How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan

The healthcare industry provides a great environment to work in.

The jobs are generally stable compared to other jobs.

One career you can prepare for is that of a sterile processing technician.

If you are considering this job, you should have an idea of the requirements first.

Below we will show you how you can become a sterile processing technician in Michigan.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Michigan

In Michigan, you don’t need to get a license to get your first job.

This is true for most US states except for a few.

This however doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get certified.

There are many medical facilities that hire sterile processing technicians, but most require experience.

So, you will need the certification to show that you possess the necessary skills and have the knowledge to do your job.

The job duties you will have to complete on a daily basis 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 protocols for suitable disinfection and sterilization of medical tools and equipment

You may want to get some other skills too, such as:

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

The job tasks and required skills can differ based on your employer.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan

So, how do you obtain a certification as a sterile processing technician?

There are several ways in which you can achieve your dream.

The easiest would be taking and passing the 3-hour national certification exam.

There are a couple of organizations that offer certification exams in Michigan.

For example, there is Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

This entity provides 5 licensing levels, but you only need the entry-level certification.

After that, you will take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.

Another way is obtaining certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

To get licensed, you have to pass not only the test but also have 12 months of experience.

Some other requirements include:

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

Remember that your sterile processing technician certification will need annual renewal.

You can of course attend extra classes and workshops.

The extra classes will keep you updated with any industry changes.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Michigan

You will get the best results if you first enroll in a school that offers a sterile processing technician program.

Such a program will give you the knowledge and experience needed to get certified.

In Michigan, there are a few schools providing programs or future sterile processing techs.

You can learn more about them below.

Michigan Healthcare Academy

This school offers several programs you can attend.

The Daytime Central Sterile Processing Technician Training program lasts for only 3 months.

You only need 2 days a week to study, so it’s perfect if you already have a job.

The Accelerated Sterile Processing Technician Program can be completed in only 5 weeks.

It requires going to class 4 times a week.

Finally, you have the 3-month long Evening Central Sterile Processing Technician Program.

Classes take place from 6 to 9 pm, 2 days a week.

Dorsey College

The college provides a sterile processing technician course that includes both theory and practice.

While you need to attend some classes in person, others are online.

The course lasts for 6-7 months and covers many topics, such as:

• Overview of surgical instruments
• Anatomy and physiology
• Assembly and packaging of equipment
• Decontamination, sterilization, cleaning, and disinfection
• Distribution and storage of medical and surgical supplies
• The role of a medical equipment preparer
• Medical terminology
• Professionalism and communication skills
• Safety and risk management
• Microbiology

Washtenaw Community College

This college has a course that prepares you for the CTSPTF certificate.

You will attend theory classes but also get hands-on experience in hospitals and other medical facilities.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Michigan

Once you get licensed, you will probably want to get hired as soon as possible.

This will not be difficult at all, considering you are certified and have plenty of experience.

The facilities which hire sterile processing techs include:

• Hospitals
• Laboratories
• Doctors’ offices
• Clinics
• Dentist practices

You might also have questions about how much you would earn as a sterile processing tech.

Salaries in Michigan have an average of $45,514 a year and $23 an hour.

Of course, this is based on several factors, such as your experience in the field.

The more experience you have, the higher the pay.

Furthermore, it will be easy to advance in your career in the medical field.

Regional Salary in Michigan

Sterile Processing Technician by State