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

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, which means healthcare needs are growing, too.

That bodes well for the growing demand for sterile processing technicians.

But how do you get into the sterile processing field in the Grand Canyon State?

First, it helps to understand what a sterile processing technician does and why it’s a great career for someone to find entry-level or minimum-education jobs in the healthcare sector.

A sterile processing tech sometimes called a central service technician, is tasked with taking tools and equipment from surgeries and procedures and making them clean and sterile for the next use.

While the field appears easy to get into, there is some important information you need to know.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arizona

Becoming a sterile processing technician is pretty standard in any state.

Step 1: Graduate from High School

Most jobs and education available for sterile processing technicians are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

It helps to have a strong background in technology, science, chemistry, and math.

In Arizona, most age requirements start at 18 years old, with 21 years old preferred.

Step 2: Check Vaccination Requirements

Whether you’re heading to class, work, or apprenticeship, expect there to be vaccination requirements.

This could include Hepatitis B, Flu, Pneumonia, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, just to name a few.

Check the potential exemption for religious, medical, or philosophical reasons if that applies to you.

Step 3: Get Certified

Getting certified through an accredited agency like the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

You can tackle this one of two ways.

First, look for certification courses or diploma programs online that range from six weeks to a year.

Costs, requirements, and coursework vary depending on how rigorous the curriculum is.

Step 4: Get Experience

This is another aspect of becoming a sterile processing technician that can happen in one of several ways in Arizona.

Certifications will require you to have a certain number of hours of hands-on experience.

That can be archived through apprenticeships, internships, and externships.

It can also be obtained by taking a paying job, such as an associate sterile processing tech, and learning on the job.

Step 5: Get a Job in Sterile Processing

Whether you get this job right out of high school as Step 2, or get an education and a certificate before you start the job search, you’ll need to apply for jobs in sterile processing.

Be sure your cover letter and resume detail your experience in STEM subjects, educational history, and volunteer work.

Note if you have certification or want to achieve it within a year of landing a new sterile processing tech job.

You might find a healthcare system that will help pay for the certification or offer paid hours for you to take continuing education courses.

Step 6: Consider Expanded Certifications

As you get comfortable in the role, look to challenge yourself by learning about endoscopy, ambulatory surgery, or leadership in sterile processing, just to name a few examples.

The more certificates you have, the more in demand you will be.

Plus, the more certified and experienced sterile processing technicians can get a great pay increase by becoming a traveling healthcare employee.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arizona

Arizona is not one of the states that require licenses, certifications, or minimum requirements to become a sterile processing technician.

While the legislation was considered in 2010, it never made it out of a legislative committee.

Do not let the lack of a license or certification requirement deter you from obtaining one.

Healthcare organizations generally will require the basic certification upon hire, within a year of hire, and then renewal every year.

Expect there to be continuing education credit requirements annually as well. Be sure to add that to your list of interview questions.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Arizona

Not all sterile processing technician programs are made the same.

Don’t let the tuition give you sticker shock if you see great differences between the two.

As noted earlier, some programs are designed JUST to get the certificate, while others are more like getting a diploma in a specific field or being part of an Associate’s Degree program.

Also to reiterate, some programs will list the program as a Central Services Technician, which does include sterile processing education.

Brookline College

In Tempe, near Phonix, Brookline College offers a 42-week Sterile Processing Technician Program.

A Tucson location is also available.

I especially like that this program includes an externship that gives real-world experience while adding to the hours of requirements for certification.

I can also offer you a tip here when researching. While Brookline College won’t tell you the tuition costs upfront, or before you have to give out personal information, the Arizona Job Connection website is more forthcoming with that information.

According to AZ Job Connection, the cost of tuition is around $14,500, with that amount covering two sets of scrubs to wear in clinics, the testing fee for certification (about a $150 value), and e-books.

A Chromebook is priced separately at $485.

You will also need to be certified in CPR to take this program.

East Valley Institute of Technology

Across the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, East Valley Institute of Technology offers a sterile processing program.

To me, this program stands out because when completed, you’ll be able to sit for the CRCST entry-level exam, but also the CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist) exam.

Plus, East Valley Institute of Technology offers a 600-hour intense hands-on program that lasts four months.

Classes are held in the evening four nights a week, generally Monday through Thursday.

Each class runs 4.5 hours, from 4 pm to 8:30 pm.

Students also get involved in clinical rotations, which will help them achieve the required hours needed in addition to passing the certification exams.

Plan for those rotations to last eight-hour days.

The program tuition is around $6,900 as of late 2024 with around $900 in fees for supplies and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Coconino Community College

Rounding out the state in Northern Arizona, Coconino Community College has a sterile processing program as well.

However, this program is one of the standard training programs that can be found at community colleges and technical colleges nationwide.

The program is based online, with a self-paced curriculum that only requires you to complete it within a year.

The course covers 190 hours of work.

The list price is $3,290, but I frequently see this listed with a discount that brings the total to $3,795.

You will have the option to take part in clinical work, but ask more about that possibility before enrolling.

This course is designed to prepare you for the CRCST exam through HSPA.

Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Arizona

We go to Salary.com to get the updated salary data for sterile processing technicians in Arizona.

The median wage is $38,610, which is about $18.56 an hour.

The lowest 10% make $30,800 and the top 90% make $48,000.

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