How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan

Search Sterile Processing Technician Programs

Get information on Sterile Processing Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Search

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.

Search Sterile Processing Technician Programs

Get information on Sterile Processing Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

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.

School Name Address
Dorsey College 31739 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Dorsey College 35005 W Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184
Dorsey College 31450 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
Dorsey College 19810 West Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
Dorsey College 18660 Ford Rd, Detroit, MI 48228
Dorsey College 2620 Horizon Dr SE Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Dorsey College 4390 Bay Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
Michigan Healthcare Academy 33 N River Rd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
Washtenaw Community College 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Search Sterile Processing Technician Programs

Get information on Sterile Processing Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

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.

Annual Salary Range:
$35K
$45K
$59K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Ann Arbor $47,355
Canton $47,282
Novi $47,135
Westland $46,694
West Bloomfield $46,504
Waterford $46,439
Pontiac $46,406
Detroit $46,401
Warren $46,401
Dearborn $46,401

Regional Salary in Michigan

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Ann Arbor, MI240$44,810$21.54$49,170$37,830
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI1,100$45,070$21.67$54,430$36,850
Flint, MI80$46,270$22.25$53,600$37,370
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI270$43,210$20.78$49,310$37,210
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI100- NA -- NA -- NA -- NA -
Lansing-East Lansing, MI110$43,920$21.12$56,850$32,440
Niles-Benton Harbor, MI50$39,590$19.04$45,120$31,390
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certification to be a sterile processing technician in Michigan?

Similar to many other states, Michigan does not mandate a license or specific educational qualifications for sterile processing technicians.

How do I keep my certification as a sterile processing technician?

To maintain your certification and ensure your ability to practice, it is necessary to renew your certification annually.

This entails obtaining continuing education credits to stay current with new laws and regulations.

Additionally, it is important to fulfill the requirement of paying your annual fees.

Is the certification earned in Michigan nationally recognized?

The short answer is “yes” because the majority of the states don’t have state-wide laws regarding this occupation.

USA Sterile Processing Technician by State


2 Comments
  1. Avatar for Chris Green Chris Green

    One standout feature of this post is the section discussing the current job market for Sterile Processing Technicians in Michigan. The insight into the demand for professionals in this field, as well as the average salary range, adds a practical dimension to the overall guide.

  2. Avatar for Aya Parks Aya Parks

    This post provided an excellent roadmap. The step-by-step breakdown of the certification process, along with the required education and training, was incredibly helpful. The inclusion of local resources and institutions offering relevant programs made it easy for me to plan my next steps.

Leave a Comment

×
Search Sterile Processing Technician Programs

Get information on Sterile Processing Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Search