Sterile processing techs are an indispensable part of the healthcare field.
They have a huge responsibility and that is to make sure that medical instruments are sterile, clean, and ready to be used for surgical procedures.
If you’re looking for a career in the healthcare field where you’ll be working behind the scenes in surgical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare establishments, a career as a sterile processing tech may be beneficial for you.
This guide will provide you with pertinent information on becoming a sterile processing technician, including schools in the state of Illinois that offer these programs.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois
Here are some steps to take if you are interested in becoming a sterile processing technician in Illinois:
Step 1: Acquire a High School Diploma
One of the first things you must do to jump-start your career as a sterile processing technician is to obtain a high school diploma.
All entry-level healthcare positions will require you to have a high school diploma, and a sterile processing technician is one of them.
Step 2: Enroll in a Program for Sterile Processing Technicians
Next, you’ll need to enroll in a sterile processing technician program.
There are many vocational schools and community colleges in the state of Illinois that offer sterile processing tech programs.
You’ll quickly find out that they can be completed in under a year.
When searching for the right program, make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Step 3: Complete the Program
Once you have officially enrolled in a program of your choice, you must complete the classroom portion and hands-on training.
The program will cover topics including medical terminology, physiology, infection control, and anatomy.
When you make it to hands-on training, you will practice sterilization techniques and learn the correct way to handle instruments.
Step 4: Acquire Certification
Even though Illinois does not make it mandatory for sterile processing technicians to obtain certification, many employers do prefer candidates to have it, and from an accrediting organization such as IAHCSMM or CBSPD.
By acquiring certification, it shows that you are competent and knowledgeable in the field.
This will also increase the number of job opportunities you receive.
To acquire a certificate, you‘ll need to pass an exam that can only be given by IAHCSMM or CBSPD.
Step 5: Apply for Job Openings
Finally, you can begin applying for jobs once you have completed all the required education and acquired a certificate.
You can find job openings via surgical centers, hospitals, dental offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois
Illinois doesn’t have a law requiring sterile processing technicians to be certified or licensed.
However, if you choose to become certified, you must first have a high school diploma or GED.
You should also complete a sterile processing technician training program.
Certification should be recognized by one of two professional organizations in the state: The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management.
Employers may also require candidates to undergo a background check and drug screening.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Illinois
Here is a list of schools in Illinois that offer sterile processing technician programs in Illinois:
College of DuPage
425 Farewell Blvd l Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 l 630-942-2800
One of the first schools to consider receiving an education is the College of DuPage.
The program here will prepare students in various areas to take on a role as a sterile processing tech
This program is 12 credit hours and can be completed in just one semester or one year.
The program is accredited by CAAHEP.
The cost of this program is $5,000 for students who are in the district.
In this program, students will learn the following:
- How to locate various areas of a central service department
- How to apply the right surgical terminology related to central services and surgery
- Compare various standards and regulations with the central service department
- Learning the difference between high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization
Harper College
1200 West Algonquin Rd l Palatine, IL 60067 l 847-925-6000
Harper College also offers a sterile processing tech program that is accredited by ABHES.
Students will complete the program in just nine months for a total of $6,000.
The goal of this program is similar to all other programs, which is to prepare students for a career in sterile processing using state-of-the-art equipment, techniques, and labs.
Some of the coursework available in this program are medical terminology, fundamentals of sterile processing, clinical application for sterile processing, intro to microbiology for sterile processing, and more.
Triton College
2000 5th Ave l River Grove, IL 60171 l 708-456-0300
The sterile processing tech program offered at Triton College is accredited by CAAHEP.
Students can complete this program in just one year.
Tuition for this program costs around $4,000 for those who are district.
The program will help prepare students to work in the department for sterile processing, whether it’s in a medical facility or hospital.
Students will learn how to provide support to patient care services in a healthcare setting.
Upon completion of this program, students will know how to successfully decontaminate, clean, inspect, sterilize, store, assemble, and package medical devices and equipment.
There are certain prerequisites students must meet for this program including:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must score at college level or higher on the reading and writing placement exam
- Placement exam scores cannot be older than two years
- Must pass a criminal background check
- All courses in the program must be completed with a C or better
- Students should complete all clinical and health requirements
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Illinois
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| College of DuPage | 425 Farewell Blvd l Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 |
| Harper College | 1200 West Algonquin Rd l Palatine, IL 60067 |
| Triton College | 2000 5th Ave l River Grove, IL 60171 |
Salary
As of September 2024, the average annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Illinois is $40,552.
However, the salary in the state for this profession can be as high as $50,402 and as low as $32,358, although most earners make between $36,263 and $45,708 per year.
The amount of salary can vary significantly depending on various things such as additional skills, experience, and education.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Illinois
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Annapolis | $35,954 |
| Arlington | $38,174 |
| Bellmont | $36,430 |
| Bloomingdale | $41,067 |
| Burbank | $41,543 |
| Chicago | $41,583 |
| Concord | $38,213 |
| Frankfort | $40,314 |
| Springfield | $38,451 |
| Teutopolis | $35,914 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 40 | $42,690 | $20.52 | $54,700 | $33,140 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 70 | $41,460 | $19.93 | $47,780 | $35,420 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 1,510 | $48,810 | $23.47 | $60,800 | $38,470 |
| Peoria, IL | 120 | $39,500 | $18.99 | $49,730 | $34,480 |
| Rockford, IL | 80 | $41,590 | $19.99 | $48,970 | $36,180 |
| Springfield, IL | 90 | $40,090 | $19.27 | $47,670 | $34,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sterile processing technicians in Illinois required to be certified?
No, Illinois does not have any laws that state sterile processing technicians must be certified.
However, employers prefer hiring technicians who are certified and have obtained their certification from either IAHCSMM or CBSPD.
What is the job outlook in Illinois for sterile processing technicians?
As claimed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in Illinois for sterile processing techs is extremely favorable.
The same also applies to the rest of the country.
The BLS expects employment in this profession to increase by 9% between the years 2020 and 2030.
Overall, this is much faster compared to the average growth rate in other occupations.
Does Illinois have any professional organizations for sterile processing technicians?
Yes, Illinois has a couple of professional organizations in the state for sterile processing technicians.
One of these organizations is the Illinois Central Service Association, and the other is ICSA, which provides continuing education, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
