How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska (Certification Programs & Salary Guide)

Even in the Last Frontier of Alaska, sterile processing technicians are still the first line of defense when it comes to keeping equipment clean and sterilized.

While Alaska is one of the top-paying states for sterile processing techs, there’s unique information about the state that you should know before pursuing this career.

Most of the jobs in Alaska are centered around the Anchorage area, with a handful more around Juneau.

It’s also important to note that while sterile processing is a great career path, 86% of the cities in Alaska cannot be accessed by road.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska

Becoming a sterile processing technician has the same general steps nationwide, but let’s look at how to pursue this path in Alaska.

Step 1: Complete High School

Most sterile processing jobs and higher education programs require a high school degree or the GED equivalent.

Try to focus on courses like math, chemistry, technology, and biology if you’re still working your way through high school.

Step 2: Work Toward a Sterile Processing Certificate

While Alaska is one of many states that doesn’t require certification to be a sterile processing technician, most healthcare entities will require either having the certificate at the time of hire or within a year of being hired.

Whether you choose to go after an entry-level job and get certification training on the job or go through various levels of education first, a certificate should be in your career plan.

The two most valuable certifications are the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HPSA) and the SPD Technician Certification Exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Step 3: Take a Sterile Processing Certificate Program or Diploma Program

While this can happen in tandem with Step 2, those who don’t have a lot of knowledge about sterile processing or medical terms might find taking continuing education courses helpful.

Educational options include everything from 6 to 12 weeks of certification training to 12 months of learning through various sterile processing diploma programs.

Step 4: Get Hands-On Experience

Most certifications expect candidates to have clinical experience.

While passing the certification exam is important, it’s just part of the process.

For example, the CRCST requires 400 hours of hands-on training in the previous five years before the exam or within six months of taking the exam.

Step 5: Look for Sterile Processing Jobs

You could also move this into the Number 2 spot, as some employers will hire you with no experience while paying for or helping with the costs of a sterile processing course.

Expect any employer who foots the education bill to expect a commitment on your end, which could be one year of full-time employment.

Step 6: Consider Advanced Certifications

Once you have a year or two of experience, you can consider additional sterile processing certifications, like endoscopy, management, or instrument specialist.

The more certificates you hold, the more desirable you will be as an employee.

Plus, it opens the door to potential higher-salaried travel sterile processing tech jobs down the road.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska

As noted earlier, Alaska doesn’t have requirements for sterile processing technicians.

This is fairly standard nationwide, with all but six states having legislation in place with more rigorous requirements.

However, even in those six states, the requirements pretty much fall in line with what most healthcare facilities would expect from sterile processing employees.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Alaska

Alaska offers two paths to learn about sterile processing, but neither is the traditional way you would find in the lower 48.

First, you can get a degree in surgical technology, which covers the sterile processing aspect but offers more advanced coursework for those who want to eventually be a surgical tech.

University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage offers the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology as part of a two-year program.

To obtain the degree, you’ll need 66 credits in a defined program list of courses.

Keep in mind that a surgical technologist is a step up from the sterile processing technician position.

Alaska Apprenticeship Program

Second, and probably the most viable, is the Alaska Apprenticeship program.

As an apprentice, you’ll work in the sterile processing profession, getting hands-on experience and a paycheck while learning everything that a college course would cover.

For example, Foundation Health Partners has apprenticeships that last a (required) year and partners with Purdue University for coursework.

In addition to 144 hours of education, you’ll get 2,000 hours of training while you’re working.

Salary for Sterile Processing Technicians in Alaska

According to Salary.com, the average pay for a sterile processing technician in Alaska is $43,168.

The bottom 10% of sterile processing techs make around $34,500, and the top 10% make almost $54,000.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics classified this job as a Medical Equipment Preparer and listed the average salary at $55,000 as of May 2023.

In Anchorage, the mean wage was $58,000, with the non-metro areas averaging $49,550.

That’s according to BLS. Salary.com has Anchorage wages at a median of $43,684.

Also, Alaska doesn’t have a state income tax.

However, it’s important to consider that the cost of living in Alaska is also 23% higher than the national average.

Regional Salary