credentials with professional benefits.

Students who have graduated from a reputable organization will be able to sit for these credentialing exams. Candidates with work experience but no formal education can also qualify.

Upon certification, professionals must continue to pay their yearly fees and complete 12 continuing education credits each year to maintain their credentials via the HSPA. The CBSPD requires renewal every 5 years.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina

All of the schools below offer excellent training programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians in South Carolina.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

To become a top-earning sterile processing technician in South Carolina, candidates need to earn an annual average salary of around $81,978. This is usually possible for those who have been on the job for a while and have optimized their location, work environment, and professional credentials, among other key factors.

For those who are just in the process of doing these things, you may fall among the lowest earners or the median earners.

The lowest-paid sterile processing technicians in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $46,636, while the median earners earn $61,831, according to Indeed.

As for locations with the highest averages for professionals in this field in the state, we have Columbia, with an annual average salary of $84,168; Aiken, with an annual average salary of $84,168; and Florence, with an annual average salary of $84,072.

Sterile processing technicians in Little River manage an annual average salary of $74,872.