How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Indiana

Sterile processing technicians sterilize essential hospital equipment to protect patients and doctors from infection risks.

Starting this career in Indiana can be very rewarding because it’s in high demand and pays surprisingly well, considering the little training and education you need.

Here’s what you need to know about starting a career in this field in the great state of Indiana.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Indiana

Indiana currently has no specific state-based licensing demands for sterile processing techs.

However, most hospitals want someone who has passed national certification exams to ensure that they understand their role correctly.

Follow these steps to ensure you meet their needs.

Complete High School or GED

If you have yet to complete high school, finish your program or earn a GED.

You’ll need either one of these certificates to enter a sterile processing technician program.

Most programs also ask for background and drug tests, so ensure you’re prepared.

Attend a Sterile Processing Tech Training Program

Indiana provides multiple schools where you can learn sterile processing tech.

These help you understand the skills necessary for this position, including properly handling equipment and managing sterilization.

Some take as little as a year, while others make two or more.

Complete an Internship or Externship

You’ll typically schedule multiple internship or externship hours in medical facilities during your certification program.

These include hospital programs, doctors’ offices, and even dental facilities.

While here, you’ll learn how to handle the essential sterilization tasks necessary for this career.

Take the Certification Exam

After completing your training and internship programs, you can apply for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician or CRCST test.

This national certification is the most commonly offered and accepted in Indiana hospitals and beyond.

That makes it a good option for your new career.

Apply for Your First Job

Now, you’re ready to apply for your first position as a sterile processing technician.

First, look in the newspaper and online job boards to identify facilities hiring for your post.

You might not get the average quoted below when starting your first job in this field.

Earn Experience and Advance

As you work in your field, you can earn experience and even take extra training courses to make more money and advance in your career.

For example, you can take specialized surgical training programs that help you become a surgical tech or another sterile processing specialist.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana

Though Indiana does not require certification for its sterile processing techs, it does have multiple schools to train for certification.

These programs focus heavily on surgical technology, including sterile processing skills.

Earning one of these degrees or certificates will help you transition into a career by teaching you the necessary skills for this fascinating career.

Here are a few schools that may help you with this unique career.

Indiana University Health, Indianapolis

Indiana University Health provides an 11-month surgical technology program covering sterile processing technology.

It costs around $2,111 for the program if you’re an employee of the university and $4,135 if you’re anyone else.

Graduates in 2015 and 2016 had 100% passing rates for national certification.

Courses include general surgical tech and sterile processing methods, as well as patient handling and ethics that ensure you’re prepared for the unique demands of this career.

University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne

Like Indiana University Health, the University of Saint Francis often has a 100% passing rate for its students.

You’ll earn an associate’s degree over two years and complete hands-on clinical work in multiple medical centers and hospitals.

Expect to pay closer to $6,000 to $8,000 for this program, though you can offset your costs with financial aid programs, like grants and scholarships.

This option can ensure that you don’t come out of school in debt.

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech provides multiple campuses throughout Indiana where you can learn about surgical tech and sterile processing methods.

In addition, they provide 900 hours of hands-on practice in clinical settings and operating rooms, classroom-based education, and much more.

You’ll learn an associate’s degree that takes up to two years and pay costs similar to the University of Saint Francis.

You can also apply for scholarships at this facility if you need them for your tuition and books.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Indiana – Summary Table

Salary

Indiana sterile processing techs have an average base pay of $44,836 annually.

They make a low of about $35,381 and a high of $58,593.

Higher-paying jobs are more likely in busier hospitals, such as those in Indianapolis, or when progressing to management positions in your field.

Note that this average salary is slightly lower than the national average of $45,891.

The national low ($36,214) and national high ($59,973) are higher than Indiana’s.

However, the difference is minimal, making this a good state in which to start this career.

Regional Salary in Indiana