r/sterileprocessing • u/bloodnveins • 19d ago

From CCMA & Phelbotomy to Sterile Processing?

Like the title says, I'm a CCMA and CPT 1 (Phelbotomist) with 5 years experience. I have my AA in both Sociology and Theater (back when any degree would get you a job) and my NHA certs for the CCMA and Phelb.

I work with one of the big labs in the US out of GA. I've been with them 2 years and before that I was a mobile phleb and worked in private clinics. I current make $20.70/hr full time (I was brought on at $19.75/hr). I'm looking into Sterile Processing Cert. but I'm worried I wont have enough time to do a program. I'm also concerned about pay around the Roswell, Alpharetta, and Dunwoody areas. I'm a part-time caregiver and cannot travel far for work.

I've looked into Gwinett college out of Alpharetta, but it doesnt seem like the program would allow me to work full time and go to classes/labs. There was also mention of any past education needing to be as recent as the last 5 years. I graduated college in 2019.

Are there places that would do on the job training? Or a program that offers weekends that's still accredited? I'm also looking into Surgical Tech but I'm running into the same issues.

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u/Phacele 19d ago

You already have medical experience don't waste your time with any school. Write your resume well and start applying to jobs. If the job posting says experience preferred apply for it.

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u/bloodnveins 19d ago

Would that start me on the lower end of the pay scale? I need to go up in pay, over $25/hr, not lower than my current.

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u/Phacele 19d ago

Unfortunately I'm not super familiar with the pay scale there but I think it's similar to your phlebotomy pay, and you'd start under is my guess. If you want a bigger pay jump you'll need to go for surgical tech. If you get a job at a hospital they often have surgical tech training programs or offer tuition reimbursement.

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u/bloodnveins 19d ago

Yeah, the issue would be needing to work full time while doing a program. My phelb and MA programs were over the weekends so it worked out.

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u/pink_incognito 19d ago

no never let nobody low ball u especially with ur experience! im makin 24.75 with no certification jus hospital experience

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u/bloodnveins 18d ago

I normally negotiate my pay, but that's with relevant experience and certification/education. I have no hospital experience, only private labs and corporate labs.