If you’ve ever been to the hospital, doctor’s office, or dentist, it’s immediately evident the lengths professionals go to to keep things clean.
This isn’t just any level of cleaning, however.
Sterilizing medical equipment is an extremely important job in the healthcare industry.
For too many years, medical professionals were in the dark about how vital it is to work with clean tools.
In fact, many died because of how easily disease spreads when things weren’t being cleaned.
A Sterile Processing technician takes the guesswork out of everything being used.
It is their job to make sure all medical equipment is sterile and ready.
If this sounds like a line of work you could get into, stay tuned!
We’re going to break down what it takes to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Missouri.
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Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Missouri
To begin with, in order to get into a program, potential students need to have achieved a high school diploma or equivalency.
Next, pick a sterile processing tech program that fits into your schedule.
While taking classes, pick an internship that goes along with the needs of the program.
Speak with an advisor to make sure the internship will be accredited and will end before the course is completed.
Once the program has been completed, you’ll earn a certificate of completion.
You will need that certificate in order to register for the final exam.
Once certified, you can begin a new career as a sterile processing technician.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri
University of Central Missouri
The sterile processing tech course in Warrensburg lasts five months.
Classes are four hours in the evening, ending at 8:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
This is a perfect schedule for those who work or have other daytime obligations.
By the end of the course, students will have undergone 130 classroom hours and 400 clinic experience hours.
Knowledge gained will include medical terminology, anatomy, surgical instruments, sterilization process, infection, and prevention, as well as employment skills.
In total, this program will cost $2,895.
Concorde College
If you’re looking to push through to get a certificate sooner, perhaps Concorde College in Kansas City would be a better fit.
Here, it takes three months to finish up.
The program consists of both online learning and in-person labs to aid learning.
Before taking the final exam, students will be involved in an externship that the school will help coordinate.
The goal is that while it may be fast, the course is thorough to send you out into the world.
By the time you’ve spent time taking courses online and working in real medical environments, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association exam will be easy to pass.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Missouri
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Central Missouri | 116 W South St, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA |
| Concorde Career College | 3239 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA |
Salary
Someone planning a career as a Sterile Processing Technician can expect to make, on average, $46,000 annually.
Entering the profession, you might start out making around $36,000.
On the high end, with experience, the pay can be up to $60,000 a year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Missouri
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $37,430 |
| St. Louis | $37,580 |
| Springfield | $35,680 |
| Independence | $37,390 |
| Columbia | $37,150 |
| St. Joseph | $37,070 |
| Lee's Summit | $37,290 |
| St. Charles | $37,380 |
| St. Peters | $37,300 |
| Florissant | $37,520 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 40 | $35,530 | $17.08 | $46,590 | $27,720 |
| Columbia, MO | 110 | $38,490 | $18.51 | $50,940 | $31,210 |
| Joplin, MO | 50 | $37,080 | $17.83 | $44,410 | $30,330 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 570 | $41,660 | $20.03 | $51,280 | $33,650 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 790 | $40,430 | $19.44 | $47,100 | $30,750 |
| Springfield, MO | 140 | $36,180 | $17.39 | $42,840 | $30,400 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get financial aid for a sterile processing tech program?
No.
Unfortunately, this type of certificate program does not qualify for federal student aid, military funding, or private education loans.
What kind of environments can a sterile processing tech work in?
Many who become this type of certified tech end up working in hospitals.
The jobs there are always aplenty and job security is high.
That’s not the only place the expertise is needed, however.
Graduates can find work in private offices, dental establishments, and clinics.
It may even be possible to find traveling work.
Is there a higher level of sterile processing technicians?
Yes!
If you discover that this is the career path for you, there are ways to advance in the field.
Education-wise, students can go on to earn an associate’s degree in Surgical Technology.
Before getting started in the certificate program, try to get a feel for the job first.
If research shows you this is something you will really feel good about, attend a school that has the associate’s program.
That will help you obtain the surgical tech degree more seamlessly.
This upgrade will also give you a chance to take a specialty and expand your skills.
Do sterile processing techs need to be registered in Missouri?
No.
In fact, there are only a few states that require registration, so moving to another state would likely be no issue.
The only thing that professional institutions would require is that you meet the education requirement and certification.
