If you have an interest in healthcare and enjoy working behind the scenes, a career as a Sterile Processing Technician may be perfect for you.
Sterile Processing Technicians are an essential part of the healthcare team, responsible for ensuring that medical equipment is cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for use during medical procedures.
In Idaho, the demand for qualified Sterile Processing Technicians is on the rise, making it an excellent career choice for those looking for a stable job with opportunities for growth.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to become a certified Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho.
We will provide you with all the necessary information on schools offering training programs, salary expectations, and frequently asked questions about the profession.
Page Navigation
- Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Idaho
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the requirements for working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho?
- Is certification required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho?
- What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Idaho?
- What skills do I need to become a successful sterile processing technician in Idaho?
- Can I become a sterile processing technician if I have a criminal record?
- Are there any continuing education requirements for sterile processing technicians in Idaho?
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho
- Meet the educational requirements: To become a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may also require you to have completed a formal training program in sterile processing.
- Complete a training program: Although not required by all employers, completing a formal training program in sterile processing can increase your chances of being hired and improve your job performance. Many vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer sterile processing training programs that can be completed in 6 to 12 months. The time length will vary from individual to individual as a result of whether or not they choose to complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Gain hands-on experience: Most sterile processing training programs include a clinical component that provides hands-on experience in a healthcare facility. This experience is crucial to gaining a deeper understanding of the role of sterile processing in the healthcare system.
- Obtain certification: Certification is not required by law to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho, but many employers prefer or require certification. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) both offer certification programs for sterile processing technicians.
- Look for job opportunities: Once you have completed your training and obtained certification (if desired), it is time to start looking for job opportunities. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities are common employers of Sterile Processing Technicians in Idaho.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Idaho
Several schools in Idaho offer training programs for Sterile Processing Technicians. Here are some of the most popular options:
North Idaho College
North Idaho College offers a one-year sterile processing technician program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
The program costs around $4,200 for Idaho residents and $13,500 for non-residents.
College of Western Idaho
The College of Western Idaho offers a six-month sterile processing technician program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
The program costs around $3,200 for Idaho residents and $4,800 for non-residents.
Eastern Idaho Technical College
Eastern Idaho Technical College offers a one-year sterile processing technician program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
The program costs around $6,400 for Idaho residents and $13,000 for non-residents.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Idaho
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Idaho College | 1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA |
| College of Western Idaho | 5500 E Opportunity Dr, Nampa, ID 83687, USA |
| Eastern Idaho Technical College | 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404, USA |
Salary
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho is around $38,000.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, certification, and location.
Some employers may require or prefer candidates who have obtained certification from a professional organization such as the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
Technicians who hold these certifications may be able to earn a higher salary than those who do not.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Idaho
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $35,540 |
| Nampa | $35,160 |
| Pocatello | $33,170 |
| Idaho Falls | $34,700 |
| Meridian | $35,510 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $37,270 |
| Twin Falls | $33,130 |
| Lewiston | $39,120 |
| Caldwell | $35,120 |
| Moscow | $37,270 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 200 | $44,220 | $21.26 | $76,890 | $31,930 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 60 | $36,390 | $17.5 | $47,960 | $31,430 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 40 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for working as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho?
To work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Some employers may also require you to have completed a formal training program in sterile processing.
Is certification required to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho?
Certification is not required by law to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho, but many employers prefer or require certification.
The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare.
What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Idaho?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sterile processing technicians is expected to grow by 6% between 2020 and 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This growth is being driven by an aging population that requires more medical care, as well as an increasing emphasis on infection control and patient safety in healthcare facilities.
As a result, there should be plenty of job opportunities for qualified sterile processing technicians in Idaho in the coming years.
What skills do I need to become a successful sterile processing technician in Idaho?
Some of the key skills and traits that can help you succeed as a sterile processing technician in Idaho include attention to detail, good organizational skills, the ability to work well under pressure, good communication skills, and a commitment to following safety protocols and procedures.
Can I become a sterile processing technician if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense.
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for ensuring that medical instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized to prevent the spread of infection, so employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record involving theft, drug use, or violence.
However, each case is evaluated on an individual basis, and some employers may be willing to consider applicants with a criminal record if they can demonstrate that they have turned their life around and are now committed to following the rules and regulations of the field.
Are there any continuing education requirements for sterile processing technicians in Idaho?
Sterile processing technicians in Idaho are required to complete 6 continuing education credits every two years to maintain their certification.
These credits can be earned through attending workshops, seminars, or courses related to the field of sterile processing.
