How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Massachusetts

A sterile processing technician is an integral part of the healthcare team and has the opportunity to build a career in various medical environments.

Their primary role is to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to and utilize clean and safe medical equipment.

In some areas and healthcare systems, this position may also be referred to as a Central Service Technician.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Massachusetts

This state does not mandate that these professionals possess a license or certification.

Actually, individuals can apply for a sterile processing technician job immediately after completing high school.

However, it is worth noting that candidates for this position have the option to pursue and obtain relevant credentials if they choose to do so.

Those seeking official certification must meet some prerequisites listed below:

• Finish high school or get a GED
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug test
• Apply for the certification exam
• Pay the required fees
• Register with the testing center
• Obtain a passing score on the certification exam

The certification is not specific to Massachusetts and can be acquired by successfully passing the CRCST Credentialing Examination.

In Massachusetts, individuals have the choice to participate in a training program designed to assist them in obtaining certification.

Later in this article, I will provide further details regarding these courses and their availability.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Massachusetts

You can’t apply for a job without knowing beforehand what tasks you’re expected to complete.

Several occupations in the medical sector have tasks that overlap.

The job duties of a sterile processing technician don’t overlap with those of any other occupation in healthcare.

In fact, it’s possible for other medical staff to complete these duties if no technician is available.

Let’s see which are these tasks:

• Perform inventory checks
• Clean, sterilize, decontaminate, package, and store medical equipment
• Maintain and repair medical tools and equipment
• Control and monitor the spread of disease and infection
• Follow protocol and techniques for proper disinfection and sterilization of equipment

Having the following skills will greatly benefit individuals in this medical position:

• Have strong organizational skills
• Able to identify and troubleshoot common sterilization and storage problems
• Possess a good understanding of medical terminology and aseptic techniques.

Job tasks and required skills could change depending on who your employer is.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Massachusetts

What I didn’t mention is that by attending a training course you have better chances at passing the certification exam.

You’ll also learn more about the job itself and increase the possibility of getting hired.

There are quite a few schools in Massachusetts that offer training in this medical field.

All programs have subjects such as:

• Microbiology
• Medical terms
• General cleaning of equipment
• Package wrapping techniques
• Patient care equipment,
• Linen folding,
• Distribution

Quincy College

This program allows you to accumulate 18 credits and at the end, you’ll obtain a certificate of completion after which you can sign up for the certification exam.

Justice Resource Institute (JRI)

The duration of the course is around 12 weeks and it includes 400 hours of practice.

You might even find your new employment through this school.

Mass Bay Community College

At this college, you can enroll in a training program at the start of each semester.

The course for sterile processing technicians comprises just 4 credits and a duration of a few weeks.

Students can choose between the campuses in Wellesley Hills, Ashland, and Framingham.

Boston Career Institut 

This educational institute also comes with 3 locations where courses for sterile processing technicians are available.

Actually, the course is for future hospital central service technicians, an occupation similar to that of an SPT.

However, the practice hours can only be completed at hospitals across Boston.

Bunker Hill Community College

The training program available at this college can be completed in almost a year and students will receive a certificate of completion.

You’ll accumulate 29 credits and will have to finish 500 hours of practice.

The program can be completed either full-time or part-time.

Quinsigamond Community College

You have 13 weeks to complete the training program offered by this school.

The class is made available by the state’s Department of Workforce Development.

North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College offers a course that doesn’t include credits that can be used later on.

Yet, the class is attractive for those with a limited budget because the tuition is very affordable, especially for in-state students.

Springfield Technical Community College

This college offers an Associate’s Degree to those who want to become an SPT.

Students will accumulate 65 credits by the end of this class.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Massachusetts

In the healthcare field, incomes are generally higher compared to many other industries.

This holds true for sterile processing technicians in Massachusetts as well, although salaries in this state tend to be rather higher than in many other states.

On average, sterile processing technicians in Massachusetts earn an annual income of $50,000.

Those with less experience typically earn an average of $39,000 per year, while individuals with advanced credentials and more experience can expect annual paychecks of around $65,000.

Please note that these figures are approximate and may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and specific job opportunities.

The table below provides information on the cities where applying as a sterile processing technician can potentially lead to higher earnings.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Sterile Processing Technician by State