A sterile processing technician is an integral part of the medical field. Working in doctors’ offices and hospitals, they clean and sterilize equipment and supplies.
Also known as central service technicians, they keep medical tools free from medical waste and sterilize them for any procedure, often disassembling and reassembling them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Without this crucial step, patients could develop an infection.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Indiana
1. Complete high school education
Find a sterile processing technician training program that will teach methods for cleaning and sterilizing instruments.
This training will also build your knowledge of microbiology and infection control processes.
2. Develop skills
The precise implementation of sterilization procedures often requires close attention to detail.
Communication is vital in preparing instruments for use, and suppliers and repair facilities are frequently contacted to ensure everything is in working order.
The working schedule can change depending on emergency procedures.
Critical thinking is necessary to adapt to quick changes.
Learn life-saving procedures.
Sterile processing technicians must know how to administer CPR and essential life support (BLS).
3. Gain Work Experience
Experiencing on-the-job training is invaluable in preparing for problems that could occur.
It can also help you familiarize yourself with the medical surroundings and how instruments and equipment are physically cared for.
Sterile processing technician programs can provide the means to gain the knowledge and experience needed to earn your certification.
4. Earn Certification
While work experience and a certificate are not required to apply for a job as a sterile processing technician, most employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited training program in Indiana.
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) provides Sterile Processing (SP) individuals with educational, professional development, certification, communication, and representation opportunities.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Indiana
In Indiana, sterile processing technicians are not required to be licensed.
However, they work under direct supervision by a licensed professional, usually a registered nurse.
In addition, central sterile processing departments are subjected to regular inspections, both internal and external.
Employers often require training and certificates to ensure one is up to the job.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the Surgical Technology program for entry-level students.
Classroom education and hands-on training prepare students to reach graduation after five semesters (approximately two years) on a full-time basis.
Experienced healthcare professionals teach classes, and an actual live operating room is used to familiarize people with clinical settings.
There are 45 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana, which makes it convenient for students wishing to enroll.
Prerequisite courses must be completed before admission can be processed.
These include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- English Composition
- Math Elective
- Medical Terminology
- Communications Elective
- Humanities Elective
The total cost of attendance is $21,710 for in-state students and $26,490 for out-of-state students.
Numerous financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and loans, are available.
Over 78% of all students are currently taking advantage of these programs.
However, the primary classes of Central Service Technicians can start at $3,746.
For help with financial aid questions, call 1-888-489-5463.
Purdue University
Purdue University has two accredited institutions in Indiana: Purdue West Lafayette and Purdue Fort Wayne.
Sterile Processing Technical Training consists of a self-study course with six progress tests and a final exam.
Students have up to one year to complete the course.
Four hundred hours of on-site training are required for HSPA certification, but Purdue does not provide this hands-on training.
It is recommended that students find this type of training locally before enrollment.
The Sterile Processing Technical Training program is available online or through an offline/correspondence course.
The standard tuition fee for the online course is $440.
However, this is only a starting fee and does not include materials, exams, room and board, or costs associated with on-site training fees.
Indiana University South Bend
The Sterile Processing Technician course at Indiana University is an online course that offers the opportunity to participate in clinical experience.
In addition to learning medical terminology, infection control, standards, and regulations are covered before entering the step-by-step procedures of the Sterile Processing Technician.
The enrollment cost is $2,795, and the instructional materials required for this course are included.
Provisional CRCST Certification consists of 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.
The course can be completed in twelve months.
For questions on financial aid or scheduling, call 855-520-6806.
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States |
| Purdue University | 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States |
| Indiana University South Bend | 1700 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, United States |
Salary
The average annual pay for a Sterile Processing Technician in the United States is $38,701.
This figure can change according to need and location.
As your experience grows, so will your salary.
An intermediate-level Sterile Processing technician (5-8 years) in Indiana may see a rise to $39,448, and a senior-level technician (over eight years) can make $41,096.
Specialized level Sterile Processing technicians can expect higher salaries.
Indiana’s growth estimate in this field over the next ten years is 7%.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Akron | $37,183 |
| Arlington | $37,421 |
| Bennington | $38,094 |
| Centerville | $37,421 |
| Elizabethtown | $36,469 |
| Gary | $39,601 |
| Greenville | $37,817 |
| Nashville | $36,509 |
| New Castle | $36,826 |
| Quincy | $36,628 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 30 | $42,130 | $20.25 | $52,100 | $30,270 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $40,630 | $19.54 | $49,710 | $33,840 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 100 | $41,800 | $20.1 | $54,340 | $29,670 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 120 | $39,840 | $19.15 | $53,290 | $32,310 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 750 | $43,460 | $20.9 | $58,050 | $35,960 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 50 | $40,110 | $19.29 | $50,900 | $27,040 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 120 | $40,560 | $19.5 | $57,140 | $28,500 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of taking an on-campus course instead of online?
Different certificates are available for Sterile Processing Technicians through the HSPA.
The 20 best certifications for sterile processing technicians are CSPM, CRSCT, CSPDT, and CST.
The most basic certificate is the CRCST.
If you are interested in expanding your career to include other aspects of Sterile processing, the on-campus environment can provide a more in-depth look into what the medical field offers.
Do you have to retake the certificate test each year?
An annual exam is required to keep your HSPA certificate active.
You must submit continuing education (CE) credits to renew your certification and pay a yearly renewal processing fee.
What are the annual fees for holding my license?
The annual renewal fee for a Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certificate is $50.
