Sterile processing technicians are an essential part of the medical team and, through their work, make a difference in their community.
They work with doctors, nurses, and other medical team members, and their role is vital to medical environments.
A sterile processing technician, sometimes called a surgery technician or surgery technologist, prepares, sterilizes, and cleans medical tools, instruments, supplies, and equipment, ensuring everything functions as needed.
In training as sterile processing technicians, candidates learn medical terminology, techniques for controlling infections, cleaning, operating, and maintaining medical instruments and equipment, and microbiology.
The position is a fantastic route in the medical field, especially for those who enjoy helping yet are more detail-oriented and prefer less interpersonal patient interactions.
Sterile processing techs’ expertise in maintaining a sterile environment and preventing patient infections is crucial, and candidates have many occupational options working in healthcare, from surgical theaters to dentist offices and clinics to vet surgeries.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Mississippi
There are no mandatory certifications or licenses for sterile processing technicians in Mississippi.
Education
Candidates need at least a minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
However, many employers are looking for candidates with experience and training.
The easiest way to get that is through completing a sterile processing technician training program.
This provides training, education, practical experience, and professional recommendations, and many training programs culminate in the opportunity to take a certification exam—a notable advantage in establishing and climbing the career ladder.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Mississippi
The first step is to choose, attend, and graduate from an educational training program.
To help candidates gain experience beyond completing a training program, most certification organizations mandate practical field experience, often called an externship or clinical opportunity, during which candidates can apply their medical skills in a real-world environment.
The next step is prepping for the certification exam.
Once candidates have completed the training program and their practical experience component, they allow students to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in sterile processing techniques, infection control, equipment handling, and other processes.
The successful candidate now has a formal course of study, often offered through community colleges and online courses, a period of practical, hands-on, real-world application, and certification, and is ready to join a medical team including:
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Surgical centers
- Doctors’ offices
- Dentist practices
- Clinics
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Mississippi
Hinds Community College
Discover a curriculum that prepares candidates to work alongside doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other surgical personnel on the medical team.
Surgical Technologists use surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies to deliver a safe surgical experience.
This one-year Surgical Technology program begins in August and lasts one year.
Contact Information
- Address: 501 E Main St, Raymond, MS 39154
- Phone: 601-857-5261
- Website: https://www.hindscc.edu/pathways/health-sciences/surgical-technology
Pearl River Community College
Surgical Technologist graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.).
Candidates will divide their time and study between classroom, lab, and clinical environments.
Before finishing the program, candidates need to pass the National Certification Exam.
Pearl River’s SUT Program dates: The deadline for the Fall semester is May 1, and the deadline for the Spring semester is October 1.
Contact Information
- Address: POPLARVILLE CAMPUS, 101 US-11, Poplarville, MS 39470
- Phone: 601-403-1000
- Website: https://prcc.edu/academics/health-sciences-nursing/surgical-technology/
East Mississippi Community College
Surgical Technology is a medical program that prepares candidates to work as surgical team members.
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology is a 68-hour program.
It comprises at least 23 general academics and 45 hours of ST classes.
The graduate of the 12-month program earns an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.
The EMCC Surgical Technology Program runs from January to December.
Applications begin on August 1 and close on October 1.
Candidates must have a minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT with a sub-score of 16 in reading.
They must also have a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for any previous college work attempted.
Contact Information
- Address: 1512 Kemper St, Scooba, MS 39358
- Phone: 662-476-5000
- Website: https://www.eastms.edu/programs/career-technical/surgical-technology.html
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hinds Community College | 501 E Main St, Raymond, MS 39154 |
| Pearl River Community College | POPLARVILLE CAMPUS, 101 US-11, Poplarville, MS 39470 |
| East Mississippi Community College | 1512 Kemper St, Scooba, MS 39358 |
Salary
So, how much does a Sterile Processing Technician in Mississippi make in 2024?
The average annual salary is $35,359.
It can be as high as $43,947 or as low as $28,214; the typical range is between $31,619 and $39,855.
The salary for sterile processing technicians is based on education, expertise, experience, certification, and special skills.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Ashland | $36,866 |
| Chatham | $35,121 |
| Fayette | $34,884 |
| Florence | $35,201 |
| Brooklyn | $34,646 |
| Independence | $36,866 |
| Louisville | $33,457 |
| Meridian | $35,042 |
| New Augusta | $34,646 |
| Pearl | $35,240 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 50 | $34,900 | $16.78 | $45,230 | $27,950 |
| Jackson, MS | 110 | $35,560 | $17.1 | $47,310 | $29,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m in Mississippi. What training do I need for a sterile processing tech job in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you can become a sterile processing technician with a high school degree or GED.
This essential healthcare position offers many opportunities to support a medical team in various environments.
What are the job prospects for surgery techs in Mississippi?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, looking into their crystal ball, predicts career options for sterile processing and surgery technicians will grow 6% between 2020 and 2030, which is on par with most professions.
What kind of school or educational minimum requirements do I need to get a job as a sterile processing tech in Tupelo?
Nothing is sweeter in Tupelo than finding a way to enter the vocation of your choice–the medical profession–and a high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum requirement to enter the job market.
However, if a candidate wants to gain the skills, experience, training, and mentorship necessary to succeed and stand out as a sterile processing technician, a training program and certification are the way to go.
Some folks say I need to get certified to work as a surgical tech in Mississippi. Do I need to be certified, or can I take classes to enter the field?
Technically, a candidate can be hired without certification.
However, if you’re asking, “Do I need certification to get my first job in the real world?” then the answer under real-world conditions is probably yes, and certification is the best option to move forward with your career.
