If you are interested in the medical field, but you don’t want to spend years in school, you should consider becoming a sterile processing technician.
You’ll be responsible for sterilizing surgical equipment, and ensuring that the tools are safe for use.
This career requires knowledge of disease transmission, sterilization techniques, and hospital policy.
You’ll also need physical stamina and the ability to stay cool under pressure.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Dakota
While there are no state requirements to become a sterile processing technician in South Dakota, most employers will require you to have some experience or certification.
This is not surprising, since a mistake in sterilization could have severe consequences for a patient.
Although these steps are not technically required to become a sterile processing technician in South Dakota, completing them will give you a strong foundation and make you attractive to potential employers.
Complete a Training Program
The first step is to complete an accredited training program.
The type of program you choose will depend on your preferences and goals.
If you want to become a surgical technologist, you should enroll in a surgical tech program.
If you want to be a sterile processing technician, enroll in a sterile processing technician program.
This program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your new career.
Training programs can range from 2 to 12 months for sterile processing, and surgical technician programs are typically 12 to 24 months long.
However, if you choose a surgical technology program, you may be eligible to work as a sterile processing technician before completing the program.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Dakota
There are no licensing requirements to be a sterile processing technician in South Dakota, but many employers prefer or require you to be certified before they consider you for a position.
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, or HSPA, offers a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, or CRCST, certification.
To get this certification, you’ll need to pass an exam.
The exam costs $140 and has seven sections covering each sterile processing area.
In addition to the exam, you’ll need to complete 400 hours of hands-on experience.
This experience can be anytime in the 5 years before the exam.
You can also take the exam, and then complete the hands-on experience within 6 months to earn your certification.
CBSPT
CBSPT offers a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician, or C.S.P.D.T., certification.
To qualify, you’ll need either experience or an SPT training program.
Options for qualification are:
- 12 months experience as an SPD tech
- 6 months of allied health experience, and SPD experience
- 12 months of healthcare product sales
- Certificate of completion of an approved training program
The exam costs $128.
The exam has 125 scored questions and 25 practice questions, for a total of 150 questions.
You’ll have 3 hours to complete the test and must get a score of 70% or greater to pass.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in South Dakota
There aren’t any hands-on sterile processing programs in South Dakota, but there are options you should consider.
MedCerts
MedCerts offers a sterile processing technician training program.
The program costs $4,000 and can be paid upfront or in installments.
The program can be completed in just 14 weeks, allowing you to begin your new career quickly.
The program prepares you for CRCST certification.
To achieve this certification, you’ll need 400 hours of hands-on experience as a sterile processing technician, in addition to passing the certification exam.
The program begins with a two-week course on professionalism in allied health.
Then, you’ll study sterile processing for 6 weeks, and introduction to anatomy and medical terminology, which lasts for 6 weeks.
Purdue Global
If you are looking for a self-paced online program, consider the Sterile Processing Online Technical Training 9th Edition program at Purdue Global.
You’ll pay $440 for the course, which allows you access to course materials for one year, and the HSPA 9th Edition Sterile Processing Technical Manual.
Once you’ve completed the course, you are eligible to take the CRCST exam.
You’ll need 400 hours of hands-on experience within 6 months of passing the exam.
Purdue Global can’t directly assist you with placement for clinical experience, so you’ll need to look into this ahead of time.
Western Dakota Technical College
If you want to become a surgical technician or prefer to get hands-on training, you should consider the Surgical Technology degree program at Western Dakota Technical College.
When you complete the program, you’ll have an associate of applied science degree in surgical technology.
This program prepares you for the Certification of Surgical Technologist, or CST exam.
You may be eligible for certification as a sterile processing technician before completing the program.
The program requires you to act in the first or second scrub role in 120 procedures, so you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience.
3 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Dakota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, US |
| Purdue Global | 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100. West Lafayette IN 47906. |
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703, USA |
Salary
Sterile processing technicians in South Dakota make an average of $35,637, with salaries ranging from $28,436 to $44,292.
Most salaries fall between $31,867 to $40,167.
How much you earn will depend on your education, experience, certification, and the type of facility you choose to work at.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in South Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Brookings | $35,399 |
| Canova | $35,399 |
| Dallas | $32,783 |
| Ethan | $35,399 |
| Henry | $35,399 |
| Lebanon | $32,783 |
| Mission | $32,783 |
| Oldham | $35,399 |
| Pollock | $38,808 |
| Rosebud | $32,783 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD | 240 | $40,820 | $19.63 | $56,510 | $28,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sterile processing technician in South Dakota do?
As the name suggests, a sterile processing technician is responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical tools and other medical equipment.
They also prepare, wrap, and organize equipment.
They may also collect tools after a procedure, and prepare gowns and gloves.
Maintaining sterilization equipment, maintaining meticulous records, and reordering supplies are also sterile tech processing duties.
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in South Dakota?
Yes.
Sterile processing positions are expected to grow by 14% over the next decade, which is much faster than the national average.
This means that you should be able to find a job easily, particularly if you are qualified.
Is it worth becoming a sterile processing tech in South Dakota?
Yes.
Given the job growth and decent salary, it’s well worth becoming a sterile processing technician.
While you will need to invest some time and money to get started, these expenses can be recouped quickly once you begin working.
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician in South Dakota?
You’ll need great attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
You must be a good communicator and basic computer literacy as well.
The ability to work independently and as part of a team, and problem-solving skills are also essential for this role.
Lastly, you’ll need to be able to cope with pressure, stress, and a fast-moving environment.
