How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida

Florida is the #5 state in the country for surgical assisting employment, according to the Bureau of Labor. It’s a great place to get started in this occupation.

Education & Training

Online certification courses, like ones below, can help you take the first steps.

Local Trade School Programs

How Long Does It Take?

Certification preparation courses, such as the ones above take about 12 months to complete.

Associate degree programs in sterile processing or a related field, generally takes 2 years to complete at a community college or vocational school.

So, becoming a certified sterile processing technician in Florida can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the individual’s educational and career goals.

How Much Does It Cost?

$2800 for the certification course above.

Associate degree programs typically cost more due to their longer duration and may range from several thousand to tens of thousands in tuition and fees.

What Will You Study?

In a sterile processing technician course in Florida, students cover various topics essential for maintaining sterile environments in healthcare settings.

Some key points include:

• Sterilization techniques: Understanding various steam, chemical, and gas plasma sterilization methods.
• Infection control protocols: Learning principles of aseptic technique and measures to prevent the spread of infections.
• Medical terminology: Familiarizing with the names and functions of medical instruments and equipment.
• Regulatory compliance: Understanding state and federal guidelines governing sterile processing procedures.
• Equipment maintenance: Learning to clean, inspect, and assemble medical instruments for sterilization.
• Workplace safety: Training on handling hazardous materials and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Quality assurance: Ensuring the effectiveness of sterilization processes through monitoring and documentation.
• Professional ethics: Emphasizing the importance of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in healthcare.

How Will You Benefit?

Completing a sterile processing program benefits you both personally and professionally.

Upon completion, you will:

• Be ready to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification, administered by the HSPA.
• Know how to perform all the duties and tasks of an SPT

Salary Range

To give you an idea what you can make, below is a survey of salaries:

• $40,253 – ZipRecruiter.com
• $49K – Glassdoor.com
• $60,370 –Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• $71,276 – Indeed.com

Average salaries for major Florida cities include:

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Cape Coral-Fort Myers	$29.69	$61,750
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin	$26.17	$54,430
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach	$24.98	$51,950
Homosassa Springs	$26.25	$54,610
Jacksonville	$26.96	$56,080
Lakeland-Winter Haven	$26.97	$56,100
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach	$29.28	$60,900
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island	$29.26	$60,860
North Florida	$27.18	$56,530
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton	$26.07	$54,220
Ocala	$26.13	$54,350
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford	$26.62	$55,370
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville	$23.35	$48,570
Panama City	$24.02	$49,970
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent	$24.99	$51,980
Port St. Lucie	$25.78	$53,630
Sebastian-Vero Beach	$29.44	$61,240
South Florida	$28.88	$60,060
Tallahassee	$21.08	$43,850
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater	$27.34	$56,860
The Villages	$24.16	$50,250

_{Occupation: Surgical Assistants (SOC Code299093)
source: data.bls.gov}

Considering the projected 5% career growth over the next decade, job opportunities for sterile processing technicians in Florida are expected to increase faster than the average for other occupations, potentially impacting salary trends positively.

State Requirements

While Florida does not have its specific state certification for sterile processing technicians, employers often prefer or require candidates to hold national accreditation.

Certification

Previously, we mentioned the CRST certification.

Additional certifications from HSPA include:

• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

CBSPD

In addition there is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) that has a Technician Certification exam.

These certs will require passing an exam after completing a certain number of relevant work experience or training hours.  They demonstrate sterile processing techniques, infection control, and equipment handling competency.

Additionally, maintaining certification may require fulfilling continuing education requirements to stay updated on industry standards and best practices.

Entry Level Job Description

As a Sterile Processing Technician, or Central Service Technician, you play a critical role in healthcare operations by ensuring the cleanliness, sterilization, preparation, storage, and distribution of medical instruments.

An entry-level position as an SPT focuses on the sterilization and preparation of medical instruments and equipment.

No prior experience is typically required, but candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.  Many employers provide on-the-job training, though completing a certificate program in sterile processing can enhance job prospects.

Job Duties

1. Instrument Preparation and Delivery:
   • Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment for medical exams, surgeries, and clinical procedures.
   • Assemble sterilized medical equipment and surgical instruments into trays for clinical use.
2. Pre-Procedure Setup:
   • Arrange surgical gloves and gowns prior to each procedure.
3. Cleaning and Decontamination:
   • Collect, clean, and sort used and contaminated medical equipment and instruments.
   • Pack and prepare these items for the sterilization process.
4. Sterilization Operations:
   • Operate and monitor sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves, to ensure all materials are sterile and safe.
   • Conduct meticulous inspections of supplies to confirm cleanliness.
5. Equipment and Supply Management:
   • Maintain records of sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, and inventory.
   • Manage inventory by reordering medical and surgical supplies, verifying expiration dates, and ensuring supply levels are maintained.
   • Report any issues with sterilization equipment and request necessary replacements.
6. Waste Management:
   • Properly remove and dispose of medical waste.
7. Preparation for Surgical Procedures:
   • Review and prepare inventory, assessing equipment and materials to ready the surgical suite for upcoming procedures.

