New twelve-week training course at Oakland Community College can lead to a new career as a Sterile Processing Technician

Starting this July, a new training program offered through the Oakland Community College Workforce Development department will provide a twelve-week course, leading to a career with starting annual salaries around $45,000. The Sterile Processing Technician Program will consist of 38 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training at one of Beaumont's facilities. Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the required certification exam and enter into a high-demand field. 

Sterile Processing Technicians (also sometimes referred to in the industry as Central Service Process Technicians) are in high demand, according to the press release from OCC about the new program. The release also states that the average pay in Michigan for a sterile processing technician is $45,877. Joseph Petrosky, OCC associate provost of academics and workforce said, "Sterile Processing Technicians positions are one of the two hottest in-demand careers in the healthcare field according to the State of Michigan Healthcare Collaborative."

Anyone interested in this field can expect the job responsibilities to include sterilizing, inspecting, and packaging reusable surgical instruments and devices in a healthcare facility. The position plays a critical role in healthcare settings in reducing rates of infection in patients. The new Sterile Processing Technician program at OCC costs $2,000 and the exam costs $125. According to the press release, financial aid may be available through Oakland County- Michigan Works! for the program beginning July 12, 2021.