A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) plays a crucial role in healthcare settings, ensuring that surgical instruments and medical devices are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use. If you’re considering a career as an SPT, you may wonder how long it takes to enter the field. The answer varies depending on your educational path, training, and certification process, but typically, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to become a fully qualified sterile processing technician.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a sterile processing technician, you generally need to complete a formal education program, though some employers may provide on-the-job training. On-the-job training is becoming more and more rare with formal training becoming the gold standard. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps:
1. High School Diploma or GED: Before enrolling in a sterile processing technician program, you need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). This step typically takes 12 years of general school education, but it’s something most people complete by the time they’re 18.
2. Sterile Processing Technician Program: Post-secondary education programs for sterile processing technicians are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and online institutions. These programs vary in length but typically range anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on the intensity and depth of the curriculum. The majority of these options cost a significant amount of money; roughly $5,000 or more to complete. Luckily, there is a program through Auburn University in combination with Preppy that is only $1599 and includes a free laptop, and free externship placement which is nearly impossible to coordinate on your own. Follow this link to check out Preppy Sterile Processing Technician Training Online.
• Certificate Programs: These are the shortest and most common pathway, often lasting around 3 to 6 months. They focus on the essential skills needed for the job, such as sterilization techniques, infection control, and equipment management.
• Associate Degree Programs: Some aspiring SPTs choose to pursue an associate degree in sterile processing or a related field. This path can take up to 2 years to complete. Though more education can help with future career advancements, it is not guaranteed. Spending an additional 1.5 years on an associates degree instead of a certificate program that gets you in the field faster is risky and much more expensive.
3. On-the-Job Training: Some programs include a hands-on training component, often referred to as clinical externships or practicums. These are typically completed in hospitals or surgical centers, allowing students to gain real-world experience. This part of the training usually lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the program. Be aware when looking into a program to ensure they provide this for you. Any program that doesn't guarantee you an externship will cost you greatly later since most hospitals will not provide externships for individuals unless it is from a program they have an agreement with.
Certification
While certification is not required in all states, it is highly recommended and mostly mandated by employers. Certification can significantly enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your competence in the field.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): Offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly known as IAHCSMM, this certification requires completion of an externship training of 400 hours, a high school diploma or GED and passing a comprehensive certification exam. The certification process, including study time and exam preparation, can take an additional 2 to 6 months after completing your education program. However, programs like Preppy train you to be able to take your exam directly after completion of the program. You can find additional resources to be confident that you will study and pass the certification by checking out the CRCST Ultimate Bundle.
Total Time to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
In summary, the timeline to become a sterile processing technician can vary depending on the path you choose to take. Regardless, the average timeframe is:
• Education and Training: 3 to 6 months for a certificate, or up to 2 years for an associate degree.
• Certification Preparation: 2 to 6 months, depending on your study schedule and program selected.
Total Time: 6 months to 2 years, depending on the path you choose and whether you pursue certification immediately after your training.
Conclusion
Becoming a sterile processing technician can be a relatively quick way to enter the healthcare field, especially if you choose a certificate program. With dedication and focus, you could be working in a sterile processing department in as little as 4 months. For those interested in getting more information on a 100% online, self-paced program, check out Preppy Sterile Processing Technician Training.
