Key points

• What is a Sterile Processing Technician? A Sterile Processing Technician is a critical healthcare support professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing all surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• How to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida? To work in Florida, you must complete a specialized training program and earn a national certification from an organization like HSPA or CBSPD.
• Length of training for a Sterile Processing Technician: Training programs are fast and can be completed in 9 to 12 months, including the required clinical hours.
• Average Sterile Processing Technician salary in Florida: The median salary for a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida is approximately $51,490 per year.
• Number of employment of Sterile Processing Technicians in Florida: As of May 2024, there were approximately 10,500 Medical Equipment Preparers employed in Florida.

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

A Sterile Processing Technician is the unsung hero of the operating room and the hospital's first line of defense against infection. Working in a specialized Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), they are the experts who ensure that every surgical instrument—from scalpels to robotic arms—is meticulously decontaminated, inspected, sterilized, and perfectly organized for surgeons. Their work is absolutely critical to patient safety, as a single mistake can lead to a life-threatening surgical site infection.

What does a Sterile Processing Technician do?

The duties of a Sterile Processing Technician are highly detailed and process-oriented. Common tasks include:

• Collecting and decontaminating used surgical instruments using specialized washers and detergents.
• Operating complex sterilization equipment like steam autoclaves and chemical sterilizers.
• Inspecting instruments for damage and ensuring they function correctly.
• Assembling hundreds of different instrument trays and surgical kits for specific procedures.
• Meticulously documenting all sterilization cycles and maintaining inventory records.

Requirements to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida

To get hired at a top hospital or surgical center in Florida, you'll need to meet the industry standards for this vital profession.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Formal Training: Completion of a certificate or diploma program in sterile processing is expected by all major employers.
• Hands-On Experience: To qualify for certification, you must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a clinical setting, which is a key part of any quality training program.
• National Certification: While Florida doesn't have a state license, holding a professional certification like the CRCST is a mandatory requirement for nearly every job in the field.
• Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Florida?

The path to becoming a certified and hirable Sterile Processing Technician in Florida is straightforward and focused. Let's take a look at your journey on how you can be an SPT!

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and a commitment to following procedures precisely are essential personal traits for this career.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Sterile Processing Technician Program

Your next step is to enroll in a sterile processing program that will prepare you for certification. These programs, typically offered at technical and community colleges, combine classroom learning with hands-on lab practice. A quality program will cover microbiology, infection control, decontamination and sterilization techniques, and surgical instrument identification.

3. Earn a National Certification

This is the most important credential you will earn. National certification proves to employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform this critical job safely and effectively.

How to Get a Sterile Processing Technician Certification in Florida?

• Complete a Program: Graduate from a sterile processing training program.
• Gain Clinical Experience: You must complete 400 hours of supervised, hands-on experience in a sterile processing department. Your school will typically arrange this clinical externship for you.
• Pass the Exam: Pass a national certification exam. The most common is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

4. Apply for Sterile Processing Technician Jobs

Once you are certified (or provisionally certified while completing your hours), you can enter the job market. A great resource for understanding the skills employers are looking for is MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Sterile Processing Technician Job in Florida?

Create a resume that highlights your CRCST certification and your 400 hours of clinical experience. Search for job titles like "Sterile Processing Tech," "Central Service Tech," or "Medical Equipment Preparer" on the career pages of major Florida hospital systems like HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth, Baptist Health, and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Emphasize your attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization standards in your applications and interviews.