Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin

There are several things to keep in mind when starting a career as a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin. Individuals have to consider the kinds of training programs they would like to attend and how much time they would like to spend on their education.

They must also consider other key aspects necessary for employment and career opportunities, including certification. To help them avoid overwhelm, we have provided comprehensive resources below that cover everything an individual needs to know to become a successful sterile processing technician in Wisconsin. The guide includes preparatory steps, educational options, specific programs to consider, and annual salary ranges based on a few key factors.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Wisconsin

Below is the best way to launch a successful sterile processing technician career in Wisconsin:

Step 1: Basic Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is the foundational requirement to become a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin. This is not only necessary to secure admission into the best training programs across the state, but also vital for pursuing certification and even job placement.

Step 2: Finishing an Academic Program

The most popular sterile processing technician training programs are usually designed to help candidates build skills while also preparing them for certification. However, these programs can take many forms, including online or on-campus study.

They can also lead to a certificate (which can be completed in a few months) or to an associate degree (which can be completed in 2 years).

In an upcoming section, we provide suitable alternatives for candidates seeking programs that meet one or more of these criteria.

Step 3: Finishing an Internship

It is possible to become a sterile processing technician by studying on the job. However, candidates who combine both academic and on-the-job training through an internship are usually better placed for career success.

An internship can also lead to direct job placement.

Step 4: Career Growth & Continuing Education

A career as a sterile processing technician can lead to several opportunities. Individuals can use this as a starting point to eventually secure employment as surgical technicians, surgical technologists, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and registered nurses.

Certification is also important, and we take a look at this aspect of the journey below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The most common certification to pursue for sterile processing technicians in Wisconsin is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). While it is not compulsory to pursue this credential or any other certification for that matter, it is still very important.

It is important because those who are certified are usually able to secure employment faster and with better establishments. Additionally, certification is highly valuable for networking and continuing education, which often lead to rapid career advancement.

Another organization with a reputable credential is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Licensing is also not compulsory for sterile processing technicians in Wisconsin.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Residents of Wisconsin may consider any of the schools below for robust sterile processing education.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Milwaukee

Salary & Career Outlook

A sterile processing technician in Wisconsin can start their career with an annual average salary of $74,835 if they are in the middle of the earnings distribution. Some have to begin at the bottom 10%, in which case they will earn an annual average salary of $61,214, according to Indeed.

The highest-paid in the top 10% can earn at least $91,486 per year.

The highest-paid usually get there by optimizing their workplace, experience, professional credentials, and location. Regarding the last point, Green Bay is where sterile processing technicians earn the highest average salary in Wisconsin, at $90,515.

Those who work in La Crosse and Milwaukee are second and third. They earn annual average salaries of $82,893 and $81,446, respectively.