How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arkansas (Certification Programs & Salary Guide)

Arkansas is known as a place with a low cost of living set among natural beauty, and that might be the perfect place to start a career as a sterile processing technician, too.

What Is a Sterile Processing Tech?

Those are the healthcare employees who work in sterile environments to clean and decontaminate medical tools while preparing them for the next round of healthcare needs.

You might have heard that Arkansas also doesn’t have very high salaries, and we’re going to address that question head-on.

First, let’s talk about how to become a sterile processing technician in Arkansas, as it’s one of the easier routes into a healthcare career.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arkansas

Becoming a sterile processing technician in Arkansas is as easy as one, two, or three!

#1 Get a High School Diploma or Equivalent

Whether you’re in high school now or never finished earlier in life, there’s a path to a sterile processing technician job by earning a high school diploma or getting a General Education Development (GED).

#2 Pick Your Path to Certification

One of the best parts of a sterile processing technician job is that you can take several paths to get there.

First, you can find an entry-level job and work toward earning certifications through an employee-sponsored program.

Most healthcare settings will require one of two nationally accredited certificates within a year of being hired.

Second, certification programs are designed online and in local institutions to prepare you for a specific certification exam.

While these usually have a much lower cost than a traditional college or trade school, you’re generally on your own to get the hands-on experience required for certification.

Finally, there are diploma programs that can last up to a year when you get basic training, advanced lessons, and clinical practices that can work toward those in-person hours required to get the certificate.

#3 Networking & Additional Certification

With the lower salaries for sterile processing technicians in Arkansas, you need every advocate you can find.

Join organizations like the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and connect with healthcare leaders on LinkedIn.

Look for references during any clinical experience you get, and don’t be shy about asking for letters of recommendation.

Once you’re in a job, explore additional certifications, which can include being an instrument specialist, endoscopy specialist, or healthcare leader in sterile processing.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arkansas

The only statewide requirement for the sterile processing field is that the healthcare facility must create a safe environment for you to work in.

You won’t face a state prerequisite to get a license or certificate, but most employers will expect you to have a certificate upon hiring or to achieve one within the first year.

The two most standard certifications expected are the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution’s CSPDT certification exam.

It’s worth noting that sterile processing technicians need to have a certain number of hours of hands-on experience to get certified, even if they pass the exam.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas has limited specific programs for sterile processing, and I wanted to point out that surgical technology isn’t the same thing.

In most instances, people would get a sterile processing certificate before becoming a surgical tech.

Don’t let the limited options be frustrating, since there are plenty of online options that span the nation.

Northwest Technical Institute

In Springdale, Northwest Technical Institute offers a 14-week course that meets nine hours a week.

Not only do you learn everything about the basics of sterile processing, but you can eventually parlay the class into a surgical technology degree if you choose.

The cost is around $1,400 for tuition, supplies, books, and related fees.

Check the immunization and CPR training requirements before applying.

University of Arkansas Little Rock

While this sterile processing technician program is offered out of UA, it is one of the standard online formats that can be found at universities nationwide.

The appeal of this program is that once you sign up, the education is self-guided.

Go at your own pace, but be sure to pace yourself to finish within a year.

With 190 hours of education, you’ll be ready to take the CRCST exam, and that exam fee is included.

The cost is $3,290, but I often see this with a discount as much as 15% off.

This sterile processing course does not include the in-person hands-on training you need to get certification.

Southeast Arkansas College

I felt it was important, given the limited Arkansas-specific learning options for sterile processing, to mention Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK).

While a lot of online resources list this as an option for a certificate of proficiency in sterile processing, that doesn’t hold for 2024/2025.

I assume that will happen next year as well.

What’s happening at the Southeast Arkansas College?

The Higher Learning Commission that offered accreditation to the college implemented two-year probation in the summer of 2024.

After reviewing the course catalogs for previous school years and 2024/2025, I saw a dramatically scaled-down education program across the board.

While the school didn’t issue a statement, it’s likely so that it can become compliant in the lacking areas.

Starting in 2026/2027, look for the potential return of the sterile processing program, assuming compliance is met and accreditation is restored.

Salary for Sterile Processing Technician in Arkansas

Be prepared to hear time and time again that the South pays some of the lowest salaries for a sterile processing technician.

The statistics do back that up.

Salary.com puts the median wage at $36,112.

The top 10% make nearly $45,000, and the lowest 10% comes in around $28,815.

That last amount is less than $14 an hour.

It’s worth noting that the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Arkansas as one of the top three lowest-paying states for medical equipment preparers, the category of sterile processing techs.

The BLS average wage for sterile processing techs in Arkansas is right in line with Salary.com at $36,160.

Keep in mind that Arkansas also has the second-lowest cost of living of all 50 states, according to Forbes.

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