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

Ohio sterile processing technicians are valued members of healthcare and surgical teams.

They have an important role in maintaining patient safety.

The job outlook for sterile processing technicians is great, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicating that there will be faster-than-average job growth for the career through at least 2033.

Completing the steps for becoming a sterile processing technician, sometimes called a central processing technician or a sterile processing and distribution technologist, helps people who want to work in healthcare start their careers without going to medical school.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Ohio

Ohio sterile processing technicians clean, disinfect, and decontaminate surgical instruments, tools, and supplies.

They also organize trays and carts for routine and specialized medical procedures and surgeries and maintain instruments and supplies.

Following the steps to becoming a surgical processing technician in Ohio is important to work in the field.

Step 1: Complete High School Education

All Ohio sterile processing technician employers are likely to expect that job applicants have earned a high school diploma.

They accept the completion of a GED program as proof of having a high school education.

Step 2: Develop and Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills

Sterile processing technicians need to have interpersonal skills, in addition to technical skills for their job.

Interpersonal skills are important because they are the traits that people need when communicating with and interacting with other people in the workplace.

Some examples of interpersonal skills for sterile processing technicians who work in Ohio include listening skills, teamwork skills, communication skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills.

Step 3: Enroll in an Ohio Sterile Processing Technician Program

Ohio has several schools that offer sterile processing technician programs.

Each school has its admission requirements.

Students need to show that they meet the admission requirements when they apply to the school.

The format of the program is likely to be important to some sterile processing technician students.

Make sure that the school offers a convenient format before enrolling in the program.

Some schools offer their program on campus, while others have flexible options, including offering the program in an online format.

Step 4: Obtain Certification

Employers often give preference to job applicants who have obtained a sterile processing technician certification.

Some sources indicate that having a certification is required of Ohio sterile processing technicians.

Step 5: Gain Experience as an Ohio Sterile Processing Technician

Gaining experience gives sterile processing technicians skills and knowledge beyond what they learn in a classroom.

The hands-on experience helps sterile processing technicians develop confidence in their ability to perform their daily duties.

The experience that sterile processing technicians have can help them to advance their careers.

They can apply for supervisor positions, training positions, or other advanced positions.

It is also likely to lead to a higher salary.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Ohio

There are no licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians in the state of Ohio.

Employers have their requirements for Ohio sterile processing technicians.

Job applicants usually need to have a high school diploma and proof of completing a sterile processing technician program.

Sterile Processing Schools in Ohio

Schools that offer sterile processing technician programs in Ohio prepare students for entry-level sterile processing technician jobs.

The programs also prepare students to sit for a certification exam.

Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College offers a two-semester Sterile Processing Technology Certificate program.

The program prepares students to work in areas that provide surgical instruments, devices, and medical equipment to surgical areas, the emergency department, labor and delivery, labs, and other areas of healthcare facilities.

The 16-credit program courses include Advanced Medical Terminology, Sterile Processing Technology, and Sterile Processing Exam Review.

The program prepares students to sit for a certification exam.

The tuition for Ohio residents is $182.93 per credit hour.

Owens Community College

The Owens Community College Sterile Processing Certificate program prepares students for a successful career as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician.

Students complete 16–17 credits over two semesters.

Some of the program courses include Language of Medicine, Anatomy and Physiology, and Introduction to Sterile Processing.

The Sterile Processing Field Experience, which students complete during the second semester, provides them with 180 hours of hands-on field experience.

The in-state tuition for the program is $193 per credit.

Cuyahoga Community College

The Sterile Processing and Distribution Technology Certificate program at Cuyahoga Community College is a 30-32 credit program.

Students complete a hands-on clinical practicum, in addition to classroom courses.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills that prepare them to decontaminate and sterilize medical and surgical instruments and supplies.

It prepares them to inspect, assemble, and pack instruments and devices, and to properly store the instruments.

The program courses include Sterile Processing Techniques, Microbiology, Ethics for Healthcare Professionals, and Introduction to Hospital Administration.

Students who complete the program are prepared to sit for the Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Certificate (CSPDT) exam, which is given by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The in-country program tuition is $3,249.

The out-of-county tuition is $3,958.

Lorain County Community College

Lorain County Community College has a Sterile Processing Short-Term Certificate program.

Students complete the program in two semesters.

The program courses prepare graduates to work in hospitals, surgical centers, dentist’s offices, or physician’s offices.

A few of the courses include Sterile Processing Fundamentals, Sterile Processing Advanced Professional Practices, and Sterile Processing Directed Practice.

Students may sit for a certification exam once they complete the program requirements.

The tuition for Lorain County residents is $164.03 per credit hour.

Out-of-county residents pay $189.21 per credit.

Sinclair College

The Surgical Instrument Technician program at Sinclair College is a 13-credit hour short-term technical certificate program.

Students learn to properly clean, prepare, and process medical and surgical instruments.

They learn to store and distribute instruments, supplies, and medical equipment. Students also learn medical terminology, inventory control, and information technologies.

The program features a combination of lectures, labs, and practicum.

Some program courses include Introduction to Healthcare Delivery, Medical Terminology, Sterile Processing, and Directed Practice for Sterile Processing.

Graduates are prepared to sit for the certification exam.

Tuition for the program is $146.03 per credit hour.

Salary

The average salary for sterile processing technicians in Ohio is $38,768.

The salary can go as high as $48,185, depending on several things.

Some things that determine the salary that a sterile processing technician earns in Ohio are education, experience, and the city where the person works as a sterile processing technician.

Sterile processing technicians who work in Columbus earn an average salary of $38,927.

The sterile processing technicians who work in Lima, Ohio earn an average salary of $37,302.

Hillsboro, Ohio sterile processing technicians earn an average of $36,628.

Regional Salary