Sterile processing technicians work with other members of the medical team, ensuring that medical equipment and surgical tools are clean and sterilized.
If you are interested in a healthcare career that you could begin quickly, you should consider becoming a sterile processing technician.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Vermont
There are no statewide requirements to become a sterile processing technician in Vermont.
However, employers typically require you to have previous experience, complete a training program, or have a certification in sterile processing.
Complete a Sterile Processing Training Program
Most aspiring sterile processing technicians begin the process by completing a training program.
Training programs can be in person or online.
They typically take between 2 to 12 months to complete.
These programs will teach you what you need to know to get started as a sterile processing technician.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Next, it’s important to get hands-on experience as a sterile processing technician.
Some programs include an externship as part of the training.
In other cases, you’ll need to contact local facilities on your own.
It’s also possible to start working as a sterile processing technician with no previous education.
Some employers will train you on the job.
These positions are harder to find, however.
Certification
While not required to work as a sterile processing technician, certification will show potential employers that you are qualified and knowledgeable.
You may choose to get your certification after completing a training program or after gaining hands-on experience.
Depending on the certification, you’ll need hands-on experience as a sterile processing technician or to complete a sterile processing technician training program.
You’ll also need to pass a sterile processing technician certification exam.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Vermont
As we’ve already learned, there are no licensing requirements for becoming a sterile processing technician in Vermont.
However, we can take a closer look at the available certifications.
HSPA Certification
The HSPA, or Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, offers an entry-level certification for sterile processing technicians.
The certification is CRCST or Certified Registered Central Services Technician.
To qualify for certification, you’ll need to pass a certification exam.
This exam covers seven sections.
These include Sterilization Process, Preparation and Packaging, Cleaning, Disinfection, and Decontamination, and Departmental Considerations.
In addition to passing the exam, you’ll need to have 400 hours of experience as a sterile processing technician.
You can choose to get this experience before taking the exam.
If you want to take the exam without experience, you can earn a provisional certification.
Then, you’ll have six months to get the needed experience for full certification.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in Vermont
Vermont doesn’t offer any in-person programs for sterile processing technicians.
However, there are several online programs you should consider.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a self-paced sterile processing training program online.
Once you begin, you’ll have 12 months to complete the program.
However, it can be completed in as little as 2 months.
Courses in the program include Allied Health Careers, Building Blocks of Sterile Processing, Sterile Processing Technology, Part 1, and Sterile Processing Technology, Part 2.
Once you complete the program, you’ll be ready to take the HSPA certification exam.
However, you’ll need 400 hours of hands-on experience for full certification.
Vermont State University
Vermont State University has partnered with Ed2Go to offer a sterile processing technician career certificate.
The program is online and self-paced.
You’ll take two courses during the program, Medical Terminology and Sterile Processing Technician.
The program requires 190 course hours, and you’ll have 12 months to complete it after enrolling.
During the program, you’ll learn medical terminology, the duties of sterile processing, infection control, standards, and regulations, and instrument identification.
After completing the program, you can take the HSPA certification.
Remember, you’ll need 400 hours of hands-on experience for full certification.
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont has partnered with MedCerts to offer a sterile processing technician training program.
The program is online and takes 14 weeks to complete.
You’ll spend 2 weeks studying Professionalism in Allied Health, 6 weeks studying Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, and 6 weeks studying Sterile Processing.
The tuition for the program is $4,000 if paid in full.
Payment programs are also available.
This program prepares you to take the HSPA certification exam, and the exam fee is included in tuition.
400 hours of hands-on experience are required for full certification.
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Vermont
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA. |
| Vermont State University | 575 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States |
| University of Vermont | Burlington, VT 05405, United States |
Salary
The average salary for a sterile processing technician in Vermont is $40,370.
Most sterile processing technicians earn between $36,070 and $45,420.
However, salaries can range from $32,155 to $50,018.
How much you can earn will depend on several factors, including your education, experience, certification, skills, and the type of facility you work in.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Vermont
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington | $40,076 |
| Bennington | $40,156 |
| Bristol | $39,165 |
| Charlotte | $39,442 |
| Chelsea | $39,165 |
| Derby | $39,165 |
| Eden | $39,165 |
| Florence | $39,165 |
| Jeffersonville | $39,204 |
| Londonderry | $39,997 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 70 | $46,380 | $22.3 | $61,520 | $39,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in Vermont?
Yes, demand for sterile processing technicians in Vermont is expected to increase.
As the population continues to age, the need for medical personnel, including sterile processing technicians, will go up.
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician in Vermont?
To be a sterile processing technician in Vermont, you’ll need strong organization skills and attention to detail.
You’ll also need computer literacy and good communication skills.
The ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects is also necessary for this position.
Is it worth it to become a sterile processing technician in Vermont?
Yes.
The salary for sterile processing technicians is reasonable, and it requires less than a year of training to get started.
It’s also a great fit if you want to work in the healthcare field, but don’t want to work with patients directly.
