How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in West Virginia (Certification Programs & Salary Guide)

If you feel drawn to the healthcare field but are hesitating because you aren’t sure you want to interact regularly with people, becoming a sterile processing technician may interest you.

Sterile processing technicians are responsible for making sure all instruments and tools in a hospital are taken apart cleaned and sterilized.

This job is essential for ensuring that patients undergo procedures in a safe manner that minimizes the chance of infection.

The successful sterile processing technician will have a keen attention to detail, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, be flexible, and be able to follow directions perfectly.

They will also need to have an understanding of microbiology and human diseases.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in West Virginia

Becoming a sterile processing technician in West Virginia is a simple process:

1. Obtain your high school diploma or GED.
2. Take and complete an approved sterile processing technician program.
3. Apply to take the test for a provisional certificate.
4. Get 400 hours of hands-on experience documented and submit to the HSPA.
5. Become fully licensed

Licensing Requirements for Sterile Processing Technicians in West Virginia

While West Virginia does not require sterile processing technicians to be licensed, having a license opens up better employment possibilities. You will need to complete a training program.

To get your certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), which is given by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) you will need to show you have taken an approved training program.

You then take a 3-hour, 150-question test and get a provisional certificate.

Once you have an additional 400 hours of work experience in the field, you will get your full certificate.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in West Virginia

Southern WV Community & Technical College

Southern WV Community & Technical College offers a Sterile Processing Technician certificate program.

The course takes a year, or two semesters, and is a total of 30 credit hours.

Students who are West Virginia residents can attend the program for $4416.

Out-of-state students are looking at a total cost of $7152.

Courses covered in this program are:

• Introduction to Sterile Processing
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Sterile processing Practicum
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Introduction to Applications
• English Composition
• Sterile Processing II
• Sterile Processing Practicum II
• Health Care Ethics & Law
• Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals
• College Mathematics for General Education

Carver Career and Technical Education Center

The Carver Career and Technical Education Center offers an intensive certificate program that combines both surgical technicians and sterile processing technicians.

This 11-month course includes 1200 physical hours.

There are 500 hours set aside for classroom teaching and 700 hours for clinical and labs.

The last five months of the program is a clinical rotation.

To graduate from the program, you must take the national certification test and pass it.

The cost of the program is $6806.

Classes students must take are:

• Aseptic Techniques
• Scrubbing, Gowning, and Gloving
• Positioning, Prepping, and Draping
• Instrumentation
• Back Table Set Up
• Sterilization & Disinfection
• Vital Signs
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology, Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Blue Ridge Community & Technical College

Upon completion of this 100 percent online program, you will be prepared for the CRCST certificate test offered by the HSPA.

You will have a thorough understanding of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, sterilization procedures, maintaining records, and effectively communicating.

There will be an opportunity to apply for a clinical experience.

The course takes a year to complete and covers 190 hours of education.

The cost is $2795.

The program involves a two-course format, with medical terminology and related classes in one area and procedures involving actual sterilization procedures in the second course.

James Rumsey Technical Institute

Within a year, you will be able to complete this 190-hour program for sterile processing technicians at the James Rumsey Technical Institute.

The program will cost you $3290.

When finished, you will qualify and be prepared to sit for the CRCST exam.

Your tuition will include a voucher for this test.

The classes you will cover in this program are:

• Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Medical Terminology
• The Musculoskeletal System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
• The Respiratory System
• The Digestive System
• The Urinary System
• The Nervous System
• The Special Senses The Eyes and Ears
• The Integumentary System
• The Endocrine System
• The Reproductive System
• Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
• Sterile Processing Technician
• Introduction
• Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
• Decontamination and Workplace Safety
• Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
• Tray Assembly
• Prep and Pack
• Introduction to Sterilization
• Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
• Instrumentation Identification (Part 1)
• Instrumentation Identification (Part 2)
• Case Cart Introduction
• Sterile Storage
• Managing Inventory
• Ancillary Department Support
• Important Components for a Successful Career
• Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam

Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in West Virginia

In West Virginia, the average salary for sterile processing technicians is $35,676 annually.

At the low end, the salary is $28,467 and the highest-paid positions come in at $44,342.

Overall, the salary is slightly below the national average.

Those who hold a certificate are more likely to bring home a higher salary, as are those who work in larger hospitals or big cities.

Regional Salary