How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska

Nobody likes to be treated in a dirty medical facility or with tools that have been used on other patients and never cleaned.

While hospitals and clinics can be places filled with microbes and not only, there is one thing we can all feel relaxed about.

This thing is that sterile processing technicians work there to ensure the equipment is not only clean but also sterile before a new patient is attended to.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Alaska

Alaska has no licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians making t easy to get hired.

One of the best things is that people can apply for such positions right after graduating from high school or obtaining their GED.

Of course, there is a downside to this situation for the employees and that is getting paid less.

On the other hand, they will receive training on the job, thus learning all the ropes of the position and performing their duties the way the employer needs them done.

However, candidates have the possibility of attending training programs that will help them secure a better-paying position.

Furthermore, they can also obtain the certifications offered by these institutions:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
• Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

These certifications can influence your future career as a medical professional, but not by much.

To become certified, you’ll have to meet certain conditions, such as:

• 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

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Alaska

Some people will take a job only if they know the duties they’ll have to complete.

The duties will indicate if the candidates can complete the job, based on the skills they have.

So, with no further ado, here’s what will be expected of you once hired:

• 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

There will be employers that might assign additional tasks to these professionals.

Here are some of the skills you’ll need for this job:

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

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Alaska

Alaska has only two institutions that offer training programs for sterile processing technicians.

Let’s learn more about the offered courses!

University of Alaska Anchorage

This university offers one of the best training classes for future sterile processing technicians.

If you want to attend this university, you’ll have to apply for the Surgical Technology degree program.

You’ll study topics like:

• Medical instrumentation
• How to assist surgeons
• Sterilization procedures
• Wound management

The program lasts for two years and you’ll graduate with an Associate’s Degree.

Alaska Job Center Network

Through this institution, your training will be different than at the university.

The program is an apprenticeship thus you gain the knowledge and experience needed, right on the job.

While the duration of the class is known at a college, through the Alaska Job Center Network, the duration of the course will vary.

The advantage of this option is that you won’t have to search for a facility that seeks or accepts apprentices because this job center will do all this work for you.

Other pluses for this choice are:

• Working in a safe workplace
• Receiving a progressive pay schedule
• Having a documented training progress

One major downside for you is being less likely to learn the same things as in a university.

This table has information on how you can contact these institutions.

Regardless of which institution you choose to enroll with, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to pass the certification exam.

Receiving training, attending a special program designed for sterile processing technicians, and becoming certified, open the door to higher and better-paid positions in the field.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Alaska

It’s important to know with an approximation, how much you’ll earn once you make the decision to become a sterile processing technician.

As mentioned previously, your experience and training as a sterile processing technician will greatly influence how much you’ll earn.

One thing you should know about Alaska is that here, salaries are generally higher compared to the rest of the country.

Even entry-level employees can expect to earn approximately $40,000 per year.

The more experienced employees can receive about $67,000 per year, but compared to the other technicians with less overall experience, they represent a smaller percentage.

Yet, the majority of these specialists will have an annual salary of $51,000.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Alaska

Sterile Processing Technician by State