How To Become A Sterile Processing Technician: What It Is and Career Path

Q: Are sterile processing techs in demand?

Yes, sterile processing techs are in demand. The job outlook for sterile processing technician careers is excellent, with an expected growth of over 15% over the next five years. One reason for the demand for sterile processing technicians is they play a vital role in different parts of the hospitals and medical treatment facilities.

Q: How long does it take to become a sterile processing technician?

It takes from ten weeks to two years to become a sterile processing technician. Steps toward becoming a sterile processing technician may vary, but most accredited programs last between four to eight months.

Q: How much does sterile processing school cost?

Sterile processing school costs between $1,600 to $8,000. It depends largely on the type of program that you choose and where the program is located (e.g., university vs online). There are many technical and vocational programs available for those interested in sterilization processing. The most common program is an associates degree in sterile processing. This program cost around $7,000 for two years or 411 credit hours.

Q: Is it hard to become a sterile processing technician?

No, it's not hard to become a sterile processing technician. You can become a sterile processing technician in less than two years. The program for becoming a sterile processing technician is not difficult; it just requires some time and study.

Q: Is sterile processing tech a good job?

Yes, a sterile processing tech is a good job. The time it takes to become a sterile processing tech is relatively short for a career in health care. You can make a good salary, often with excellent benefits, without going into much educational debt. The medical field is also growing very rapidly, and so jobs should continue to be in demand.

Q: What qualifications do you need to be a sterilization technician?

The qualifications needed to be a sterilization technician are having proper training and experience. To become a qualified sterilization technician requires completion of an accredited program and the passing of an exam.

What is a sterile processing technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

A sterile processing technician is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and disinfecting medical equipment. They ensure that medical instruments are free of contaminants before they are used in surgical procedures or patient care. Sterile processing technicians maintain sterilization equipment, perform quality control checks, and maintain records of sterilization processes. They work in healthcare facilities and must know infection control protocols so they can prevent infection and maintain patient safety.

ScoreSterile Processing TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,299

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.7

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.48%

Asian 9.53%

Black or African American 9.85%

Hispanic or Latino 18.01%

Unknown 4.75%

White 56.38%

Gender

female 61.74%

male 38.26%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a sterile processing technician?

Pros

Job stability and demand
Opportunity for advancement
Constant learning and skill development
Competitive salary and benefits
Variety of work settings (hospitals, outpatient clinics, etc.)

Cons

Exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases
High-stress and fast-paced environment
Workplace politics and conflict can be challenging
Low public awareness of the profession
Limited recognition or appreciation for the importance of the job

Key steps to become a sterile processing technician

Explore sterile processing technician education requirements

Most common sterile processing technician degrees

Associate

29.6 %

High School Diploma

21.9 %

Bachelor's

18.4 %

Start to develop specific sterile processing technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	18.06%
Sterilizers	10.47%
IAHCSMM	7.53%
Customer Service	5.99%
Medical Terminology	4.04%

Complete relevant sterile processing technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sterile processing technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a sterile processing technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sterile processing technician resumes.

Gain additional sterile processing technician certifications

Sterile processing technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific sterile processing technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for sterile processing technicians include Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) and Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRSCT).

More About Certifications

Research sterile processing technician duties and responsibilities

Connect the patients to monitors such as EKG leads and pulse ox monitor.
Train Honduras hospital personnel on AAMI and IAHCSMM standards.
Position or transport patients to and from the Endo suite.
Experience with portable procedures in ER, IR and ICU.

Prepare your sterile processing technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sterile processing technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a sterile processing technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable sterile processing technician resume templates

Build a professional sterile processing technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your sterile processing technician resume.

Apply for sterile processing technician jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a sterile processing technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average sterile processing technician salary

The average sterile processing technician salary in the United States is $38,299 per year or $18 per hour. Sterile processing technician salaries range between $29,000 and $50,000 per year.

Average sterile processing technician salary

$38,299 Yearly

$18.41 hourly

How do sterile processing technicians rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

What is a sterile processing technician and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technician career paths

Key steps to become a sterile processing technician

Explore sterile processing technician education requirements

Most common sterile processing technician degrees

Start to develop specific sterile processing technician skills

Complete relevant sterile processing technician training and internships

Gain additional sterile processing technician certifications

Research sterile processing technician duties and responsibilities

Prepare your sterile processing technician resume

Choose from 10+ customizable sterile processing technician resume templates

Apply for sterile processing technician jobs

How did you land your first sterile processing technician job

Average sterile processing technician salary

How do sterile processing technicians rate their job?

Sterile processing technician reviews

Sterile processing technician FAQs

Are sterile processing techs in demand?

How long does it take to become a sterile processing technician?

How much does sterile processing school cost?

Is it hard to become a sterile processing technician?

Is sterile processing tech a good job?

What qualifications do you need to be a sterilization technician?

Search for sterile processing technician jobs

Sterile processing technician jobs by state