Sterile processing technicians are critical members of the medical team.
They are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment.
If you are interested in the medical field but would prefer not to work directly with patients, you should consider becoming a sterile processing technician.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Nevada
There are no statewide requirements for becoming a sterile processing technician, which means you have a few options to consider.
Since there are no legal requirements, it comes down to what the employer requires to be considered for a job.
Generally, employers prefer you to have experience in the field, complete a training program, or hold a certification as a sterile processing technician.
The more of these factors you have in your favor, the more likely you’ll be hired.
1. Completing a Training Program
Most people begin the process by completing a sterile processing technician training program.
Programs can take between 2 to 12 months, so you can complete your training and begin working quickly.
2. Get Experience in the Field
Some employers will allow you to train on the job, which can allow you to begin your new career without completing a training program.
Alternatively, you can complete a training program and then gain hands-on experience.
Some training programs include an externship as part of the program, but others do not.
3. Certification
There are two certifications for sterile processing technicians.
You can become certified if you have hands-on experience, or complete a training program.
While not required in Nevada, certification shows potential employers your skills.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Nevada
While not required, getting certified as a sterile processing technician in Nevada is a great idea.
You can choose to get certified through the CBSPT or HSPA.
CBSPT Certification
The CBSPT offers a CSPDT certification.
CSPDT stands for sterile processing distribution technician.
To get this certification, you’ll need to pass the certification exam.
You’ll also need to meet one of the following requirements:
- Complete 12 months of work as a sterile processing technician
- Complete 6 months of work as a sterile processing technician, and 6 months in a related allied health position
- Complete 12 months of healthcare product sales or service related to sterile processing
- Complete a sterile processing technician training program with a grade of 70 or higher
HSPA Certification
The HSPA, or Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, offers a CRCST certification.
CRCST stands for Certified Registered Central Service Technician.
To get this certification, you’ll need to pass the certification exam.
To get your full certification, you’ll need to have 400 hours of experience as a sterile processing technician.
If you don’t have the needed experience, you can get a provisional certification.
Then, you’ll have six months to get 400 hours of experience to become fully certified.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in Nevada
College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada offers a sterile processing training program.
During this program, you’ll complete online coursework and 400 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
Upon completing the program, you are prepared to take the CRCST exam.
To be admitted to the program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and proof of immunizations.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows Community College offers a sterile processing technician training program.
During the program, you’ll complete online coursework as well as classroom instruction.
To qualify for CRCST certification, you’ll complete 400 hours of hands-on experience as well.
You’ll complete a total of 9 course hours, including Introduction to Sterile Processing, Sterile Processing, and Sterile Processing Clinical.
Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College offers an online sterile processing training program.
The cost of the program is $2,795 and includes learning materials and a voucher for the CRCST exam.
The course requires you to complete 190 course hours.
It’s self-paced, and you’ll have 12 months to complete it once you register.
Courses include Medical Terminology and Sterile Processing Technician.
You’ll learn about instrument identification, sterile storage, and managing inventory.
You’ll need to complete 400 hours of clinical experience at a local facility.
While the program doesn’t guarantee you placement in an externship, the college partners with many facilities and can typically place you.
MedCerts
MedCerts offers an online training program for sterile processing technicians.
The program takes 14 weeks to complete.
You’ll complete three courses.
These are Intro to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Professionalism in Allied Health, and Sterile Processing.
During the program you’ll have access to training videos, the Central Service Technician Manual, and competency assessments.
You’ll also receive personalized support and student success advisors.
Tuition for the program is $4,000 which can be paid in full or in installments.
Tuition includes learning materials and a voucher for the CPCST exam.
Once you complete the program, you are eligible to take the exam for provisional CPCST certification.
US Career Institute
US Career Institute offers a self-paced sterile processing technician training program.
The program can be accessed with either a mobile device or a computer.
Tuition is $979 if paid in full, and $1,279 if you choose the financing option.
The program includes access to instructors, learning materials, and career support.
During the program, you’ll learn how to apply strict rules to minimize the risk of infection using aseptic techniques.
You’ll also learn proper sterile storage and inventory management, and how to prepare a sterile work area and decontaminate a work area.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an Online Sterile Processing Technician Diploma.
It’s self-paced.
During the program, you’ll learn about the duties and requirements of sterile processing technicians, fundamental practices and procedures for aseptic techniques, and HIPAA privacy regulations.
You can access the coursework online with a phone or computer.
The program includes interactive simulations and videos, digital study guides, and quizzes to test your knowledge.
You’ll be qualified to take the CPCST exam and get provisional certification after completing the program.
Penn Foster will reimburse you for the cost of the exam.
6 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Nevada
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | 700 College Dr, Henderson, NV 89002, United States |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512, United States |
| Western Nevada College | 2201 W College Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703, United States |
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, US |
| U.S. Career Institute | 2001 Lowe St, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
Salary
The average salary for a sterile processing technician in Nevada is $40,650.
Most salaries will range between $36,330 to $45,740.
However, salaries can be as high as $50,374 or as low as $32,397.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Nevada
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boulder City | $39,442 |
| Dayton | $39,640 |
| Elko | $34,408 |
| Hawthorne | $39,284 |
| Las Vegas | $40,037 |
| Manhattan | $39,284 |
| Reno | $39,839 |
| Wellington | $39,284 |
| Sun Valley | $39,839 |
| Mesquite | $39,403 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 270 | $43,680 | $21 | $61,000 | $24,960 |
| Reno, NV | 110 | $43,420 | $20.88 | $54,560 | $31,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician in Nevada?
To be a sterile processing technician, you’ll need attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
You should have basic computer literacy, and be a good communicator as well.
The ability to lift heavy items and stand for long periods is important as well.
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in Nevada?
Yes.
Sterile processing positions are expected to continue to increase in Nevada.
As the population gets older, all medical fields, including sterile processing, are expected to grow faster than average.
Is it worth becoming a sterile processing technician in Nevada?
Yes.
It’s worth it to become a sterile processing technician.
You can complete training quickly and with less expense than most medical careers.
The pay is reasonable and the job outlook is strong.
