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

Does a career in healthcare sound appealing to you, but you just aren’t sure which one is right for you?

Perhaps a career as a sterile processing technician fits the bill.

The job of a sterile processing tech deals with ensuring the safety of medical equipment.

You will be in charge of sterilizing, cleaning, and packaging medical equipment and instruments that are used for surgery.

In this guide, you will learn how to become a sterile processing technician, particularly if you reside in Georgia.

You will be provided with a step-by-step guide, in addition to licensing requirements and schools in Georgia that offer sterile processing technician programs.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia

Here are a few steps to follow to become a successful sterile processing technician in Georgia:

Step 1: Ensure you Meet the Educational Requirements

To begin working as a sterile processing technician in Georgia, you can begin by ensuring that you meet the educational requirements.

To do this, you must make sure that you have at least a high school diploma.

In addition, you should consider taking various courses in high school, including anatomy, biology, and medical terminology, as these will ensure you’re prepared for the certification exam.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Work Experience

Following the completion of your education, you should consider obtaining the necessary work experience, particularly in a healthcare setting.

For example, you could consider working as a medical assistant or nursing assistant in a clinic or hospital.

Step 3: Enroll in a Sterile Processing Technician Program

Next, you’ll need to enroll in a sterile processing tech program of your choice.

However, the program that you choose must be accredited by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management or Sterile Processing and Distribution.

The majority of these programs are mainly offered by technical schools or community colleges and typically take several years to 12 months to complete.

Step 4: Take & Pass the Certification Exam

After you’ve completed a sterile processing technician program, you must then take and pass the certification exam if you want to become a certified sterile processing technician.

The exam is managed by the IAHCSMM or the CBSPD.

The exam is a written test that will cover a variety of topics including sterilization, infection control, and medical terminology.

Step 5: Sustain Certification

Finally, once you’ve earned your certificate, it doesn’t end there.

You must do your part by maintaining your certification as a sterile processing technician.

This means that every year you must complete continuing education courses.

These courses can be taken online or through seminars or conferences.

In addition, your certification must be renewed every two years.

You can do this by submitting a renewal application along with the required fee.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia

Sterile processing technicians in Georgia are not legally required to obtain a license, although it is recommended, as this is one of the things that many employers look for.

Certainly, having the necessary certificate can improve your job prospects.

While technicians are required to have a license, you will be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The most recognized certificates for sterile processing techs in the state of Georgia are the CRCST also known as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician, and the IAHCSMM, known as the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management.

Furthermore, certain employers may have you undergo a background check, drug screening, and receive certain immunizations.

If you do choose to earn your certificate, you will be required to keep it active by undergoing continuing education.

This may include attending workshops, continuing education credits, or a combination of both.

To earn your certification as a sterile processing technician you should:

• Begin by researching various certification programs
• Verify the eligibility requirements to ensure that you meet them
• Enroll yourself in a training program
• Receive the necessary experience
• Apply for the certification exam
• Pass the exam
• Maintain your certificate

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Georgia

Gwinnett Technical College

5150 Sugarloaf Parkway l Lawrenceville, GA 30043 l 770-962-7580G

Gwinnett Technical College should be considered as they offer a sterile processing technician program that can be completed in as little as two semesters.

If you are an in-state student, tuition for this program costs around $2,300, which equals out to $107 per credit hour.

This program is excellent for those looking for preparation and an introduction to a career in this field.

The courses provided in this program are technical and well-rounded.

Students will study rules and regulations in addition to various techniques that help keep surgical patients safe.

Albany Technical College

1704 S. Slappey Blvd l Albany, GA 31701 l 229-430-3500

Albany Technical College also offers a sterile processing technician program that allows students to complete it in just two semesters.

The cost of this program for in-state students is $3,000.

This program is designed to provide those interested with entry-level training to help prepare them following graduation for a career as a sterile processing technician.

Students will take various courses including medical terminology for allied health sciences, basic psychology, and interpersonal relations and professional development.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

4089 Val Tech Rd l Valdosta, GA 31602 l 229-333-2129

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College also offers a program for those interested in becoming a sterile processing technician.

This program can also be completed in as little as two semesters for a total cost of $2,000 for residents of Georgia.

This program prepares students for entry-level training in preparation to function properly in the sterile processing department.

The program consists of both clinician and theory instruction.

Students will take several curriculum courses, including medical terminology for allied health sciences, interpersonal relations and professional development, and central sterile supply processing technician.

Salary

As of September 2024, sterile processing technicians working in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $38,332.

However, sterile processing technicians can earn anywhere between $30,587 and $47,643.

Many factors can determine the salary one is paid, such as certificates, education, skills, and experience.

Regional Salary