A career as a sterile processing technician can serve as a vital first step for individuals looking to contribute to the healthcare sector, offering opportunities for professional growth and specialization in a field committed to patient care and safety.

What Employers in Florida Look for in a Sterile Processing Technician

In Florida, employers hiring Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) place a premium on skills and certifications that ensure patient safety, efficient operation of sterile processing procedures, and adherence to established medical protocols. These technicians play an essential role in ensuring that surgical instruments and medical equipment are clean, sterile, and ready for use, directly impacting patient care and the overall safety of medical procedures.

Key Qualifications and Skills

Employers across Florida, such as Naples Surgical Institute, University of Miami’s UHealth, and Halifax Health, look for candidates with several key qualifications and skills:

1. Certification and Licensing: While some employers, like the University of Miami and Halifax Health, may prefer certified candidates, certification in sterile processing and a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification are often required. Certification in a relevant field, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential, helps demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency in sterile processing.
2. Technical Expertise: Technicians need a strong understanding of sterilization procedures, including operating sterilizers, sonic cleaners, and other sterilization equipment. Employers like Westchase Surgery Center emphasize experience with various sterilizing machines and instruments. They also value knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control, ensuring that instruments and supplies meet strict health and safety standards.
3. Attention to Detail and Precision: Precision in following sterilization protocols, labeling, and inventory management is vital. A technician’s ability to document sterilization processes and ensure the accurate stocking and distribution of instruments is key to preventing infection and ensuring the success of surgical operations. Companies like Halifax Health specifically highlight the need for attention to detail in maintaining inventory and preparing instrumentation for operating room use.
4. Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Anatomy: Employers like Westchase Surgery Center and UHealth SoLé Mia look for candidates who understand medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. This knowledge helps in effectively communicating with surgeons and other healthcare professionals, ensuring the proper preparation and use of equipment during surgeries.
5. Experience and Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement. Some employers, such as the University of Miami, offer opportunities for growth and prefer candidates with some background or experience in sterile processing or central service work. Experience in operating room environments or familiarity with hospital sterilization protocols is also an advantage.

Crossover into Other Disciplines

Sterile Processing Technicians in Florida are often expected to have some level of crossover into other healthcare roles, especially in environments like operating rooms and outpatient surgery centers. For example:

• Collaborative Work with Surgical Teams: Technicians work closely with surgical teams, such as at Naples Surgical Institute and Westchase Surgery Center, to ensure that surgical instruments are properly prepared, cleaned, and sterile before procedures. They must understand the needs of different departments and adjust their work accordingly.
• Infection Control and Quality Improvement: Technicians are frequently involved in infection control measures and must adhere to guidelines from organizations like AORN (Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses) and AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation). Employers like UHealth SoLé Mia place significant emphasis on maintaining continuous quality improvement in sterilization processes and staying current with standards.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Management: At facilities like Westchase Surgery Center, managing the inventory of sterile supplies and maintaining accurate records is crucial. These technicians must also collaborate with materials management and equipment vendors to ensure that surgical teams have the tools and supplies they need.

Notable Employers in Florida

Several employers in Florida are known for their commitment to quality in sterile processing and look for technicians who can contribute to this mission:

1. Naples Surgical Institute (Naples, FL): Known for offering a work environment with no weekends or holidays, this outpatient center seeks technicians who can efficiently handle decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments.
2. University of Miami – UHealth SoLé Mia (North Miami, FL): A major academic medical center that is committed to high-quality medical care, this employer offers opportunities for growth, including a sign-on bonus, and expects technicians to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sterility in surgical instruments.
3. Halifax Health (Port Orange, FL): This hospital emphasizes aseptic techniques and requires experience in sterilization, operation of sterilization machines, and thorough knowledge of cleaning and maintaining surgical instruments.
4. Westchase Surgery Center (Tampa, FL): Located in an ambulatory surgery setting, this employer seeks technicians who are knowledgeable in medical terminology, aseptic techniques, and sterilization procedures.

Conclusion

In Florida, employers are focused on hiring Sterile Processing Technicians who not only have the necessary certifications but also possess technical skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. This role is crucial in maintaining patient safety and supporting efficient medical operations, with opportunities for growth and professional development in many healthcare settings across the state.