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When people go to any clinic or hospital, they expect all the equipment and tools used on them to be sterile.
The same can be said about the doctors’ and patients’ outfits and not only.
Ensuring all of that is the job of a sterile processing technician, a professional that most common people don’t know exists.
Through this presentation, I hope to familiarize you with this occupation and maybe even convince you to become a sterile processing technician in Nebraska.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Nebraska
It is interesting to note that in Nebraska sterile processing technicians are not required to hold a license or certification before being allowed to work.
As a result, individuals can enter this field directly after completing high school if they wanted to.
However, it is important to highlight that candidates for this position still have the option to obtain relevant credentials if they wish to enhance their qualifications.
To attain official certification as a sterile processing technician, individuals must fulfill the following requirements:
- Finish high school or get a GED
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug test
- Apply for the certification exam
- Pay the required fees
- Register with the testing center
- Obtain a passing score on the certification exam
In Nebraska, individuals who aspire to become sterile processing technicians have the option to enroll in specialized training programs that are designed to prepare them for certification.
The certification exam specific to Nebraska is the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) Credentialing Examination.
This certification is nationally recognized and requires periodic renewal.
Renewal typically involves the payment of a non-refundable fee.
Later in this article, I will provide more information regarding the availability of these training courses.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Nebraska
Every profession requires a unique set of skills and involves specific responsibilities.
In the medical field, there are certain duties and skills that can be shared across multiple occupations.
Listed below are some of the commonly assigned tasks associated with the role of sterile processing technicians:
- Perform inventory checks
- Clean, sterilize, decontaminate, package, and store medical equipment
- Maintain and repair medical tools and equipment
- Control and monitor the spread of disease and infection
- Follow protocol and techniques for proper disinfection and sterilization of equipment
It is not uncommon to find nurses occasionally performing these tasks.
It is evident that sterile processing technicians hold significant responsibilities.
Their work not only assists nurses but also facilitates the overall workflow.
Having the following skills will greatly benefit individuals in this medical role:
- Have strong organizational skills
- Able to identify and troubleshoot common sterilization and storage problems
- Possess a good understanding of medical terminology and aseptic techniques
It is highly probable that once you are hired, many employers will have additional expectations beyond the tasks listed above.
Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Nebraska
Unfortunately, there are just two schools in Nebraska that offer training to those who want to become sterile processing technicians.
Even if there were more such schools, the curriculum would be very similar and would have classes in:
- Microbiology
- Medical terms
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Introduction to Sterile Processing
- Equipment Safety Management and Tracking
- Decontamination and Sterilization Procedures and Practices
It’s highly likely that both schools will require current immunizations including those for the flu, negative test results for substance use, criminal background check, TB, corona, and hepatitis.
Let’s learn more about these schools!
Nebraska Methodist College 
The course organized by this school can be found at the campus found in Josie Carper.
Students will obtain a certificate of completion when they finish the course.
The practical clinical sessions will take place at the Methodist Hospital and will count toward the 400 hours of clinical practice needed for the certification test.
Overall, the course has a duration of 6 weeks.
Southeast Community College
Unlike many other schools and courses, this one accepts students as young as 16 years.
When finishing this program, students will be prepared for the exam organized by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Those struggling financially have the possibility of getting some help in this regard.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Nebraska Methodist College | 720 N 87th St, Omaha, NE 68114 |
| Southeast Community College | 8800 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520 |
Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Nebraska
When individuals lack knowledge about potential earnings, they cannot make well-informed decisions regarding their job preferences.
In the healthcare industry, salaries are generally higher compared to many other sectors.
This trend also applies to sterile processing technicians in Nebraska, although the state’s salaries typically fall slightly below those in other states.
On average, sterile processing technicians in Nebraska earn an annual income of $43,000.
Those with less experience typically receive around $34,000 per year, while individuals with higher qualifications and expertise can expect annual pay of approximately $56,000.
Candidates should take into account that salaries are typically higher in urban areas compared to rural regions.
The following table presents information about cities where applying for a sterile processing technician position may lead to higher earnings:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $43,388 |
| Bellevue | $43,388 |
| Lincoln | $43,004 |
| Arlington | $42,750 |
| Fremont | $42,699 |
| Grand Island | $42,408 |
| Kearney | $42,408 |
| Hastings | $42,408 |
| Alexandria | $42,408 |
| North Platte | $41,610 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | 100 | $38,590 | $18.55 | $39,000 | $36,130 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 340 | $38,920 | $18.71 | $46,220 | $31,730 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any institution overseeing sterile processing technicians in Nebraska?
Yes, and its name is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
How is the income for sterile processing techs in Nebraska compared to the salary at the national level?
The median income of sterile processing techs in Nebraska is nearly identical to the median income at the national level, and that is $43,000 per year.
How promising are the employment opportunities for sterile processing technicians in this state?
The projected job growth rate for sterile processing technicians in the United States is estimated to be approximately 14% from 2019 to 2029.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile Processing Technician by State
Sterile processing is all about attention to detail, and programs in Nebraska can help you gain the skills and knowledge required for success in this profession.
This post highlights the importance of certification, and it’s a great reminder that continuous learning is essential to keep up with advancements in healthcare.