Allied health professionals who work alongside top surgeons in America’s hospitals and surgery centers are in high demand.
Starting a new career as a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia offers quick entry into the medical field along with well-paying salaries and opportunities for advancement.
Learn what it takes to become a Sterile Processing Technician or Central Service Technician in Virginia and get step-by-step instructions on how to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia in our informative guide below!
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia
The first step toward becoming a Central Service Technician in Virginia is to research the role.
Learning about the key duties of Certified Sterile Processing Technicians working in area hospitals and surgery centers can help you determine if taking on this allied health profession is the best career move for you.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia
Step #1. – Finish High School
Although the barrier for entry into most SPT training programs is typically low, almost all online and on-campus certification programs will require new applicants to have a high school diploma or GED as an application requirement.
Step #2. – Get Formal SPT Education in Virginia
There are a variety of certification-based training programs available for SPT hopefuls in Virginia.
Research local training programs and apply to SPT programs that meet your needs for scheduling, location, and budget.
Step #3. – Apply for Certification
SPT program graduates can solidify their educational credentials by applying for national certification from the top certification authorities in the US.
Top certifying authorities for Virginia SPTs include the HSPA and the IAHCSMM.
Step #4. – Find a Sterile Processing Technician Job
Certified Sterile Processing Technicians seeking employment after graduation can begin their job search online and by taking advantage of career placement opportunities offered by local SPT schools.
Step #5. – Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Certified SPTs are required to recertify their credentials through approved continuing education programs offered by certification authorities and some of the educational institutions listed below.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia
There are currently no formal licensing requirements for working as a sterile processing technician in Virginia. Incoming Central Service Technicians gain their expertise through theoretical, practical, and hands-on education that prepares them to take national certification exams.
Most local healthcare employers give preference to prospective applicants who can demonstrate competency through many years of hands-on experience or by holding highly sought-after allied health credentials.
Sterile Processing Technician Programs in Virginia
Aspiring SPTs in Virginia have a variety of campus-based, online, and hybrid programs to choose from.
The following are examples of some of the top Central Service Technician training and certification programs accepting new applicants in Virginia.
Central Virginia Community College
Central Virginia Community College offers a web-based route to sterile processing certification through the HSPA.
Their 190-hour program allows enrollees up to twelve months to complete a series of required courses and bundles the cost of the CRCST certification exam with the program tuition.
Online students work at their own pace to complete a series of courses that teach them the fundamentals of sterilizing, disinfecting, and assembling surgical tools.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Sterile Processing Technician
- Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
- Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
- Instrument Identification
- Clinical Experience
Contact Information
- Address: 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, Virginia – 24502
- Website: Link
- Phone: 855-520-6806
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College provides a 550 credit hour certification prep course for aspiring Central Service Technicians in Virginia.
Their vocational program operates as a component of their G3 series.
This series provides free and low-cost community education opportunities for in-demand careers at little or no cost to qualified students.
Their Sterile Processing Technician program follows the HSPA certification track and readies students for entry-level employment in local hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers.
PVCC requires that all new applicants meet their age requirements, provide proof of current immunizations, and pass both a criminal background check and drug screen requirements to be considered for admission into the program.
Courses Offered
- Identification of Surgical Instruments and Tools
- Infection Control
- Packaging Surgical Equipment
- Quality Control
- Medical Instruments
- Record Keeping and Compliance
Contact Information
- Address: 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia – 22902
- Website: Link
- Phone: 434-977-3900
Reynolds Community College
The School of Health Professions at Reynolds Community College trains Virginia Central Sterile Technicians on the theoretical and clinical skills needed to work as Sterile Processors in hospitals, surgery centers, and local medical facilities.
Their 20-hour program features a mix of online, on-campus, and hands-on clinical instruction that helps students prepare for national certification and entry-level employment as in-demand allied health professionals in Virginia’s medical facilities.
Courses Offered
- Central Sterile Technology
- Fundamental Clinical Applications
- IAHCSMM Certification Prep
- Medical Terminology
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Clinical Experience
Contact Information
- Address: 1651 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia – 23285
- Website: Link
- Phone: 804-371-3000
Chester Career College
Allied health professionals who are serious about making a career out of sterile processing can earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree at Chester Career College.
Their two-year degree program provides enrollees with a comprehensive overview of the sterile processing career, certification prep, and hands-on experience.
Program graduates are awarded an associate’s degree and prepared to pass national certification exams that demonstrate their competency and experience to medical employers.
Courses Offered
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Cell Structure and Body Systems
- Certification Prep
- Equipment Storage and Distribution
- Strategies for Success
- SPT Externship
Contact Information
- Address: 1651 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia – 23285
- Website: Link
- Phone: 804-751-9191
More Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia
Virginia offers a variety of educational options for prospective Sterile Processing Students.
The following are links to more programs across the state.
- Southwest Virginia Community College
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Southside Virginia Community College
- Norfolk State University
- Virginia Peninsula Community College
4 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Virginia Community College | 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, Virginia - 24502 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia - 22902 |
| Reynolds Community College | 1651 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia - 23285 |
| Chester Career College | 1651 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia - 23285 |
Sterile Processing Technician Salary – Virginia
Previous experience, education, location, and employer type are all factors that play a role in determining the average annual salary of local SPTs.
Online salary reports show that even Virginia’s entry-level Sterile Processing Technicians make well-paying average annual salaries that fall between $31,725.00 per year on the low end and $49,416.00 per year on the higher end of the salary scale.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Arrington | $36,152 |
| Bedford | $36,311 |
| Covington | $36,390 |
| Chesapeake | $37,262 |
| Davenport | $34,606 |
| Edinburg | $43,922 |
| Fort Valley | $43,922 |
| Hot Springs | $36,271 |
| Lebanon | $34,606 |
| Pembroke | $36,390 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynchburg, VA | 60 | $39,470 | $18.98 | $44,590 | $33,410 |
| Richmond, VA | 280 | $43,880 | $21.1 | $52,670 | $36,850 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 510 | $43,110 | $20.73 | $49,850 | $35,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a License to Work as a Central Service Technician or Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia?
No.
There are currently no formal licensing requirements for working as a Sterile Processing Tech in Virginia.
Virginia’s Central Service Technicians are well-trained and certified allied health professionals who begin their careers through a combination of education and hands-on clinical experience.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia?
Most students who enroll in certification-based training can complete their educational requirements within one to twelve months.
Self-paced students can complete certificates at their own pace.
What Are Some of The Benefits of Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia?
SPTs in VA work in fast-paced environments providing crucial hands-on support for highly skilled surgical teams.
These well-trained and certified allied health professionals can earn high-paying salaries and have a variety of opportunities for career advancement.
