Louisiana sterile processing technicians have an important indirect role in the care and safety of patients.
They perform important duties for surgical teams and other medical teams.
Sterile processing technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings.
They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and physician’s offices.
They also work in dentist’s offices.
Louisiana sterile processing technician programs provide the education and training that prepares students for entry-level jobs.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana
Students complete several steps to become qualified to work as sterile processing technicians.
Employers often require job applicants to show proof that they completed each step.
Some of these steps are also required for career advancement.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or a GED
Louisiana sterile processing technicians are required to have a high school diploma.
Earning a general equivalency diploma (GED) is acceptable to become a sterile processing technician in Louisiana.
Step 2: Develop the Traits of Sterile Processing Technicians.
Developing the traits of sterile processing technicians is likely to help people who want to work in the field when they apply for jobs.
It also helps when they want to advance their career.
The traits that are important for sterile processing technicians to have include attention to detail, organizational skills, and stamina to stand for long periods.
They also need to have analytical reasoning skills, multitasking skills, and problem-solving skills.
Step 3: Complete a Louisiana Sterile Processing Technician Program
People who want to work in the medical field without having to spend several years in college or medical school can complete a sterile processing technician program within a few months.
Providing employers with a certificate from a Louisiana sterile processing program likely leads to graduates standing out among other applicants, or others applying for career advancement.
Step 4: Obtain a Certification
Obtaining certification as a sterile processing technician gives job applicants a boost in their job search or their desire to advance their career.
The certification helps sterile processing technicians in Louisiana to have the needed knowledge and skills for their careers.
It helps them to manage their duties in a responsible, safe, and effective manner.
Louisiana sterile processing technician programs prepare students to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam.
The required continuing education helps sterile processing technicians stay knowledgeable of the best practices, the latest standards, and the latest technology.
Step 5: Gain Experience
Gaining experience as an entry-level sterile processing technician paves the way for career advancement.
Experienced sterile processing technicians in Louisiana may advance their careers by applying for supervisor positions.
They may choose to work in a specialty area, such as surgery preparation.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana does not have licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians.
They must have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Employers have their requirements for their sterile processing technicians.
Applicants need to make sure that they have those educational requirements and skills.
Some examples may include completing a sterile processing technician program and obtaining a certification.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana has several sterile processing technician programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions.
Students should review the programs and decide which best meets their needs and goals.
Centenary College of Louisiana
The Centenary College of Louisiana Sterile Processing Technician program is a 100 percent online program.
The program prepares students to work as sterile processing technicians.
It prepares them to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam.
Students receive a voucher to cover the cost of the exam.
Coursework in the 12-month program covers things like the role of sterile processing technicians, the regulations and standards for the profession, and best practices.
Some courses include Introduction to Sterilization, Instrumentation Identification, Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation, and Decontamination and Workplace Safety.
Students may enroll in the program at any time throughout the year.
University of Louisiana Lafayette
The University of Louisiana Lafayette offers an online sterile processing technician course.
Students train for entry-level sterile processing technician jobs.
The school provides a voucher for students to sit for the certification exam.
The exam is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Students learn a professional skill set, basic procedures, and best practices for sterile processing technicians.
They learn inventory management, documentation, and compliance.
Some program courses include Instrumentation Identification, Tray Assembly, Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation, and Decontamination and Workplace Safety.
The program features open enrollment.
It requires 190 course hours over 12 months.
The 2024-2025 program cost is $2,795.
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge Community College offers its one-semester, six-credit hour Sterile Processing Basics Course Career and Technical Certificate program to qualified students in the fall and spring semesters.
The school indicates that the curriculum is based on the recommendations and standards set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
The curriculum includes Sterile Processing Basics and Introduction to Health Professions.
Program outcomes include that students should be able to display responsible habits, and communicate effectively with surgical processing and surgical teams.
They must also demonstrate the safe handling of reusable medical devices.
Students who complete the course are eligible to sit for the certification exam.
The tuition for the 2024 school year is $225.89 per credit hour.
Sowela Technical Community College
Sowela Technical Community College offers an 18-credit Sterile Processing Technology Certificate program.
Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Technical Studies in Sterile Processing Technology.
Some courses include Introduction to Sterile Processing, Sterile Processing Concepts, and Sterile Processing Concepts Application.
Students also complete a practicum.
Students meet the requirements to sit for the certification exam.
Delgado Community College
The Delgado Community College Central Sterile Processing Certificate of Technical Studies program prepares students for entry-level careers.
It is a 22-credit-hour, two-semester program.
Some courses in the program include Introduction to Surgical Instrumentation, Central Processing, and Microbiology for Surgical Technicians.
Southern University at Shreveport
The Sterile Processing Technician program at the Southern University of Shreveport is a 27-credit hour program.
Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Technical Studies.
Some courses in the program include Introduction to Sterile Processing and Distribution, Surgical Instruments, and Sterile Processing Practicum.
The 2024-2025 tuition is $660 per credit hour.
6 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Louisiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Centenary College of Louisiana | 2911 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport, LA 71104, United States |
| University of Louisiana Lafayette | 104 E University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States |
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, United States |
| Sowela Technical Community College | 3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615, United States |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States |
| Southern University at Shreveport | 3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107, United States |
Salary
Students who work in Louisiana can work in a state where the site salary.com indicates that the average salary for sterile processing technicians is $37,698.
The experience and location where sterile processing technicians work are likely to affect their salary.
Sterile processing technicians who work in Hammond earn an average salary of $37,579.
The average salary for sterile processing technicians who work in New Orleans is $38,253.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Louisiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alexandria | $34,725 |
| Arcadia | $35,637 |
| Baton Rouge | $37,658 |
| Belmont | $36,033 |
| Centerville | $35,835 |
| Columbia | $35,399 |
| Dupont | $34,606 |
| Georgetown | $34,408 |
| Independence | $37,341 |
| New Iberia | $35,914 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 90 | $38,980 | $18.74 | $48,850 | $28,880 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 110 | $39,520 | $19 | $46,520 | $30,460 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 70 | $36,740 | $17.66 | $44,040 | $29,680 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there is faster than average job growth expected for sterile processing technicians for the next several years.
How long do Louisiana sterile processing technician programs last?
The length of a sterile processing technician program in Louisiana depends on the specific school.
It also depends on the type of program, such as whether the program is a short-term course, or if it is a technical certificate program.
Are there advancement opportunities for Louisiana sterile processing technicians?
Gaining experience as a sterile processing technician can lead to advancement opportunities.
Earning a certification is another way to have career advancement opportunities.
