How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida

While being a sterile processing technician is not a widely known profession, it is nevertheless a crucial profession within the healthcare system.

Those who choose this career path will have to provide sterile tools to the medical teams working in hospitals.

This ensures that patients are treated with the care they deserve and are safe from contracting an additional disease.

In the US, every state has its own set of particular rules and regulations regarding this job.

So, let’s have a look at how you could become a sterile processing technician in the state of Florida.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Florida

All sterile processing techs have specific job duties to perform, which require specific skills.

Keep in mind that every employer might adjust the requirements as they see fit.

In Florida, the daily job duties of a sterile tech include the following:

• Performing inventory checks
• Managing and keeping track of the spread of illness and infection
• Cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and storing medical tools
• Maintaining and fixing medical equipment
• Following protocol and specific methods for suitable disinfection and sterilization of medical tools and equipment

While many times nurses and other healthcare staff are also able to perform these duties, technicians aid by making their jobs easier.

There is a set of skills you will need to have in order to be hired as a sterile tech, but which will also help in any medical-related profession.

These are the following:

• Strong organizational skills
• Able to identify and troubleshoot common problems related to the position
• Good understanding of medical terminology
• Good knowledge of aseptic techniques

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida

First of all, you should know that a sterile processing tech is an entry-level job.

While there are a few states where you will need to get a license before getting hired, Florida does not require it.

However, you might want to get a certificate as it will maximize your chances at getting hired faster.

In Florida, there are 2 associations through which you can obtain the certification you need.

One of them is the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

This organization offers an exam that you need to pass in order to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).

The requirements for becoming a CRCST are:

• 400 hours of lab experience in a laboratory
• Paying a fee
• Having a high school diploma or a GED
• Taking a background check and submitting drug tests
• Taking and passing the licensing exam

You also have to renew this credential on a yearly basis.

Or, you can choose to get accredited through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

For that, you have to take the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) exam.

This will allow you to get a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Florida

Florida has a few schools that provide training if you are looking to become a sterile processing technician.

Tallahassee Community College

This school offers a Central Sterile Processing Technician Program that lasts for a total of 30 hours.

At the end of it, you will be ready to take the CRCST and SPDTC exams.

The program will provide you with the set of skills you need for your future job.

Florida Institute of Sterile Processing

This school offers a month-long program that is perfect for those who are already working.

The classes take place on Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to learn everything you need to know while also working.

Keep in mind that upon finishing the program, you can only take the CBSPD exam.

Santa Fe College

This is yet another school that will prepare you for the sterile processing tech job.

Their Central Sterile Processing Technology program lasts for 30 hours and includes:

• Lab hours
• A theory course where you will learn your job duties and how to perform them
• An internship that provides hands-on experience in the field

At the end of the program, you can take the CRCST exam or the CBSPD exam, based on your choice.

Another important thing to know is that Florida schools for sterile processing techs do not provide financial aid.

This means that you might have to take a student loan in order to enroll in the school you want.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Florida

Of course, you may wonder what salary you can expect once you get hired as a sterile processing technician in Florida.

Luckily, the healthcare field is one with the highest salaries in the country.

This is also true for sterile processing techs, although they make less than other medical professionals.

If you want to become a sterile processing tech in Florida, you can expect a salary of about $43,597 a year, meaning around $21 per hour.

Although this state offers lower salaries for sterile processing techs compared to other states, you should still be able to live comfortably.

Furthermore, this job is on the rise so you will not have any issues finding work quite fast after getting certified.

Regional Salary in Florida

Sterile Processing Technician by State