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

Sterile processing technicians are crucial to the medical team in supporting medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and others.

A sterile processing tech, or central service technician, is responsible for safely sterilizing everything used for medical practice.

Candidates who’ve dreamed of working in the healthcare industry in a caregiving role that supports the medical team in surgical and medical environments, with the ability to provide care but with less direct patient interaction and communication, here could be your vocation.

Sterile processing technicians are responsible for preparing, cleaning, and sterilizing medical instruments, tools, equipment, and supplies and ensuring proper cleanliness.

The position is a fantastic way to enter and succeed in medicine.

Sterile processing techs’ expertise in maintaining a sterile environment and preventing patient infections is vital, and candidates have a range of career opportunities working in healthcare facilities, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Laboratories
• Surgical centers
• Ambulatory care centers
• Doctors’ offices
• Dentist practices
• Veterinary clinics

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine

There are no mandatory certifications or licenses for sterile processing technicians in Maine.

However, many employers favor candidates with certifications like Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

Education

Candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent.

That said, many employers seek candidates with the experience and training required to complete a sterile processing technician training program.

Moreover, they provide expertise and professional recommendations, which are tremendous assets in the job market.

Certification

Certifying bodies include the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD), which provides the exams for the Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT).

While certification isn’t mandatory in Maine, it’s highly suggested because employers prefer certificates that can prove experience and knowledge.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Maine

1. Gain experience: Most certification organizations require practical field experience, often called a clinical or externship opportunity, in addition to completing a training program. During this period, candidates can apply the knowledge and skills learned in a real-world environment.
2. Prep for the certification exam: Once candidates have finished the training program and have completed their practical experience component, the next step is to prepare for the certification exam by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of sterile processing techniques, infection control, equipment handling, and other processes.
3. Sit the exam: The exam is generally administered at designated testing centers or offered in a computer (or paper)–based format.
4. Maintain certification: Once a candidate has successfully passed the certification exam and obtained certification (congratulations!), it’s crucial to maintain it by renewing it through continuing education units (CEUs). This helps candidates stay current with the field’s latest practices and advancements.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Maine

Eastern Maine Community College

In this program, candidates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a certified surgical technician:

• Use of proper medical terminology.
• An understanding of physiology and surgical anatomy in the perioperative position of surgical processes tech.
• Basic knowledge of the concepts of pharmacology.
• Theoretical and practical mastery of surgical aseptic techniques, procedures, and patient care.
• Students will sit for the national boards for the Certification in Surgical Technology before graduating,

Education Goals

Candidates will learn about appropriate instrumentation, medical terminology, procedural measures, and aseptic techniques.

Students also learn the basic measurements for dosage and drug calculations and utilize safe handling procedures for drugs and solutions.

Students learning surgical technology skills will also gain a basic understanding of human physiology and surgical anatomy through their course of study.

Contact Information

• Eastern Maine Community College
• 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine
• (207) 974-4600 | 1-800-286-9357
• https://www.emcc.edu/academics/programs/programs-of-study/surgical-technology/

Southern Maine Community College

Accreditation: The MMC School of Surgical Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.CAAHEP.org).

SMCC is fully accredited as a post-secondary educational institution by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Students will acquire the following skill sets:

• Provide safe care in a surgical setting.
• Function as an integral part of a surgical team.
• Demonstrate aseptic techniques.
• Practice as a surgical technologist in multiple clinical settings.
• Sit the national certification examination for surgical technologists.

Contact Information

Two campus locations:

South Portland Campus

• Address: 2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106
• Phone: 207-741-5500

Midcoast Campus

• 29 Sewall Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011
• Phone: 207-844-2102
• Website: https://www.smccme.edu/academics/pathways/health-sciences/surgical-technology-associate-degree/

NHTI – Concord’s Community College

Considering the New England area as a region, New Hampshire is family.

This bears mention since NHTI, which began in 1965 as the New Hampshire Technical Institute, changed its current name in 2008.

This educational institution emphasizes course offerings in alignment with a Community College.

They offer a 100% online course that supports candidates as they begin their studies and work toward success as certified sterile processing technicians.

In only 12 months or less, NHTI prepares students for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Curriculum

• Medical Terminology
• Sterile Processing Technician
  • Ancillary Department Support
  • Essential Components for a Successful Career
  • Exam Preparation

Contact Information

• Address: 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301
• Phone: 603-230-4000
• Website: https://www.nhti.edu/about/about-nhti/

Salary

The typical pay for a sterile processing technician in the great state of Maine in 2024 is $38,570.

Most sterile processing techs take home between $34,491 and $43,474, depending on experience, special skills, education, and certifications.

Regional Salary