When you want to enter the healthcare field through a position outside of nursing or other direct patient care roles, sterile processing might be the right field for you.
In Colorado, you can qualify for a sterile processing technician position with nothing more than a high school diploma.
To give you the best chance at getting the job, we’ve shared how to become a sterile processing technician in Colorado below.
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Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Colorado
Research the position’s salary, requirements, and potential barriers.
While you may be tempted to dive right into applying for the closest sterile processing tech job to your home, it pays to look deeper before settling on the idea of this specific career.
Although sterile processing and related work can be rewarding and interesting, it’s not for everyone.
Some folks might balk at the site of blood or struggle to stay on their feet for their whole shift, which may make this job less than the best fit. In the planning stages of your career move, it’s time to do your research.
Gather Information From Potential Programs
From casually interacting with admissions officers to interviewing faculty at potential programs, there are plenty of steps you can take to help you decide if a school is the right one for you.
If you are already working, you will want to find a program that is flexible enough to accommodate your other obligations.
If you are fresh out of high school, it may help to find a program that is tailored to traditional students.
You will also want to decide what your main goal is in obtaining schooling.
Some programs prepare you for certification while others focus more on getting you ready to get a job as soon as possible.
When you know your goals, you can weed out the programs that won’t work for you.
Apply to Sterile Processing Technician Programs
After you have nailed down a few programs that piqued your interest, it’s time to apply to schools.
Before you apply, you should look into the required materials.
Some schools simply need your interest, personal information like your name and date of birth, and a payment method.
Others will need to have a transcript of previous academic institutions and other relevant information.
If you have these materials ready before you apply, you can avoid potential delays in the application process.
Enroll and Register in a Program
While this step might seem like a small one, it can be one of the hardest.
Once you have enrolled in a program, you’ll be committed to your new career path.
Keep track of important dates and deadlines for registration so you get the courses you need to graduate on time.
Reach out to an academic adviser or another appropriate office to schedule the right classes.
Complete Educational Requirements
No matter what your goals are in terms of education, completing the educational requirements for your program is a huge accomplishment.
This step has plenty of little steps along the way including attending classes, completing homework, and studying for exams.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to becoming a sterile processing technician.
Apply for Sterile Processing Tech Positions and Interview
While this step might seem daunting, it’s best to take a breather and remember that you have prepared for this moment.
When you have an education such as a degree, diploma, or certificate, you will cut out the competition that doesn’t have any formal training.
In this field, education is not necessary but it is beneficial for putting you a cut above the rest.
Some employers will be reluctant to consider an applicant who has never had any training in the field.
For an entry-level position, getting some sort of training shows your future employer that they can trust you to catch onto the job quickly.
It also shows that you are the kind of person who finishes things they start, which is impressive to employers, as well.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Colorado
Community College of Denver
For those who want to complete their certificate in Sterile Processing Technology within a few months, the CCD program is ideal.
This certificate program only lasts a semester.
After you complete your classes and clinical, you’ll be ready to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, which is proctored by the HSPA.
Front Range Community College
If you are located near Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College might be more convenient for you.
This community college offers a sterile processing apprenticeship that may be completely covered by certain special kinds of funding.
This makes switching to this career especially affordable for those who qualify.
After one semester in this program, graduates will be able to take the CRCST examination by the HSPA to give them a leg up in the field.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Colorado – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Denver | 800 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204, USA |
| Front Range Community College | 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031, USA |
Salary
In Colorado, the average salary for sterile processing technicians is around $45,754 per year according to salary.com.
This salary can range from $36,106 to $59,793 annually, depending on experience, location, and credentials.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Colorado
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $38,790 |
| Colorado Springs | $37,990 |
| Aurora | $38,760 |
| Greeley | $37,520 |
| Fort Collins | $37,430 |
| Arvada | $38,790 |
| Pueblo | $35,820 |
| Westminster | $38,790 |
| Boulder | $39,140 |
| Thornton | $38,790 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 60 | $48,730 | $23.43 | $58,800 | $34,100 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 170 | $41,360 | $19.88 | $51,190 | $30,610 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 570 | $47,550 | $22.86 | $61,880 | $32,510 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 90 | $52,450 | $25.22 | $106,950 | $34,480 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 50 | $37,710 | $18.13 | $47,830 | $29,360 |
| Pueblo, CO | 40 | $44,890 | $21.58 | $58,510 | $31,970 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require sterile processing technicians to be certified?
Colorado does not have any legal requirements for certification or registration for sterile processing technicians.
Still, certificates can make you stand out in a pile of applications, so they are recommended for those without work experience in this field.
Do I need to get a degree in sterile processing in Colorado?
Since Colorado lacks legislation around sterile processing certification, you don’t need to get a degree in this field to start working in it.
An H.S. diploma or GED is usually sufficient for getting into an entry-level role.
Does Colorado have an association for sterile processing technicians?
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association has a chapter in Colorado.
How much do annual HSPA fees cost in Colorado?
In Colorado, active HSPA members who are residents of the state can expect to pay $15 in dues.
For vendors, the price increases to $25.
