How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Idaho

If you want to become a sterile processing technician, you should know what this job is all about.

First of all, this profession is critical in the healthcare industry.

Your main duty will be to make sure that the patients are well taken care of by sterilizing all the tools which the doctors and nurses use.

Maybe you live in Idaho or want to move there, so let’s have a look at the requirements to become a sterile processing tech in this state.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Idaho

Just like any other career path, being a sterile processing tech also requires some skills.

Idaho has its own set of laws and regulations for those wanting to practice.

The most important job tasks you need to complete 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

While most of the facilities have the same requirements, some might customize them.

There are some other skills that may be needed, such as:

• 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 Idaho

In the US, not many states ask for a license in order to practice.

Idaho is also not a state in which certification is requested.

However, it is suggested you get a certification as it can help you get the skills you need to get hired.

Certified sterile processing technicians are also seen as more reliable thanks to the experience they accumulated.

So, how can you go about obtaining a certification?

The organization offering the licensing exam is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

If you pass the exam, you can practice as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

To practice as a CRCST, you need:

• A lab experience of about 400 hours
• Submit a fee
• Obtain a high school diploma or a GED
• Pass a background check and pass some drug tests
• Pass the licensing exam

This certification requires renewal once a year, while the exam’s duration is of 3 hours.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Idaho

The fastest way to get the skills needed to complete your duties is by enrolling in a school that provides sterile processing tech courses.

This will help you pass the licensing exam in a relatively short time.

In Idaho, you can enroll in any of the following schools.

College of Northern Idaho 

If you enroll in the program provided by this school, you can then practice as a central sterile processing technician.

The program only lasts for about a year, making it ideal for students who already have a job.

You will gain knowledge about central sterile processing, medical terminology, biology, and anatomy.

College of Western Idaho

This school is another great choice for anyone looking to become a sterile processing technician.

Here, you will not only take the above-mentioned courses but also learn how to help doctors and nurses when surgery is performed.

You will also learn everything you need to know about medical equipment.

At the end of the course, you can take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam and start looking for an employer.

Ashworth College

This school provides an online program, so you do not have to go to class in person.

Some of the topics covered in the theory course include aseptic techniques, bloodborne pathogens, and medical terminology.

You can also choose to get another job in the field while in school.

This will provide more experience and you can find a job faster.

Furthermore, you will also obtain more knowledge about what it is like working in the medical industry.

Sterile Processing Technician Employment and Salaries in Idaho

So, now that you passed the exam and started searching for a job, what are the next steps?

First of all, you should know there are many healthcare facilities that employ newly certified sterile processing techs.

Some of these include hospitals, private clinics, and dentists’ offices.

As you need to make a living, you may also want to know how much you can earn in Idaho.

Luckily, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sterile processing technician jobs will grow by 7 percent in the next decade.

Jobs in the medical field are also paid quite well by default.

In Idaho, salaries for sterile processing technicians are higher than in other states.

So, you will make around $42,608 a year and $20 an hour.

While being a sterile processing technician is seen as an entry-level position, it is nevertheless crucial in the industry.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Sterile Processing Technician by State