A sterile processing technician has a great responsibility when it comes to ensuring the safety of patients and medical equipment.
As a sterile processing technician, you will be responsible for ensuring that all tools and medical equipment are sterile, clean, and prepped for medical procedures.
In the hospital, this is an essential role as, without it, doctors, nurses, and patients would not have the necessary tools on hand.
If you’re in the state of Oklahoma, then you’re in luck as we will show you everything you will need to know to become a sterile processing technician.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Oklahoma
Anyone interested in becoming a sterile processing technician in the state of Oklahoma will be able to do so via a few different routes.
For the most part, many Sterile Processing technicians will be trained in entry-level jobs or even on the job.
In addition to that, many students may also attend an accredited certificate program to gain the necessary skills to work as a sterile processing technician.
If you’re interested, then you will want to know the steps below on how you can become a sterile processing technician in Oklahoma.
Step 1: Meet Minimum Education Requirements
The very first step to becoming a sterile processing technician is to meet the minimum requirements that are set by the state and the Federal government.
Because a sterile processing technician will be ensuring the sterilization of equipment and ensuring patient safety, they will need to be at least 18 years of age.
If they are not at least 18 years of age, then they will not be able to work as a sterile processing technician.
Aside from the age requirement, those who want to become a sterile processing technician will either need a high school diploma or complete a GED program.
Those who do not, will not be able to work as a sterile processing technician.
Having a high school diploma or a GED diploma will show employers that you are dedicated to learning the necessary skills to complete the job.
Step 2: Apply & Attend an Accredited Program
The most common path to becoming a sterile processing technician is usually through training by joining an entry-level position.
However, those who cannot find an entry-level sterile processing technician position may alternatively attend an accredited program certified by one of these boards, the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Students who don’t take an accredited program will not have acceptable training.
Step 3: Pursue Similar Certifications
An optional step in becoming a sterile processing technician in Oklahoma will be pursuing a similar certificate if one cannot find an accredited sterile processing technician program within the state.
Luckily, two identical certificates can suffice as a sterile processing technician program.
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) are both viable options.
Each of these alternative programs covers similar subjects as a sterile processing technician program.
Some would say that these programs are almost identical and just have a similar name.
That said, these programs may also cover additional topics that may not be mentioned in the A Sterile Processing Technician program.
Step 4: Get Hands-On Experience
One of the most important factors to becoming a sterile processing technician is to get hands-on experience working with equipment and patients.
Many Sterile Processing technicians gain hands-on experience when applying for entry-level positions.
Those that don’t may need to complete a program with Hands-On training, or, they can end up volunteering or applying for internship positions.
Step 5: Apply
If you can’t find an entry-level sterile processing technician position, then it may be necessary to complete a certificate program first.
After that, qualified students will be able to apply for sterile processing technician jobs in their local area.
Those who are struggling to find open positions may find that the best way to do so is through networking with other medical professionals.
Many clinics and hospitals will also be able to put you on a notification list for when certain jobs are available.
Licensing Requirements to Become
In the state of Oklahoma, individuals are not required to be officially certified to work as sterile processing technicians.
Most people who enter the force will end up as entry-level sterile processing technicians.
That said, many of these positions are filled very quickly and are often very competitive.
Anyone applying to become a sterile processing technician may find that getting certified can give their resume a Competitive Edge and help them land a job.
Salary
A sterile processing technician in Oklahoma makes an average salary of $49,740.
On the low end, SPT will make $44,205.
However, those with more experience and education can make upward of $54,626.
The salary changes mainly based on location, education, and experience.
For example, those living in a large city compared to a remote area generally make more to match the cost of living.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Oklahoma
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Agra | $35,835 |
| Billings | $36,231 |
| Bethel | $34,249 |
| Bunch | $34,606 |
| Chattanooga | $33,496 |
| Chester | $35,835 |
| Davenport | $35,835 |
| Fairmont | $35,835 |
| Graham | $33,379 |
| Duke | $33,496 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 300 | $42,380 | $20.38 | $53,100 | $33,260 |
| Tulsa, OK | 190 | $41,780 | $20.09 | $50,810 | $32,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a sterile processing technician in Oklahoma?
For those who are wondering how long it takes to become a sterile processing technician, it can range anywhere from a few weeks to a year.
This variability is mainly because there are multiple ways one can become a sterile processing technician.
If someone is applying for an entry-level position, then they can expect to be trained within as little as a few weeks.
On the other hand, those taking an accredited program may end up taking anywhere from 6 months to one year.
Lastly, those taking a related certificate or diploma program may find themselves taking anywhere up to 4 years.
What are the alternative programs for becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Oklahoma?
If you can’t find a sterile processing technician program in your local area or online that you want to take, then you can opt for an alternative program that has a similar learning structure and topics to a sterile processing technician.
Those would be the following: a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).
Is a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate worth it in Oklahoma?
A sterile processing technician certificate is worth it in the state of Oklahoma.
Well, one doesn’t need to hold a certificate.
A certificate program, especially one that is accredited, will show that the individual has learned the necessary skills to complete the job successfully.
Not only that, but it may also lead to other job opportunities and one can even continue their education.
What are the typical work hours and shifts for sterile processing technicians in Oklahoma?
Sparrow processing technicians generally work an average 40-hour work week.
That being said, many of the shifts can end up spanning as long as 12 hours.
So, while the minimum amount worked is only 40 hours, some Sterile Processing technicians may also opt to be on call or work overtime.
What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Oklahoma?
It is expected that the state of Oklahoma will have at least 100 annual job openings for Sterile Processing technicians over the next decade.
Well, this is just an estimate.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be a growth of 5% in employment in the medical equipment prepared field in the United States.
The state of Oklahoma has a projected growth of 12%, which is much higher than the national average expected growth.
