If you are interested in a career in healthcare that involves ensuring the safety of medical equipment, then becoming a Sterile Processing Technician might be the right choice for you.
Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and packaging medical instruments and equipment for reuse.
In this article, we will discuss the steps to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia, schools offering programs, salary expectations, and frequently asked questions.
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- Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia
- Schools Offering Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Georgia
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Georgia – Summary Table
- Salary for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cost of the certification exam for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia?
- How long does it take to complete a Sterile Processing Technician program in Georgia?
- Is certification required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia?
- What are the job prospects for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia?
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia is to meet the educational requirements.
To do this, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
It is also recommended that you take courses in biology, anatomy, and medical terminology to prepare for the certification exam.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
After completing your education, you should gain some work experience in the healthcare field.
This could include working as a nursing assistant or medical assistant in a hospital or clinic.
This experience will help you gain knowledge of medical procedures and terminology, as well as patient care.
Step 3: Complete a Sterile Processing Technician Program
To become a certified Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia, you must complete a Sterile Processing Technician program accredited by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and can last from a few months to a year.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam
Once you have completed a Sterile Processing Technician program, you must pass a certification exam to become a certified Sterile Processing Technician.
The certification exam is administered by either the CBSPD or IAHCSMM and consists of a written test that covers topics such as infection control, sterilization, and medical terminology.
Step 5: Maintain Certification
To maintain your certification as a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia, you must complete continuing education units (CEUs) every year.
These CEUs can be obtained through conferences, seminars, or online courses.
You must also renew your certification every two years by submitting a renewal application and paying a fee.
By following these steps, you can become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia and have a fulfilling career in the healthcare field.
Schools Offering Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Georgia
Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that can be completed in two semesters.
The program costs around $2,300 for in-state students.
Albany Technical College
Albany Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that can be completed in two semesters.
The program costs around $3,000 for in-state students.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician program that can be completed in two semesters.
The program costs around $2,000 for in-state students.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Georgia – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Georgia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Gwinnett Technical College | 5150 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA |
| Albany Technical College | 1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701, USA |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | 4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602, USA |
Salary for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia is around $43,000 per year.
However, the salary range can vary depending on factors such as education, certification, and years of experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $37,490 |
| Augusta | $35,720 |
| Columbus | $34,710 |
| Athens | $37,220 |
| Savannah | $35,860 |
| Macon | $35,450 |
| Roswell | $37,350 |
| Albany | $35,080 |
| Marietta | $37,380 |
| Valdosta | $34,160 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 40 | $35,300 | $16.97 | $45,930 | $28,630 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 50 | $42,510 | $20.44 | $50,180 | $37,390 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 870 | $43,260 | $20.8 | $57,910 | $25,400 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 150 | $37,160 | $17.86 | $44,180 | $30,690 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 40 | $37,310 | $17.94 | $48,470 | $26,560 |
| Dalton, GA | 30 | $36,780 | $17.68 | $43,410 | $30,150 |
| Gainesville, GA | 70 | $39,820 | $19.14 | $53,200 | $31,100 |
| Macon, GA | 70 | $35,480 | $17.06 | $42,410 | $25,800 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the certification exam for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia?
The cost of the certification exam for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia varies depending on the organization offering the certification.
The CBSPD exam costs around $125, while the IAHCSMM exam costs around $125 for members and $225 for non-members.
How long does it take to complete a Sterile Processing Technician program in Georgia?
Sterile Processing Technician programs in Georgia can be completed in as little as six months to a year.
One critical factor to consider is whether you will be attending school full-time or part-time.
If you are attending school part-time, it may take longer to complete the program.
On the other hand, if you are attending full-time and are able to dedicate a significant amount of time to your studies, you may be able to complete the program in less time than average.
Is certification required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia?
No, certification is not required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia, but it is highly recommended.
What are the job prospects for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia?
Job prospects for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia are favorable, as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Sterile Processing Technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030.
