Sterile processing technicians play a role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the need for skilled sterile processing technicians is increasing rapidly. This article will explore the top career paths available to individuals who have completed a sterile processing technician certification program.
Sterile Processing Manager
One career path for individuals who have completed a sterile processing technician certification is to become a sterile processing manager. In this role, you would manage a team of technicians responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments and medical equipment.
To become a sterile processing manager, you will need several years of experience working as a sterile processing technician and strong leadership and management skills. Many employers also require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management or a related field.
According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), medical and health services managers, including sterile technician managers, earned a median annual salary of $104,280 as of May 2020. Additionally, the BLS projects that employment in this field will grow by 32% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the median for all jobs.
Central Service Technician Educator
Another career path for individuals who have completed a sterile technician certification is to become a central service technician educator. In this role, you would be accountable for teaching and training aspiring sterile processing technicians on proper cleaning and sterilization techniques and the operation and maintenance of equipment used in sterile processing.
To become a central service technician educator, you will need several years of experience working as a sterile processing technician and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many employers also require teaching certification or experience.
According to the BLS, postsecondary health specialty teachers, including central service technician educators, earned a median annual salary of $99,360 as of May 2020.
Medical Equipment Repair Technician
Individuals who have completed a sterile processing technician certification may also consider a career as a medical equipment repair technician. In this role, you would be accountable for repairing and maintaining medical equipment used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, including equipment used in sterile processing.
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You need to have a thorough grasp of the construction and functioning of medical equipment and previous expertise with electrical systems if you want to become a medical equipment repair technician. A sterile processing technician training in biomedical equipment technology or a closely related discipline is also frequently required by companies.
According to the BLS, medical equipment repairers earned a median annual salary of $52,710 as of May 2020. The BLS also projects that jobs in this field will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Healthcare Supply Chain Manager
Another career path for individuals who have completed a sterile processing technician certification is to become a healthcare supply chain manager. In this position, you would oversee the distribution of drugs, medical equipment, and supplies and manage the supply chain for a healthcare facility.
You need to have a thorough grasp of sterile processing, healthcare and supply chain management and prior expertise in procurement and logistics to succeed as a healthcare supply chain manager. A bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, or a similar discipline is also required by many workplaces.
According to the BLS, healthcare supply chain managers made a median annual compensation of $76,270 as of May 2020.
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You can explore several career paths after completing a sterile processing technician certification. These include management positions, instrument technician roles, endoscope technician positions, quality control technician roles, medical sales positions, and infection control coordinator roles. Your chosen path will depend on your skills, interests, and career goals.
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Meta title- Careers ChoicesAfter Completing Sterile Technician Certification
Meta description- If you want to pursue your career in sterile processing then dive in to learn the top careers after getting the sterile processing technician certification!