How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Wisconsin

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If you are looking for a health career option that does not take years of school or training, becoming a sterile processing tech could be the right fit for you.

Sterile processing technicians are medical professionals who are in charge of cleaning and sterilizing equipment for medical centers, facilities, clinics, and other institutions that utilize medical equipment.

These professionals are an essential part of the healthcare team and provide an important service.

This quick guide will provide you with some more information on how to become a sterile processing tech in the state of Wisconsin.

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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 Wisconsin

This is a great career path for individuals who need or want to start their careers quickly.

The state of Wisconsin does not set any specific requirements for this type of position.

However, individual employers often look for the following qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Certification as a Sterile Processing Tech
  • Licensing

Keep in mind, because the state of Wisconsin does not have set requirements, the requirements set forth by each individual employer can vary.

The best way to ensure that you are hirable is to cover all of your bases by obtaining training, certification, and licensing.

This will give you a distinct advantage over all candidates applying for the same jobs.

There are some employers who might consider training you on the job.

However, this will ultimately limit you as far as your documented skills are concerned.

It could make it difficult for you to gain employment later on at another facility.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Let’s take a look at where you can get training and certification as a sterile processing technician in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is home to several schools that provide training for sterile processing technicians.

The Wisconsin Technical College system provides a standardized program for this career path.

This program consists of 10 credit hours of courses.

These courses can often be completed in as little as one semester.

There are several different locations you can choose from.

Throughout these courses, you will learn about infection control, sterilization techniques, equipment inventory control, decontamination, equipment distribution, and more.

Once you complete these courses through the Wisconsin Technical College system, you will be prepared to sit for a certification exam.

There are several locations within the Wisconsin Technical College System to choose from for these classes.

Blackhawk Technical College Janesville

Blackhawk Technical College Janesville Logo

This is a vocational school located in Janesville.

This school provides courses to prepare you for a job as a sterile processing technician.

In addition to this program, the school offers a wide variety of vocational programs.

Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire

Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire Logo

This technical school is a part of the Wisconsin Technical College System and offers courses to prepare students for certification as sterile processing technicians.

This school offers a wide range of programs to choose from and does offer financial assistance for many of the programs.

Mid-State Technical College Marshfield

Mid-State Technical College Marshfield Logo

Mid-State Technical College is conveniently located in Marshfield Wisconsin which is easily accessible to students from all over the state.

They offer both in-person classes as well as online instruction.

Here you can learn the skills you need to prepare for sterile processing technician certification.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table

Top 3 Schools in Wisconsin

School NameAddress
Blackhawk Technical College Janesville6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, WI 53546, USA
Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire2320 Alpine Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
Mid-State Technical College Marshfield2600 W 5th St, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA

Salary

The salary for this occupation can vary from place to place, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in the state of Wisconsin sterile processing techs make approximately $36,020 annually.

This breaks down to about $17.32 an hour.

At the top of the earning range, sterile processing techs can look to make $46,750 annually.

Careers in this profession are growing.

Estimates from the Projects Central database report that this profession is growing at a rate of 8% nationally, and 5% statewide in Wisconsin.

Annual Salary Range:
$33K
$37K
$42K

Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Wisconsin

City NameSalary
Milwaukee$37,770
Madison$37,400
Green Bay$36,610
Kenosha$37,500
Racine$37,500
Appleton$36,620
Waukesha$37,630
Oshkosh$36,390
Janesville$37,250
La Crosse$35,470
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Eau Claire, WI60$43,810$21.06$56,450$36,070
Green Bay, WI90$42,520$20.44$48,280$35,810
Janesville-Beloit, WI30$41,150$19.79$51,770$34,100
Madison, WI220$50,400$24.23$64,090$37,450
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI400$44,860$21.57$51,320$36,100
Wausau, WI30$43,110$20.73$54,540$37,250
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I become a sterile processing technician?

This vital profession keeps medical facilities running safely.

Without properly trained sterile processing technicians, germs and pathogens could spread quickly through medical facilities.

Having a dedicated team to complete this task, helps doctors and nurses devote more of their time to patient care.

Is sterile processing a real medical career?

Yes, this is a real occupation in the medical field.

It is an important role that must be filled in medical facilities.

This position also opens the door to other opportunities within the medical field as well.

Is there financial assistance available to get training?

You will need to contact the school you are interested in attending to find out if they provide any financial assistance for the program.

Do I need a college degree to become a sterile processing technician?

No, you will not need a college degree to get started in this job.

This is one reason why people are attracted to this medical career.

You will be able to complete the required courses for certification in as little as one semester.

This makes it a great career option for people who want to start their career as soon as possible.

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