Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Utah

One of the most important steps for someone aspiring to become a sterile processing technician is to familiarize themselves with the profession’s core responsibilities. Candidates must also understand the right steps to take, not only for their education but also for other optimizable factors such as certifications and continuing education.

Below, we provide a detailed guide to launching a career as a sterile processing technician in Utah. Readers will become familiar with the preparatory steps before education, possible educational routes, and the best training programs.

They will also understand how much they can earn over their careers and how to improve their salaries.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Utah

The following steps are required to become a sterile processing technician in Utah.

Step 1: Preparing for Academic Training

There are a few steps individuals should keep in mind when preparing for a sterile processing technician program in Utah. Among them is having a high school diploma or GED and being willing to complete a criminal background check.

Many programs will also require proof of vaccination. These requirements are also sometimes required by certification organizations.

Step 2: Completing a Formal Program

Utah has numerous community colleges and technical institutions that offer sterile processing training. However, these programs are usually structured differently.

Some programs are offered online, others in person, and others adopt a hybrid approach. Some programs are non-credit courses; others lead to certificates and diplomas; still others lead to an associate degree.

Of course, those who want faster education will be more drawn to self-guided online programs. We provide suitable options for consideration in the next section.

Step 3: Graduation & Practical Experience

Sterile processing technicians require technical skills and practical experience. This can be obtained in a few ways, but the most direct and popular is to complete an internship.

Training institutions typically include an internship in their curriculum; those that don’t may still offer optional internships.

Step 4: Job Placement & Career Growth

Finally, with the right level of overall training, candidates can begin applying for open sterile processing technician positions in Utah. Certification is one of the best ways to boost employment opportunities, as we explore in more detail in the upcoming section.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in Utah

Licensure & Certification Requirements

There are no licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians in Utah. Candidates can receive training and secure employment.

However, employers across the state typically prefer to work with certified sterile processing technicians rather than non-certified technicians. This is because certification promotes professionalism and, to a large extent, serves as proof of expertise.

Sterile processing technicians in Utah who wish to be certified can choose from credentials offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution.

The steps to become certified by either organization are to have the required education or work experience, register for the certification examination, and pass it.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Utah

The schools below have excellent training programs for future sterile processing technicians in Utah.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Utah by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Salt Lake City

Salary & Career Outlook

Most sterile processing technicians in Utah earn a median annual salary of $46,691, according to Indeed. However, it is also possible to earn more or less than these amounts, depending on a few factors.

Some of these factors include experience, location, professional credentials, work environment, and employer type. On the positive side, candidates can earn an annual average salary of $63,855 in the top 10% bracket.

At the lower end, they can still earn an average annual salary of $34,141, even in the bottom 10%.

Concerning location, the places with the highest averages concerning annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Utah are:

• Oquirrh, with an annual average salary of $80,491;
• Orem, with an annual average salary of $71,051; and
• Salt Lake City has an annual average salary of $51,900.