Sterile processing technicians play a critical role in hospitals and other medical facilities.
They are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing tools for surgery and medical procedures.
If you are interested in a career in the medical field but don’t want to spend years training for your career, you should consider being a sterile processing technician.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky
There are no requirements to become a sterile processing technician in Kentucky.
This means that you have a few options when embarking on this career.
Let’s take a look at the steps you should consider completing on your journey.
1. Complete a Training Program
Sterile technician training programs can be completed in a few months to 12 months, depending on the program.
You can choose a program for sterile processing or a surgical technology program.
A surgical technology program takes longer, 18 months to 2 years, but it also offers you more opportunities.
2. Get Experience
The next step is hands-on experience.
While you don’t have to complete a training program to be eligible to get work experience, it does help make you more attractive to potential employers.
It’s difficult to find employers willing to train you on the job, but they are out there.
3. Obtain Certification
There are two certifications for sterile processing technicians, with differing requirements.
You’ll need at least 400 hours of hands-on experience or completion of a training program to be eligible for a certification.
You can also take the certification exam and then complete the required experience hours to earn your certification.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky
There are no licensing requirements to become a sterile technician in Kentucky.
However, earning a certification is key to securing your career as a sterile processing technician.
While not required, it can help set you apart from the competition.
Hospital Sterile Processing Organization (HSPA)
The HSPA offers a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification.
To get this certification, you’ll need 400 hours of experience in sterile processing.
Alternatively, you can take the certification exam and then complete the experience hours within 6 months.
You’ll need experience in several areas, including:
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Preparing & Packaging Instruments (120 hours)
- Sterilization & Disinfection (120 hours)
- Storage & Distribution (24 hours)
- Quality Assurance (16 hours)
The exam has 7 sections, including cleaning, contamination, disinfecting, preparation and packaging, sterilization, and departmental considerations.
While you don’t have to complete a sterile processing training program to take the exam, it is difficult to pass without the knowledge these programs provide.
However, you can study for the exam yourself.
CBSPT
CBSPT offers a sterile processing technician certification. Completing certification will give you the title of Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician, or CSPDT.
To be eligible for the CSPDT exam, you’ll need to meet one of the following requirements:
- One year experience as a sterile processing technician
- 6 months in an allied health field, and 6 months as a sterile processing technician
- One year of experience in healthcare product sales related to sterile processing
- Completion of a sterile processing technician program
Once you meet one of these requirements, you may take the certification exam.
The exam has 125 scored questions, and 25 unscored practice questions.
You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky has one in-person sterile technician training program, as well as online programs you can consider.
West Kentucky College
West Kentucky College offers a sterile processing technician training program.
The course includes both online and in-class learning.
You’ll complete 145 contact hours during the course.
You’ll also complete online modules and tests. 8 hours in the surgical suite are included as well.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers an online sterile processing technician diploma program.
The program is 190 course hours.
It’s self-paced, and you’ll have one year to complete the program.
The course prepares you to take the HSPA certification.
Unlike most online programs, Eastern Kentucky University will help you secure an externship to gain hands-on experience as a sterile processing technician.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster is one of the oldest distance-learning institutions.
They offer a Sterile Processing career diploma.
The program is self-paced, but it can be completed in just two months of full-time study.
Courses included in the program include Allied Health Careers, Building Blocks of Sterile Processing, and Sterile Processing Technology Part 1 and 2.
MedCerts
MedCerts also offers a Sterile Processing Technician training program.
The program takes 14 weeks to complete.
Tuition is $4,000 and can be paid in a lump sum or installments.
You’ll take three courses during the program.
The program begins with Professionalism in Allied Health, which takes 2 weeks to complete.
Then, you’ll complete the Sterile Processing course, which takes 6 weeks.
The last course, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Technology, also lasts for 6 weeks.
Once you complete the program, you can take the CRCST certification.
The exam fee is included in the tuition.
4 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Kentucky
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| West Kentucky College | 4810 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, United States |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475, United States |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street. Scranton. Pennsylvania. 18505 |
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, US |
Salary
The average pay for a sterile processing technician in Kentucky is $37,302.
Most employees will earn between $33,356 to $42,362, but salaries can range from $29,764 to $46,362.
How much you can earn will depend on several factors.
These include your skills, experience, education, certification, and the type of facility you choose to work at.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Kentucky
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $35,359 |
| Arlington | $35,359 |
| Augusta | $38,530 |
| Beaver | $34,606 |
| Bellevue | $38,768 |
| Canada | $34,923 |
| Elizabethtown | $37,579 |
| Clarkson | $37,579 |
| Denton | $35,320 |
| Elizaville | $36,548 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 230 | $46,160 | $22.19 | $52,180 | $36,400 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 350 | $43,820 | $21.07 | $58,420 | $36,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in Kentucky?
Yes, sterile processing technicians are in demand in Kentucky.
The position is expected to grow by 9% in the next decade, which is significantly higher than average.
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician in Kentucky?
To be a sterile processing technician, you’ll need strong attention to detail and the ability to think analytically.
The job requires problem-solving, and the ability to think on your feet.
You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and cope with stress and pressure well.
Is it worth becoming a sterile processing technician?
Yes, it’s generally worth it to become a sterile processing technician.
The job outlook is strong and the pay is reasonable.
You can also begin your career with little time spent in training before getting started.
What do sterile processing technicians in Kentucky do?
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing medical equipment and tools.
They may set up operating rooms, package instruments, and order new supplies.
They may also be responsible for keeping detailed records documenting sterilization.
