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

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the expected job growth rate for sterile processing technicians is faster than average, compared to other occupations, through at least 2033.

Completing a Massachusetts sterile processing technician program can improve job opportunities for job applicants and those looking for career advancement.

Sterile processing technician programs focus on giving students the skills and knowledge that they need for entry-level jobs.

Massachusetts sterile processing technicians are sometimes called medical equipment preparers, or central processing technicians.

They are likely to have great career opportunities.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Massachusetts

Completing the steps to become a Massachusetts sterile processing technician prepares people to work in a career that does not require going to medical school or earning a college degree.

Knowing the steps helps students and others interested in the career to understand the requirements for sterile processing programs in Massachusetts.

It also helps them to understand the requirements when they apply for a job.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Massachusetts sterile processing technician programs require students to have a high school diploma.

Schools and employers accept a general equivalency diploma (GED) as proof of a high school education.

Step 2: Develop the Character Traits of Sterile Processing Technicians

Massachusetts sterile processing technicians need more than technical skills.

They need to demonstrate organizational skills, multitasking skills, and analytical reasoning skills.

Sterile processing technicians need to have the stamina to stand for long periods or to walk throughout the day.

They need to be detail-oriented and need to have excellent communication skills.

Step 3: Enroll in a Massachusetts Sterile Processing Technician Program

The Massachusetts schools that offer a sterile processing technician program have their requirements for admission.

Some sterile processing technicians in Massachusetts may have several requirements for applicants to complete before the school accepts them into the program.

Some other schools may have fewer program acceptance requirements.

Consider the format of the program.

Some programs are offered online, while others are offered in a face-to-face format.

Students need to check the time commitment that is required for completing the program.

Determining which Massachusetts sterile processing program offers the best option is important for many students

Check things like how many days of the week students attend classes and the length of the program.

Step 4: Obtain a Nationally Recognized Certification

Obtaining a certification is important for job applicants who want to have the best chance of being hired, compared to other applicants.

It also demonstrates career commitment.

Obtaining a nationally recognized sterile processing technician certification also helps when sterile processing technicians want to advance their careers.

Step 5: Gain Experience as a Sterile Processing Technician

Gaining experience provides several benefits for people who work as Massachusetts sterile processing technicians.

Getting a job provides people with knowledge and skills beyond what they learned when completing a sterile processing technician program.

Sterile processing technicians who have experience are likely to qualify for career advancement and a higher salary, compared to those with little to no experience.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts does not have licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians.

Employers have their requirements for job applicants.

They may require sterile processing technician applicants to have a certification.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a few schools that offer sterile processing technician programs.

The programs prepare students to sit for a certification exam.

They also prepare students to work as entry-level sterile processing technicians.

Westfield State University

The Westfield State University Sterile Processing Technician Course is a 100 percent online program.

Students can enroll in the program at any time.

Students learn about cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing medical equipment, instruments, and supplies.

They learn about assembling, storing, processing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment.

Students gain the skills and knowledge that are related to best practices, documentation, and compliance.

Some topics that are covered in the program include medical terminology, tray assembly, case cart introduction, and introduction to sterilization.

The program also includes topics such as instrumentation identification, infection control, standards, and regulations.

The school provides students with a voucher to cover the cost of sitting for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam.

Students complete the program in 12 months or less.

Massachusetts Bay Community College

The Central Processing Technology Certificate program at Massachusetts Bay Community College is a one-semester program.

Students complete a 200-hour clinical practice, in addition to their lectures and labs.

Clinical practice takes place at hospitals and surgical centers in the Boston area.

Students complete the four-hour Principles of Central Processing Technology course.

They learn about medical terminology, instrumentation, sterilization, materials management, and decontamination.

Graduates are eligible to sit for a certification exam.

Quincy College

The Quincy College Central Processing Technology program prepares students to work as entry-level sterile processing technicians.

Students complete theory classes, laboratory classes, and clinical practicum experiences.

The program gives students the knowledge and skills that they need to perform sterilization techniques, maintain sterilization during storage of instruments and medical equipment, and other skills to work as competent sterile processing technicians.

Students also learn to demonstrate professional conduct and work practices.

Students qualify to sit for a certification exam.

Quincy College participates in the Massachusetts Free College program.

The program provides free tuition for eligible Massachusetts residents who are at least 25 years of age.

They must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program.

Students must not have previously earned a college degree.

Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College offers a two-semester Central Processing Certificate program at its Chelsea campus.

The part-time evening program prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals and other facilities.

Some of the courses include Central Processing, Communications for Health Care, and Applications/Concepts.

Students also complete a clinical or internship placement.

Program graduates qualify to sit for a certification exam.

The tuition for in-state students is $24 per credit. Students also pay additional fees.

Salary

Massachusetts is one of the best-paying states for sterile processing technicians.

Salary.com lists the state at number five on its list of states with the highest starting salaries.

The average salary for sterile processing technicians in Massachusetts is $43,149.

The skills, education, and experience that sterile processing technicians have are some of the factors that affect salary.

The city where sterile processing technicians work also affects their salary.

Sterile processing technicians who work in Boston earn an average salary of $44,437, while sterile processing technicians who work in Ipswich earn an average salary of $42, 257.

Regional Salary