Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals and other medical facilities to ensure the safety and cleanliness of medical instruments and equipment.
You’ll be a critical part of the medical team.
A medical facility, particularly a hospital or surgery center, can’t operate without sterile processing technicians.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Missouri
Missouri has no statewide requirements to become a sterile processing technician.
However, you can’t expect to begin this career with no training or certification.
Employers will want to know that you can do the job. Some employers are willing to provide on-the-job training, but most do not.
They typically require you to have completed a training program, have prior experience, or have a sterile processing technician certification.
1. Complete a Training Program
You don’t have to complete a training program to be a sterile processing technician, but if you have no experience, it’s the best place to start.
Some training programs are in person, while others are online.
Programs typically take between 2 and 12 months to complete and may require you to complete a certain number of externship hours for hands-on experience as well.
2. Get Experience
Some certifications require you to have 400 hours of hands-on experience before becoming fully certified.
It’s a great way to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Most training programs do not provide you with externship opportunities, so you’ll need to reach out to local facilities or get hired at a medical facility.
3. Obtain Certification
You may choose to get certified, or at least begin the process, before getting hands-on experience.
Becoming certified can make finding a job easier, but the hands-on experience can help you pass your certification exam.
You’ll need to determine which you should do first based on your situation and the opportunities available to you.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Missouri
As we’ve already discussed, there are no official licensing or certification requirements for becoming a sterile processing technician in Missouri.
However, most employers will expect you to be certified.
This can also set you apart from applicants who aren’t certified.
CBSPT
The CBSPT offers the C.S.P.D.T or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician certification.
To qualify for this certification, you’ll need to meet one of four criteria.
These include:
- 1 Year working as a sterile processing technician
- 6 Months experience in an allied health field, and experience as a sterile processing technician
- 1 Year in healthcare product sales
- Completion of a sterile processing technician training program
The exam costs $128.
You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.
The test has 150 questions, with 125 of them being scored, and 25 being practice questions.
HSPA
HSPA offers a CRCST certification, or Certified Registered Central Service Technician.
To qualify for this certification, you’ll need 400 hours of hands-on experience.
If you don’t have the required experience, you can take the exam first.
Then, you’ll have 6 months to show you have gained the needed experience.
You’ll need experience in the following areas:
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Preparing & Packaging Instruments (120 hours)
- Sterilization & Disinfection (120 hours)
- Storage & Distribution (24 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (16 hours)
Once you provide proof of experience and passed the exam, you are a certified central service technician.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in Missouri
St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College offers a short-term sterile processing technician training program in partnership with BJC Healthcare.
To qualify, you’ll need to be an employee of the hospital or a candidate for a sterile processing technician position.
The course is 28 weeks and includes 100 hours of in-class instruction and 400 hours of hands-on training.
Once you complete the program, you are eligible for HSPA certification.
The cost of the course is paid by the employer and requires a 1-year commitment to working for the hospital.
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri also offers an in-person sterile processing technician certificate program.
The course requires 150 classroom hours and 400 hands-on hours.
The cost of the program is $2,895 and includes books and certification exam fees.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are ready to take the HSPA exam and get your certification.
Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University offers a certificate in sterile processing technician.
The program requires 190 course hours, and you’ll have one year to complete it after you enroll.
The course costs $2,895 and includes a voucher for the HSPA sterile processing technician exam.
Courses include medical terminology and sterile processing technician.
MedCerts
MedCerts offers a sterile processing technician certificate program.
The program can be completed in 14 weeks.
Tuition is $4,000 and can be paid in full or in installments.
A voucher for the HSPA certification and learning materials are included in tuition.
The program has three courses.
You’ll begin with a two-week course in Professionalism in Allied Health.
Then, you’ll spend six weeks studying Sterile Processing, and finally, six weeks on Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology.
Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be prepared to take the HSPA sterile processing technician certification exam.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a sterile processing technician career diploma.
The program is online, mobile-friendly, and self-paced.
The program includes interactive learning modules, digital study guides, and quizzes to check your knowledge.
Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be ready to take the HSPA certification for sterile processing technicians.
Topics included in the program include the duties and requirements of sterile processing technicians, aseptic techniques, and HIPAA privacy regulations.
5 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| St. Louis Community College | 3221 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044, United States |
| University of Central Missouri | 116 W South St, Warrensburg, MO 64093, United States |
| Northwest Missouri State University | 800 University Dr, Maryville, MO 64468, USA |
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, US |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA. |
Salary
The average salary for a sterile processing technician in Missouri is $38,490, with most salaries ranging from $34,390 to $43,310.
However, salaries can range from $30,657 to $47,698.
Your salary can be impacted by your experience, education, training, certification, and the type of facility you choose to work at.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Missouri
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany | $38,451 |
| Amsterdam | $38,451 |
| Bakersfield | $35,320 |
| Benton | $36,905 |
| Brighton | $35,478 |
| Camden | $38,451 |
| Cleveland | $38,451 |
| Eolia | $38,491 |
| Fayette | $38,451 |
| Hamilton | $38,451 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 40 | $38,130 | $18.33 | $45,610 | $32,080 |
| Columbia, MO | 150 | $42,390 | $20.38 | $48,470 | $34,430 |
| Joplin, MO | 40 | $40,550 | $19.49 | $46,540 | $32,920 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 640 | $45,550 | $21.9 | $55,830 | $36,500 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 840 | $43,550 | $20.94 | $51,360 | $35,010 |
| Springfield, MO | 160 | $39,290 | $18.89 | $45,970 | $33,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in Missouri?
Yes.
Sterile processing technician positions are expected to grow faster than most careers.
This is largely because the population is aging, which places more demand on the medical system, including sterile processing.
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician?
In addition to knowledge of sterile processing, there are a few skills you’ll need.
You must be detail-oriented, and a great problem solver.
You must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
Computer literacy and strong communication skills are essential as well.
Is it worth it to become a sterile processing technician?
Yes.
Sterile processing technicians enjoy job security and reasonable pay.
It’s also relatively easy to get started in the field.
What do sterile processing technicians in Missouri do?
As a sterile processing technician, you’ll be responsible for sterilizing and organizing medical tools and equipment.
You will also be responsible for packaging tools and preparing operating rooms.
You will need to keep track of the inventory and keep detailed records of sterilization procedures.
