If you’d like to become a sterile processing technician, and you live in New Mexico, it’s important that you know how to go about the steps to reach your goal.
As a sterile processing technician, you will play a crucial role in the healthcare field by preparing surgical tools and other medical equipment for use.
Read on to learn how to become a sterile processing technician in New Mexico.
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Steps to Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in New Mexico
- First, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or at least your GED equivalent to the diploma. It’s necessary that you have some basic knowledge of medical terminology and that you are able to write and read in the English language.
- Enter into a training program that focuses on providing you with education and practical skill-building as a sterile processing technician. It isn’t required to complete such a program in order to work in this career field. Many options exist in the state of New Mexico, which include vocational/technical schools and community colleges.
- Though it’s not mandatory to get certified in New Mexico, it’s recommended that you do so. You can go through training or get six months of field experience and then take an exam in order to become certified by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
- The next thing you’ll do is gain valuable experience in your field. Search for jobs at clinics, hospitals, and other types of healthcare facilities in the state. You’ll receive supervision at first from professionals as you learn how to clean and sterilize medical tools and equipment properly.
- You will need to take continuing education courses in order to remain current with regulations and techniques within the field. They are offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) and the CBSPD.
Sterile Processing Technician School in New Mexico
We could only find one local school in New Mexico offering this program:
Central New Mexico Community College
The one-term program requires you to get at least 4 credit hours in their courses (Basics of Sterile Process and a Sterile Processing Lab course).
You need to have taken a basic Reading and Writing skills course beforehand.
At the completion of your program, you’ll be eligible to get a certificate and take the National CBSPD exam.
This prepares you to work in surgical centers, central processing units in hospitals, and dialysis facilities.
The cost for the program depends on if you live in the state – if you’re a resident, you’ll pay about $63 per credit hour and a non-resident must pay $318 per credit hour if taking 11 hours or less during the school year.
There are additional fees for supplies.
Contact Information
- Address: 900 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Phone: 505-224-3000
- Website: Program: Sterile Processing Technician, Certificate of Achievement – Central New Mexico Community College – Acalog ACMS™ (cnm.edu)
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in New Mexico – Summary Table
Top 1 Schools in New Mexico
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 900 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, New Mexico |
Salary for a Sterile Processing Technician
At this time on average, you can expect to make $41,945 as a sterile processing technician in the state of New Mexico.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $35,890 |
| Las Cruces | $32,440 |
| Santa Fe | $36,070 |
| Rio Rancho | $35,770 |
| Roswell | $33,470 |
| Farmington | $35,410 |
| Alamogordo | $34,050 |
| Clovis | $34,380 |
| Hobbs | $34,070 |
| Carlsbad | $33,470 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 150 | $42,780 | $20.57 | $50,740 | $31,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the future hold in this healthcare field?
Individuals entering into the sterile processing technician career are fortunate in that there is sure to be an ongoing employment increase until at least 2028.
Can you receive credit in a program for prior learning or experience?
It is possible to receive credit in some programs if you’ve been part of training or had experience in the field prior to entering the certificate program.
Discuss this with the head of the school’s department to determine if you’re eligible to receive this credit that will allow you to earn your certificate faster.
What standards are there in New Mexico for the sterile processing technician career?
In New Mexico, there are few if any standards for this career field.
However, employers will require some common things.
This includes that you are 18 years of age or older, that you have a high school degree or the equivalent certification, and some will ask that you have received a national certification.
Are there licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians in New Mexico?
No, you’re allowed to start your career without a state-issued license or registering with the state at all.
