Medical equipment preparers
SOC Code: 31-9093Also known as:
Aseptic Technician (Aseptic Tech), Bandage Maker, Central Processing Technician (CPT), Central Service Technician (CST), Central Sterile Processing Technician (Central Sterile Processing Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$46,490
+10.0% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
77K
Current Jobs
What Medical equipment preparers Do
Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
💰 Salary
$46,490
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+10.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
76,500
Projected Employment (2034)
84,200
Related Careers
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Surgical technologists
$62,830 •
+4.5% growth
Healthcare support workers, all other
$46,050 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Active Listening
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
- Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
- Record sterilizer test results.
- Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
- Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
- Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
- Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
- Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.
- Start equipment and observe gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions and to ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards.
- Check sterile supplies to ensure that they are not outdated.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Medical equipment preparers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a medical equipment preparers:
Sterile Processing Technology/Technician
1,964 degrees awarded •
92 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Medical equipment preparers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become medical equipment preparers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical equipment preparers make?
The median annual salary for medical equipment preparers is $46,490.
What education do medical equipment preparers need?
Most medical equipment preparers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Sterile Processing Technology/Technician.
Is becoming medical equipment preparers a good career choice?
Medical equipment preparers is projected to see +10.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 10,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for medical equipment preparers?
Top colleges for aspiring medical equipment preparers include
Eastern Florida State College, Atlantic Technical College, Sinclair Community College, Miami Dade College, Front Range Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to medical equipment preparers?
Medical equipment preparers may also be known as: Aseptic Technician (Aseptic Tech), Bandage Maker, Central Processing Technician (CPT), Central Service Technician (CST), Central Sterile Processing Technician (Central Sterile Processing Tech), Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician), Central Sterile Technician (Central Sterile Tech), Central Sterilization Technician, Central Supply Processing Department Technician (CSPDT), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST), Equipment Coordinator, Equipment Technician, Health Equipment Servicer, Hot Packer, Instrument Technician, Instrumentation Technician (Instrumentation Tech), Laboratory Equipment Cleaner, Material Reprocessing Associate (MRA), Medical Equipment Preparer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.