The main duty of a sterile processing technician is to ensure that all areas of a healthcare facility have sterile instruments and equipment.
This is an extremely important position in the healthcare field.
Doctors, nurses, and other medical workers need sterile supplies in order to examine patients.
Aside from decontaminating, and disinfecting medical devices, the sterile processing technician will also inspect equipment for wear and damage.
Other duties may include ordering, unpacking, and stocking new materials.
They must also maintain records and communicate with other professionals.
A sterile processing technician should have excellent organization skills and be detail oriented.
Technicians can work in a variety of places, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, dental practices, and nursing homes.
Page Navigation
Steps To Becoming A Sterile Processing Technician In Ohio
The state of Ohio does not regulate sterile processing technicians, nor do they require a license.
However, most employers do require that their technicians have passed an accredited course and be certified.
If you’re looking to become a sterile processing technician in Ohio, the following steps must be followed:
- First and foremost, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- You must pass a drug screening and background check.
- Find a program that fits your needs (days or evenings, location, finances, etc).
- In addition to lectures and classroom work, you will need to complete at least 400 hours of field experience.
This can be an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
This includes:
- 120 hours of decontamination
- 120 hours of preparation and packaging of instruments
- 96 hours of sterilization and disinfection
- 24 hours of storage and distribution
- 24 hours of quality assurance
- 16 hours of equipment handling
- Finally, you can sit for the exam, which costs $125.
If you pass, you will be a certified sterile processing technician.
Certification will need to be renewed each year, by taking professional development training.
Schools In Ohio That Offer Sterile Processing Technician Programs
1. Cuyahoga Community College
About The School
Located in the heart of Cleveland, “Tri-C” as it’s nicknamed, is a 2-year college that offers degree and certificate programs.
The school offers sports teams, clubs, special events, and cultural events and performances.
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the school’s tutoring services, writing center, technology center, and library.
About The Course
The sterile processing program teaches students to decontaminate, sterilize, inspect, and assemble surgical equipment.
Management of inventory, how to order supplies, and keeping records are also covered.
Students will take part in a clinical practicum in an area hospital.
Other courses include hospital administration, biology, computer applications, medical ethics, English composition, and speech communication.
The program takes 2 semesters to complete and costs $1500 per semester.
Address: 2900 Community College Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: (216)9876146
Website: https://www.tri-c.edu
2. Lorain County Community College
About The School
Lorain Community College is a 2-year college that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
They offer degree and certificate programs.
Financial aid is available to all students who qualify.
The campus offers a library and research center, a technology center, childcare, and career services.
About The Course
The sterile processing program follows the Association of Healthcare Service Material Management guidelines.
Students learn how to eliminate infectious diseases in surgical supplies and equipment.
They will be instructed in proper record keeping, processing of equipment, and communication skills.
An internship is required of all students.
The cost is $1900 per semester and takes 2 semesters to complete.
Address: 1005 N. Abbe Rd. Elyria, OH 44035
Phone: (440)3655222
Website: https://www.lorainccc.edu
3. Stark State College
About The School
Stark State College is a 2-year college with over 150 programs.
They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Stark offers small classes, a beautiful campus, and many student resources, including tutoring, technology centers, a large library, and career services.
Financial aid is available.
About The Course
Students will learn skills related to cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and storing instruments and equipment.
Other topics covered are how to take inventory, order new materials, record keeping, and communication skills.
Students will also be required to take basic biology and composition classes.
An externship will be required to allow students to receive hands-on training.
The cost of the program is $5700 for 30 credits (1 year).
Address: 6200 Franklin Ave. Canton, Ohio 44720
Phone: (330)4946170
Website: https://www.starkstate.edu
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Ohio – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Ohio
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Community College | 2900 Community College Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 |
| Lorain County Community College | 1005 N. Abbe Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 |
| Stark State College | 6200 Franklin Ave. Canton, Ohio 44720 |
Salary For Sterile Processing Technicians In Ohio
Nationwide, the average salary for a sterile processing technician is $45,891 per year.
In Ohio, the average salary is slightly lower at $44,600 per year.
However, many facilities pay over $50,000 per year.
Most sterile processing technicians also receive health insurance and other benefits like vacation time and retirement funds.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Ohio
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $37,480 |
| Cleveland | $37,680 |
| Cincinnati | $37,320 |
| Toledo | $36,880 |
| Akron | $36,640 |
| Dayton | $37,030 |
| Ashland | $36,670 |
| Youngstown | $35,950 |
| Canton | $35,900 |
| Lorain | $37,280 |
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 210 | $43,230 | $20.78 | $51,350 | $33,520 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 80 | $39,410 | $18.95 | $46,290 | $27,010 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 450 | $44,400 | $21.35 | $60,740 | $37,210 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 670 | $44,060 | $21.18 | $56,680 | $36,980 |
| Columbus, OH | 520 | $42,760 | $20.56 | $56,730 | $30,060 |
| Dayton, OH | 200 | $42,140 | $20.26 | $50,180 | $36,490 |
| Lima, OH | 40 | $41,560 | $19.98 | $52,720 | $33,400 |
| Toledo, OH | 110 | $41,400 | $19.9 | $50,880 | $28,700 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 80 | $38,380 | $18.45 | $47,220 | $31,400 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-paying cities for sterile processing technicians in Ohio?
Columbus, Apple Creek, and Middleton are the best-paying cities in Ohio for this job.
Does Ohio require a license to practice sterile processing?
No.
The state does not require a license, but you must pass an exam to become certified.
Is the sterile processing exam difficult to pass?
Approximately, 75% of exam takers pass on the first try.
If you have paid attention during your classes and internship, you should be able to pass on the first try.
How often do I need to renew my certificate?
All technicians must take annual professional development to keep their certification current.
