A sterile processing technician plays a very important role in the healthcare industry.
Some of the responsibilities of a sterile processing technician include sterilizing and cleaning medical instruments and equipment in preparation for surgical procedures.
If you live in Florida and are interested in becoming a sterile processing technician, this guide is for you.
Continue reading to learn how to become a sterile processing tech and several schools in the state offer programs to educate you.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida
Here are some steps you can take to become a sterile processing tech in Florida:
Step 1: Receive High School Diploma
First, you need to complete high school as many employers will require you to have a high school diploma to work as a sterile processing technician.
You can also take additional courses such as medicine, chemistry, and biology to prepare you to become a sterile processing technician.
While you are still in high school, you can begin researching different sterile processing tech programs in your area to get an idea of what to expect.
Moreover, you may even apply to a program of your choice before you graduate high school.
Step 2: Select a Sterile Processing Technician Program
Your next step is to choose a sterile processing technician program online, at a training school, or a community college.
These programs typically range anywhere from ten weeks to 24 months, depending on the type of program you choose.
If you aren’t sure which program is right for you, consider reaching out to the institution to inquire about observing a class.
Step 3: Enroll in a Sterile Processing Tech Program
Certain requirements must be met to enroll in your chosen program.
For instance, you may need to complete an entrance exam as a requirement for some programs.
These entrance exams may help assess whether you have basic problem-solving skills and more.
Once you enter into a program, you will take various courses such as microbiology, cleaning and disinfection, inventory management, decontamination and sterilization, and more.
Step 4: Internship
It’s possible to apply for an internship while you are still enrolled in a program.
Taking advantage of an internship enables you to develop skills in the classroom and utilize your knowledge in the right environment.
Step 5: Earn Certification
While earning a certificate as a sterile processing technician in Florida isn’t a legal requirement, it’s highly recommended.
If you choose to go through with obtaining a certificate, two accrediting bodies provide these certificates.
One is CBSP, also known as the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, and the other is IAHCSMM, also known as the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management.
You can take an exam through either accredited body, which is then valid for five years.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida
There are no licensing requirements in Florida to become a sterile processing technician because the state doesn’t legally require workers to be certified.
However, you must meet certain legal and educational requirements in Florida to work as a sterile processing tech.
For instance, many employers will require you to have a high school diploma.
Although this isn’t required, it’s recommended that you complete a sterile processing technician training program.
By doing so, you can easily strengthen your job prospects.
This proves that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job effectively.
Moreover, since sterile processing techs are not required to obtain a state license, it’s important to note that most employers prefer to hire those who have obtained certification, including those from CBSPD or IAHCSMM.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Florida
The Florida Institute of Sterile Processing
7791 NW 46th St. Suite 328 l Doral, FL 33166
There are various options for those interested in sterile processing if you enroll in The Florida Institute of Sterile Processing.
The school offers both online and onsite options to suit your needs.
The tuition for this program is $1,300, including study materials, exams, workshops, and other fees.
Group discounts are also offered.
Students will take courses in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, roles and responsibilities, infection control, and more.
Miami Dade College
950 NW 20th St. l Miami, FL 33127 l 305-237-8888
Miami Dade College is another perfect option for those living in Florida pursuing a career as a sterile processing technician.
Miami Dade College has a program that will help prepare students as they enter the workforce for entry-level positions.
This program is best suited for those who are considering school on a full-time basis.
The cost for this program with all fees included is $1,418.64, for a total of 12 credit hours.
It should take students about a year to complete the program.
There are several areas of study within this program including central sterile processing tech, intro to healthcare lab, intro to healthcare, and central sterile services materials management.
Brewster Technical College
2222 N Tampa St. l Tampa, FL 33602 l 813-276-5448
Consider enrolling at Brewer Technical College in Tampa if you’re interested in becoming a sterile processing technician.
The cost for this program is $2,245 and takes about seven months to complete.
By enrolling in this program, graduates will be well-prepared to take the IAHCSMM certification exam.
Students will complete a total of 24 quizzes, 6 tests, and 400 hours of hands-on experience.
Students will learn how to disinfect, clean, assemble, inspect, and sterilize surgical instruments.
Atlantic Technical College
4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy l Coconut Creek, FL 33063 l 754-287-1718
Atlantic Technical College also offers an accredited sterile processing technician program that can be completed in as little as six months, for a total of 650 hours.
Students have the option of taking this program in person or hybrid.
The program is designed to help train and prepare students to enter the workforce as sterile processing technicians in various settings, including hospitals and outpatient settings.
4 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Florida
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Florida Institute of Sterile Processing | 7791 NW 46th St. Suite 328 l Doral, FL 33166 |
| Miami Dade College | 950 NW 20th St. l Miami, FL 33127 |
| Brewster Technical College | 2222 N Tampa St. l Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Atlantic Technical College | 4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy l Coconut Creek, FL 33063 |
Salary
Certified sterile processing technicians in Florida make an average of $37,640 per year.
However, most earn anywhere between $33,332 and $42,119.
It’s possible for the salary to increase as much as $46,197 in Florida or as low as $29,410 per year.
The actual salary one makes depends on several factors, including certificates, additional skills, education, and others.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Florida
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Beverly Hills | $35,637 |
| Bowling Green | $37,341 |
| Clearwater | $37,381 |
| Daytona Beach | $35,993 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $38,293 |
| Greensboro | $35,478 |
| Hollywood | $38,293 |
| La Crosse | $35,795 |
| Miami | $38,253 |
| Orange City | $36,509 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 130 | $42,550 | $20.46 | $51,630 | $35,640 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 130 | $38,110 | $18.32 | $43,470 | $34,330 |
| Gainesville, FL | 120 | $47,030 | $22.61 | $47,730 | $36,400 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 320 | $41,790 | $20.09 | $52,840 | $31,550 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 90 | $39,260 | $18.87 | $49,880 | $32,040 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 890 | $42,710 | $20.54 | $58,050 | $31,800 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 50 | $45,830 | $22.03 | $61,090 | $30,820 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 200 | $44,110 | $21.21 | $56,560 | $29,390 |
| Ocala, FL | 70 | $37,900 | $18.22 | $50,390 | $34,430 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 450 | $42,050 | $20.22 | $51,790 | $34,110 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 90 | $37,240 | $17.9 | $48,210 | $32,140 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 100 | $41,020 | $19.72 | $55,230 | $27,500 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 50 | $47,430 | $22.81 | $58,440 | $38,210 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 630 | $42,880 | $20.62 | $53,020 | $31,730 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best cities in Florida to find sterile processing technician jobs?
Surprisingly, Florida ranks among the top four states when it comes to sterile processing technician jobs.
Some cities in the state that offer the most opportunities for this career are Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Gainesville.
What types of certifications are available to sterile processing techs working in Florida?
If you live in Florida, you have the option to become certified through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, as they provide introductory certification for sterile processing staff.
You can also receive certification through IAHCSMM at the following levels, including:
- Entry-level
- Endoscope processing
- Secondary instrumentation
- Central service management and service vendor certification
Does Florida require sterile processing technicians to be certified?
No, certification is not required in Florida if you want to work as a sterile processing technician.
However, by completing a program, you will find that employers find you more impressive.
