Sterile processing technicians are also referred to as central sterile processing techs.
They play a vital role in the healthcare field, working in various healthcare facilities.
The main duty of a sterile processing tech is to make sure that medical equipment and instruments are sterilized accordingly and ready for surgeons and other staff to use.
Additionally, they must inspect, clean, and assemble medical instruments used for surgery.
If you live in Texas and wondering how to become a sterile processing technician, this guide will explain everything you need to know from licensing requirements to schools in Texas that offer related programs.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Texas
Here are several steps you should take to become a sterile processing tech in Texas:
Step 1: Complete High School
During your job search, you’ll quickly learn that nearly all training programs and employers will require you to have a high school diploma.
If you are a high school student interested in pursuing this career path, you should consider taking classes such as biology, medicine, and chemistry, as these can hold a lot of value.
Many students have already applied for a program before they graduate.
Step 2: Choose a Sterile Processing Technician School
There are various programs online that offer sterile processing in addition to trade schools and community colleges for you to choose from.
You should find a program that meets your needs.
Depending on the program you choose, it may take you anywhere from ten weeks to two years to complete.
Step 3: Speak with an Advisor
Before enrolling in a program, you should speak to an advisor.
Start by creating a list of questions you’d like to ask and going over these things with your advisor.
An advisor is beneficial because he or she can answer any question you have about the field.
This allows you to learn more about the career you’re pursuing.
In addition, an advisor can also provide you with information concerning financial aid and provide you with contacts in various school departments to help you along the way.
Step 4: Complete the Sterile Processing Program
This step is huge.
You must find a program to enroll in and then complete it.
Not all programs are designed equally, as some may be more difficult than others.
Step 5: Complete an Internship
On your path to pursuing the career of your dreams, you can also apply for an internship to help you once you graduate.
Clinical internships are designed to further develop your knowledge and help you gain some experience working in the field.
Step 6: Certification Exam
Before you can find employment as a sterile processing technician, you must complete the certification exam.
You must take the exam through the CBSPD or the IAHCSMM, which are a couple of sterile processing accrediting bodies.
Once you take the exam, your certificate will be good for five years.
Step 7: Find Employment
Finally, the last step in the process is finding employment as a sterile processing technician.
Following completion of an internship and program, you will be extremely marketable to potential employers.
You’ll also be more than prepared to make your entrance into the medical environment.
Sterile processing techs can find work in a variety of environments including:
- Surgical Centers
- Sterile Processing Departments in Hospitals
- Education & Training
- Management & Leadership
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
To be eligible to receive your certificate to become a sterile processing tech in Texas, you must first complete a program that takes anywhere from one to two years to complete.
Once you have graduated from the program, you must obtain your certificate by passing an exam.
While education is required in Texas to become a sterile processing technician, including a high school diploma and post-secondary education, technicians are not required to be certified.
However, it’s important to note that the majority of employers prefer hiring technicians who are certified and have received a certificate from CRCST or IAHCSMM.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Texas
Here are some schools in Texas that offer sterile processing technician programs:
Austin Community College
6101 Highland Campus Dr. l Austin TX 78752 l 512-223-7300
Austin Community College offers a sterile processing program alongside clinical rotations for students to undergo training and various opportunities on campus.
Students will also be given direct access to employers following graduation.
Students who enroll in this program will be more than prepared to take the certification exam for sterile processing.
This program costs about $925 and takes about three months to complete.
Houston Community College
3100 Main St. l Houston, TX 77002 l 713-718-2000
Students can also take advantage of a sterile processing technician program through Houston Community College, which is offered both on-campus or online hybrid.
This program begins with one semester which is structured with instruction and lectures.
During the second semester, students will receive hands-on training via clinical rotations.
The program costs $1,875.50.
The entire program is two full semesters, full-time, including clinical.
Tarrant County College
828 W. Hardwood Rd l Hurst, TX 76054 l 817-515-0498
Tarrant County College is also another wonderful option for those looking for a sterile processing tech program in Texas.
The program has a total of 16 credit hours.
The program combines two parts, with part one being a combination of classwork and lab work.
Part two consists of 240 hours of clinical rotations.
The total tuition is $1,104 and is based on in-state, and in-county rates, and also not including textbooks and other materials.
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Texas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Austin Community College | 6101 Highland Campus Dr. l Austin TX 78752 |
| Houston Community College | 3100 Main St. l Houston, TX 77002 |
| Tarrant County College | 828 W. Hardwood Rd l Hurst, TX 76054 |
Salary
As of September 2024, sterile processing technicians in Texas have an average annual salary of $38,808.
However, the state salary can increase as much as $48,234 and be as low as $30,966.
The majority of workers earn between $34,703 and $43,742.
It’s also important to note that many factors can influence your salary, including certificates, additional skills, education, and more.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Texas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Abbott | $35,201 |
| Athens | $37,857 |
| Brookesmith | $35,121 |
| Canton | $38,808 |
| Corpus Christi | $37,222 |
| Florence | $35,835 |
| Garden City | $35,082 |
| Henrietta | $35,597 |
| Huntsville | $39,403 |
| Houston | $39,759 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo, TX | 40 | $39,870 | $19.17 | $46,170 | $32,170 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 230 | $47,630 | $22.9 | $61,320 | $38,730 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 40 | $38,980 | $18.74 | $47,740 | $30,310 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 70 | $41,060 | $19.74 | $52,470 | $32,100 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 1,120 | $50,190 | $24.13 | $64,280 | $38,290 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 950 | $47,560 | $22.87 | $60,260 | $36,690 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 60 | $42,670 | $20.52 | $54,600 | $36,380 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 80 | $38,500 | $18.51 | $51,340 | $27,000 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 330 | $42,500 | $20.43 | $57,480 | $33,970 |
| Tyler, TX | 90 | $40,630 | $19.54 | $50,560 | $32,590 |
| Waco, TX | 40 | $41,200 | $19.81 | $49,050 | $35,780 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements in Texas for one to enter a sterile processing program?
This position is not regulated by the government, which means that it’s up to the employer to determine which candidates are eligible.
However, most in-house standards that employers follow include:
- At least 18 years of age when applying
- Proof of high school diploma
- Former training or experience in the field
It’s also possible for an employer to request a candidate to show proof of a national sterile processing certificate.
Are sterile processing technicians required to work a lot of overtime?
Sterile processing techs who work in a medical facility or a hospital typically only work 40 hours a week, with little to no overtime.
However, technicians who are contracted can perform any shift they’d like and pick up as much overtime as they wish.
It’s important to note that 40 hours is not a requirement for contractors, even though many of them prefer to maximize their finances by working overtime.
Does the state of Texas regulate sterile processing technicians?
Even though sterile processing technicians are considered essential workers, Texas does not require them to have a state license.
In addition, sterile processing technicians are also not required to register with the state healthcare oversight board.
Finally, sterile processing techs, are not required to receive certification, although it’s impressive to employers.
