Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing medical tools and equipment.
If you want to work in the medical field but aren’t interested in working directly with patients, you should consider being a sterile processing technician.
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have any statewide requirements for sterile processing technicians.
This means that you can technically begin your career without any formal training or experience.
However, most employers will require you to have some training, experience, or certification before considering you for a job.
Sterile Processing Technician Training
Generally, the best first step is to enroll in a sterile processing technician training program.
This will teach you the skills you need to be a sterile processing technician.
Training programs can be in person or online and typically take between 2 to 12 months to complete.
Gaining Experience as a Sterile Processing Technician
Some training programs will connect you with a facility to gain hands-on experience as a sterile processing technician.
However, in some cases, you may have to find a facility yourself.
Some employers are willing to train employees as sterile processing technicians on the job, even without training or education, but you are more likely to get opportunities after completing a training program.
Certification
Two entities provide certification for sterile processing technicians.
While not required, certification shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable, and can increase your chances of landing a job.
To qualify for certification, you’ll need to have experience in sterile processing or a related field complete a sterile processing training technician program, and pass a certification exam.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Wyoming
Although licensing is not required, it is beneficial to get certified as a sterile processing technician in Wyoming.
The two organizations that provide certification are the HSPA and the CBSPT.
HSPA Certification
The HSPA, or Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, offers a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, or CRCST, certification.
To qualify for the certification, you’ll need to pass the certification exam.
This exam includes Departmental Considerations, Cleaning, Disinfection, and Decontamination, Preparation and Packaging, and Sterilization Process.
You’ll also need 400 hours of experience as a sterile processing technician.
If you don’t have the required experience, you can get a provisional certification.
Then, you have six months to get the experience and become fully certified.
CBSPD Certification
CBSPD offers a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician certification, or CSPDT.
To qualify for this certification, you’ll need to meet one of four requirements.
The requirements are:
- 12 months experience as a sterile processing technician
- 6 months experience in sterile processing, and 6 months experience in another allied healthcare field
- 12 months of healthcare product sales experience related to sterile processing
- Completion of a sterile processing training program
The CSPDT exam consists of 150 questions, with 125 being scored and 50 being practice questions.
You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs in Wyoming
You can choose between in-person and online training to become a sterile processing technician.
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College offers a hybrid sterile processing training program.
Most of the course is completed online, so students can maintain a full-time job.
The program requires two weekends of hands-on training at the college as well.
The program takes 16 weeks to complete.
After you finish the program, you can take a certification exam.
The program also assists students in finding employment after completing the program.
Ashworth College
Ashworth College offers a sterile processing technician training program online.
Courses in the program include Building Blocks of Sterile Processing and Sterile Processing Technology.
During the program, you’ll learn medical terminology, biology and anatomy of the body, microbiology, and how to identify bloodborne pathogens commonly found in the workplace.
Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College offers a 12-month online sterile training technician program.
The program requires 190-course hours and consists of two courses, Medical Terminology and Sterile Processing Technician.
The program is self-paced, and many students finish it well before 12 months.
The program also includes a voucher to take the HSPA certification exam.
The college also helps students secure clinical rotations to practice their skills and qualify for full HSPA certification.
MedCerts
MedCerts offers a sterile processing technician training program.
The program lasts 14 weeks and includes Professionalism in Allied Health, Sterile Processing, and Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology.
The program is online, and tuition is $4,000 if paid in full.
This includes a voucher to take the HSPA certification exam and all the learning materials you’ll need.
The program includes interactive videos and simulations as well as quizzes to check your competency.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a sterile processing technician career diploma.
The program is online and self-paced.
Some students complete the program in just two months.
You’ll have access to all learning materials for 12 months after enrolling.
Courses in the program include Allied Health Careers, Building Blocks of Sterile Processing, Sterile Processing Technology, Part 1, and Sterile Processing Technology, Part 2.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are prepared to take the HSPA certification exam.
The cost of the exam is included in tuition.
5 Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Wyoming
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Laramie County Community College | 1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007, United States |
| Ashworth College | 5051 Peachtree Corners Cir Suite 200, Norcross, GA 30092, United States |
| Eastern Wyoming College | 3200 W C St, Torrington, WY 82240, United States |
| MedCerts | 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, US |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
Salary
The average salary for a sterile processing technician in Wyoming is $37,393.
Salaries typically range between $33,044 to $41,864 each year.
How much you earn will depend on several factors, including your experience, education, the facility you choose to work in, and certification.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Wyoming
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Auburn | $40,116 |
| Boulder | $40,116 |
| Buffalo | $37,421 |
| Burlington | $37,777 |
| Gillette | $36,033 |
| Laramie | $37,183 |
| Riverton | $37,421 |
| Newcastle | $34,685 |
| Evansville | $38,015 |
| Cody | $37,777 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to be a sterile processing technician in Wyoming?
To become a sterile processing technician in Wyoming, you’ll need to have strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good communication skills and computer literacy are also critical.
Lastly, you’ll need to be able to stay on your feet for long periods and be able to lift heavy objects.
Are sterile processing technicians in demand in Wyoming?
Yes.
Wyoming is expected to see a 13% growth in demand for sterile processing technicians, which is higher than the national average.
As the population continues to age, the demand for all medical careers, including sterile processing technicians, will keep increasing.
Is it worth it to become a sterile processing technician?
If you want a career that you can begin within one year, yes, becoming a sterile processing technician is worth it. It offers good pay and job security.
The training period is much shorter than training or education for most health careers.
It’s also a great choice if you want to work within the medical field, but aren’t interested in working with patients directly.
