How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia

Sterile processing technicians play a very important role in the medical field.

Their main role is to help nurses and doctors do their jobs better by sterilizing all the tools and equipment used in healthcare facilities.

These include hospitals and private clinics.

By becoming a sterile processing technician, you will prevent any disease from being spread and thus make sure patients are in good hands.

Just like in any other field, states have various requirements for this job although many of these are quite similar.

If you live in Georgia or want to become a sterile processing tech in this state, you should first know what the rules and regulations are.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Georgia

The first thing you should know is that this job requires a set of specific skills.

Having these skills will enable you to perform your job and ensure everyone’s safety.

The main job duties you have to perform as a sterile processing tech in Georgia are:

• 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

Keep in mind that some employers might slightly adjust your duties.

Some other skills you should possess in order to get hired faster are:

• Good organizational skills
• An ability to find and solve common problems related to the position
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• A good understanding of aseptic methods

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia

In Georgia, you do not need a certification to practice.

But, it is strongly recommended you get a license as this will help you find a job much more easily.

To get a certification, you first have to contact the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The first entity provides an exam that allows you to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).

To become a CRCST, you need to:

• Get a high school diploma or a GED
• 400 hours of lab experience
• Submit a fee
• Pass a background check
• Pass some drug tests
• Take the licensing exam of your choice

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

The second organization offers the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification.

These exams typically last for 3 hours.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia

The easiest way to acquire the skills needed for your job is by enrolling in a school that offers sterile processing tech programs.

This will enable you to pass the certification exam with ease.

Let’s have a look at the schools you can attend in the State of Georgia.

Gwinnett Technical College

This college offers a course that will get you ready to take the exam of your choice.

The class is offered on the campus found in Lawrenceville.

Atlanta Technical College

This is another school that provides a program that includes lab hours and theory.

Once you complete the program, you will be completely prepared for both exams.

Medical Institute of Northeast Georgia

This institute will provide lab hours, and a theory course as well as give you the chance to get some practical experience.

It does not only prepare students to become sterile processing techs but also surgical technologists.

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.

All of these schools offer classes in:

• Biology
• Anatomy,
• Medical terminology.

In addition to enrolling in a program, you can also work to get experience and knowledge.

The jobs that will help you get where you want include working as a nursing or medical assistant.

The programs for sterile processing techs are flexible and allow you to work while being enrolled.

Some of them provide weekend courses that give you free time to work and deepen your knowledge of patient care.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Georgia

After you get the sterile processing technician certification, you can start looking for a job in a hospital.

But, you are probably also interested in what your income will be.

According to data, the opportunities for sterile processing technician jobs are growing.

By 2031, they are expected to grow by at least 6 percent.

Furthermore, healthcare jobs are usually better paid than others.

In Georgia, salaries for sterile processing technicians are somewhat lower compared to other parts of the country.

On average, you can expect to earn $44,530 a year, which means you will earn $22 an hour.

Getting certified will significantly increase your chances of getting hired in a healthcare facility of your choice.

Regional Salary in Georgia

Sterile Processing Technician by State