How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina

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Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and medical equipment.

Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for ensuring that medical equipment and instruments are properly sterilized to prevent the spread of disease and infection.

In this article, we will discuss the steps to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina, available schools offering programs, and salaries, and answer frequently asked questions about the profession.

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Get information on Sterile Processing Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina

  1. Meet the Educational Requirements: To become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina, a high school diploma or GED is required. Some employers may prefer or require the completion of a sterile processing technician program, which can be completed through a technical school, community college, or vocational program.
  2. Gain Work Experience: While not always required, gaining experience in a healthcare or medical environment can be beneficial when applying for jobs as a Sterile Processing Technician. Consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic or applying for an entry-level position in a healthcare facility.
  3. Obtain Certification: The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) offer certification programs for Sterile Processing Technicians. While not required by law, many employers prefer or require certification.
  4. Apply for Jobs: Once you have completed the necessary education and certification requirements, you can start applying for jobs as a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina. Look for job postings on job boards or the websites of local hospitals and medical facilities.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina

There are several schools in South Carolina that offer Sterile Processing Technician programs.

These programs can vary in length and cost.

Here are some of the schools offering programs:

Trident Technical College

Trident Technical College Logo

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Trident Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics.

The program consists of two semesters of coursework and hands-on training in sterilization, instrument processing, infection control, and anatomy and physiology.

Students will also learn about medical terminology and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.

The program requires students to complete a clinical practicum where they will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

This program lasts one semester and costs approximately $1,000.

Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College Logo

Greenville Technical College, located in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sterile processing departments of healthcare facilities.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and consists of three courses, including Introduction to Sterile Processing, Sterilization and Disinfection, and Medical Terminology.

In addition to classroom instruction, students will have hands-on training in a simulated sterile processing environment, where they will learn about the proper handling, cleaning, and sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

This program lasts three semesters and costs approximately $4,000.

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College Logo

Midlands Technical College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the sterile processing departments of healthcare facilities.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and consists of three courses, including Sterile Processing, Sterilization and Disinfection, and Medical Terminology.

The program includes hands-on training in a simulated sterile processing environment, where students will learn about the proper handling, cleaning, and sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment.

Students will also learn about infection control, anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

This program lasts one semester and costs approximately $1,000.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table

Top 3 Schools in South Carolina

School NameAddress
Trident Technical College7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406, USA
Greenville Technical College506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, USA
Midlands Technical College151 Powell Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States

Salary

According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina is $36,904 per year.

Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and certification.

Annual Salary Range:
$31K
$35K
$40K

Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in South Carolina

City NameSalary
Columbia$35,370
Charleston$36,250
North Charleston$36,250
Greenville$36,060
Rock Hill$37,570
Mount Pleasant$36,250
Spartanburg$35,870
Sumter$34,130
Hilton Head Island$35,630
Florence$34,400
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in South Carolina

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Charleston-North Charleston, SC190$40,020$19.24$50,580$30,680
Columbia, SC180$38,680$18.6$47,830$29,590
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC90$36,590$17.59$47,500$29,880
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC50$36,260$17.43$45,740$28,470
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the annual fees for holding my Sterile Processing Technician license in South Carolina?

As of 2023, there are no annual fees for holding a Sterile Processing Technician license in South Carolina.

What skills are important for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?

Some important skills for a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina include attention to detail, strong communication and organizational skills, knowledge of infection control practices, and the ability to work well in a team.

Additionally, knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy can be beneficial in this field.

What is the job outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians in South Carolina?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in South Carolina, as well as the rest of the United States, is favorable.

The BLS projects that employment in this field will grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Is certification required to become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina?

While certification is not required by law, many employers prefer or require certification from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

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