Registered Nurse vs Sterile Processing Technician
Key Points:
- Registered Nurses provide direct patient care; Sterile Processing Technicians focus on cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining medical equipment.
- Registered Nurses typically earn higher salaries than Sterile Processing Technicians, but both roles offer competitive pay in the healthcare industry.
- Both roles are in high demand, with projected job growth for Registered Nurses and Sterile Processing Technicians.
- Registered Nurses require a nursing degree and license, while Sterile Processing Technicians can often be trained through a certificate program.
- Becoming a Registered Nurse typically requires a longer and more expensive training program compared to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician.
Both Registered Nurses and Sterile Processing Technicians play crucial roles in the healthcare industry. While their responsibilities may differ, they share a common goal of providing quality care to patients. Registered Nurses are responsible for assessing and coordinating patient care, while Sterile Processing Technicians ensure that medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and prepared for use. Both professions require a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to patient safety.
Registered Nurse
To become a Registered Nurse, individuals must complete a nursing education program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). There are several educational pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse, including:
-
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year degree program that provides a comprehensive education in nursing. BSN programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical practice.
-
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year degree program offered by community colleges and vocational schools. ADN programs include coursework in nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health nursing.
-
Diploma in Nursing: This is a hospital-based nursing program that typically takes two to three years to complete. Diploma programs offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Sterile Processing Technician
To become a Sterile Processing Technician, individuals typically complete a certificate or diploma program in sterile processing. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. The length of these programs can vary, but most can be completed in a year or less. Some programs may also offer on-the-job training opportunities.
The curriculum for sterile processing programs typically includes coursework in:
- Sterilization techniques
- Infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Medical instrument identification and handling
- Recordkeeping and documentation
Registered Nurse vs Sterile Processing Technician: Career Outlook and Salary
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses are in high demand, and the career outlook for this profession is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of Registered Nurses will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $73,300 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
Sterile Processing Technician
The career outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians is also positive. The BLS does not provide specific data for Sterile Processing Technicians, but they are included in the broader category of Medical Equipment Preparers. Employment of Medical Equipment Preparers is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. The median annual wage for Medical Equipment Preparers was $37,040 in May 2020.
Final Thoughts
Both Registered Nurses and Sterile Processing Technicians play vital roles in the healthcare industry. While Registered Nurses provide direct patient care and coordinate patient care plans, Sterile Processing Technicians work behind the scenes to ensure that medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized. The education and training required for each profession differ, with Registered Nurses typically holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Sterile Processing Technicians often completing a certificate or diploma program in sterile processing. The career outlook for both professions is positive, with opportunities for growth and competitive salaries. Ultimately, the choice between becoming a Registered Nurse or a Sterile Processing Technician depends on an individual's interests, skills, and career goals.
Dreambound offers programs in multiple locations. For in-depth information on the intricacies of these two vocations, their prerequisites, and steps to join, explore the following blogs:
Vduani Martinez is a part of the Growth team at Dreambound. She creates and fixes workflows and automation to guarantee seamless operations. On top of that, she manages databases to ensure all information is up to date. Vduani is a licensed Electronics Engineer who loves coffee and is a travel enthusiast. Out of the office, she enjoys going on road trips and discovering new cafes and restaurants.
