How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kansas

There is an increased number of people in Kansas looking to become sterile processing assistants.

This position is a perfect one if you want to build a career in the medical field.

Sterile processing assistants have a highly important role, although this position is not as known as that of a nurse or doctor.

Your main duty will be sterilizing, decontaminating, and storing all medical tools used by medical staff.

Of course, there is a set of skills you have to possess.

You also need to adhere to the rules and regulations in Kansas.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Kansas

You may be wondering what are the skills you need to obtain, so let’s have a look:

First of all, your daily duties will usually include:

• Performing inventory checks
• Managing and keeping track of the spread of illness and infection
• Cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and storing medical tools
• Maintaining and fixing medical equipment
• Following protocol and specific methods for suitable disinfection and sterilization of medical tools and equipment

It would be helpful to have some other skills, some of which are:

• Good organizational skills
• An ability to find and solve common problems related to the job
• Knowledge of the medical terminology
• A good understanding of aseptic techniques

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kansas

There are a few states where it is required to get a certification, but Kansas is a state where certification is not needed.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one, as it will surely help you gain experience and get hired faster.

To get certified, you first need to take and pass a test.

For example, there is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) test provided by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Once you pass this test, you can find a job as a CRCST.

To work as a CRCST, you have to:

• A lab experience of about 400 hours
• Submit a fee
• Obtain a high school diploma or a GED
• Pass a background check
• Pass some drug tests
• Pass the licensing exam

This license needs to be renewed every year.

You will get 3 hours to complete the exam.

Another option is to become a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

This means you will have to pass the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) test provided by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kansas

Before you can take the certification test, you have to get the knowledge and experience needed to pass it.

To do that, you should look for a school that provides sterile processing technician courses.

Unfortunately, there are no schools that offer such training in Kansas.

The educational institutions listed below have online classes that anyone can complete and their contact data is seen in the table.

Penn Foster

This is a very good school to enroll in if you want to pass the exam and work as a sterile processing technician.

The school provides a sterile processing technician program that only has 12 classes.

During the course, you will learn how to store medical equipment, maintain this equipment, and what aseptic techniques are.

Other topics cover central sterile processing, medical terminology, biology, and anatomy.

It usually takes about 6 to 9 months to complete this program.

It is also flexible so you can study at your own pace.

MedCerts

If you need mentoring and video training, this school offers a program that could be perfect for you.

This school’s sterile processing assistant course lasts for 3 months, after which you can take the exam.

Most of the students who attend this school got their certification and went on to have flourishing careers.

This program is flexible to attend, just like the previous one.

Ashworth College

The program provided by this college is fully online, leaving you free time for other activities or work.

During class, you will learn everything you need to know to pass the exam and get certified.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Kansas

If you get your certification, you can pretty much work in any medical facility you want.

Sterile processing tech jobs are on the rise, and you can easily find work once you start applying for a job.

Some of the hiring facilities include hospitals, clinics, and dentists’ offices.

When it comes to how much you are earning, you can expect to make xxx an hour and xxx a week.

While the salaries in Kansas tend to be on the lower side, you can easily move up in your career.

This will help you earn more and live comfortably while doing something you love.

If you choose to, you can work in any other healthcare area as this job will provide you with the needed experience.

In the end, you should know that being a sterile processing tech is not a very well known job.

But, you will help the nurses and doctors greatly in your profession, which makes your duties fulfilling and useful.

Regional Salary in Kansas

Sterile Processing Technician by State