Finding a medical career in Nevada often requires years of expensive training that may take even longer for you to pay off.
What if we told you there’s a good-paying medical career you can start in less than a year?
Becoming a sterile processing technician in Nevada can help you begin a fantastic medical profession in a constantly improving and fascinating field.
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Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Nevada
Nevada has no specific state requirements for becoming a sterile processing technician.
As a result, you could start this career immediately after high school if your employer was willing to provide you with the training.
That said, you do need to earn a national certificate or CRCST to get a job at most facilities.
This process typically follows a few different steps.
Prove You Have a High School Education
You’ll need a high school diploma or a GED to start a certification program.
Find your certificate and be ready to prepare it when applying for a certification program in Nevada.
You may also make a copy if you want to keep your current diploma safe.
Pass a Background Check
Most programs will ask you to complete a background and drug test before you begin.
A drug test checks for various substances like marijuana and cocaine, while a background check sees whether you’ve committed any serious crimes.
If you pass both, you can begin your program.
Finish a Certification Program
Find a certification program near you that provides hands-on training for sterile processing technicians.
You typically learn how to handle sterilization equipment, proper sanitation techniques, how to store tools, and much more.
Most programs also include laboratory work to improve your skills.
Complete an Internship or Externship
Your certification program will include a 40-hour internship or externship with a Nevada hospital.
During these hours, you learn how to provide hands-on sterilization procedures, master various techniques, and learn directly from other technicians in your field.
Pass the Certification Exam
When you finish your internship or externship, you are now prepared to take the certification exam.
Identify a location near you that allows you to take this exam.
Most of the schools listed below are verified testing sites.
Pass the written test to earn your certificate and begin your career.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Nevada
Nevada has multiple schools where you can learn the skills necessary to become a sterile processing technician.
The following three options will provide you with the training you need to learn these skills and start your certification process.
College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada provides a sterile processing technician program on three different campuses in the state.
These include North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Charleston.
During your exam, you’ll receive hands-on training in a classroom and clinical setting.
Your program includes a nine-credit course load that uses 400 hours of clinical experience to prepare you for your new career.
It typically takes a few months to complete and will ensure that you can pass the national certification exam when you are done.
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute includes a more comprehensive program that takes at least nine months to complete.
However, you’ll get more hands-on experience and learn about surgical terminology, medical equipment, and sterilization.
You also complete an externship during this course.
Courses also include basic computer skills, CPR and first aid, anatomy, physiology, and other important information.
You’ll also learn about patient management, including how to sterilize equipment before and after procedures without upsetting patients.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows provides a surgical technology program that includes sterile processing.
It is an associate degree program that takes two years to complete and introduces you to general surgical technology, various sterilization procedures, and other important information.
Though you don’t need an associate degree to begin your career, earning one can help you transition to general surgical assistance.
It can also help you stand out from other potential candidates, though this course will naturally cost more than the other colleges on this list due to its length.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Nevada – Summary Table
Top 3 Schools in Nevada
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | 700 College Dr, Henderson, NV 89002, USA |
| Pima Medical Institute | 3333 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121, USA |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512, USA |
Salary
Sterile processing technicians in Nevada make an average of $47,039 per year.
The lowest rate is around $37,120, and the highest is $61,472. Low salaries are typical for starting technicians, while higher ones are usually reserved for those with more experience in management positions.
Note that these pay rates are higher than the national average of $45,891, the lowest pay of $36,214, and the high of $59,973.
That makes this state one of the highest-paying options for this career and a great place to start this career.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Nevada
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $38,640 |
| Reno | $38,530 |
| Henderson | $38,640 |
| North Las Vegas | $38,640 |
| Sparks | $38,530 |
| Carson City | $38,470 |
| Elko | $32,560 |
| Boulder City | $38,260 |
| Mesquite | $38,220 |
| Fallon | $37,930 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 170 | $48,640 | $23.38 | $58,070 | $37,830 |
| Reno, NV | 90 | $42,910 | $20.63 | $56,780 | $33,970 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Get a New Certification Yearly?
Like many medical professionals, sterile processing techs must ensure that their certification is updated every year.
Doing so ensures that you can handle the unique demands of this process.
While the state doesn’t require certification, your national cert must be completed regularly.
How Well Does This Job Pay Compared to Other Nevada Careers?
Nevada’s average salary is $69,000, which is much higher than the $47,039 average for sterile processing techs.
However, it is essential to know that this average state salary is likely due to tech and casino jobs in the area and may not reflect the state’s median salary levels.
That makes it a strong career option, considering its short training period.
Where Can I Work as a Sterile Processing Tech in Nevada?
Nevada hospitals like Renown Regional Medical Center, AMG Speciality Hospital, Banner Churchill, Battle Mountain, Boulder City Hospital, and Carson Tahoe Continuing Care may require a sterile processing technician after you graduate.
Apply with these facilities to learn more about their needs.
How Much Does My Certification Cost?
The certification test costs $125, though the recertification process is usually less costly.
You typically must complete the appropriate paperwork with your hospital and pass a short written test.
The information on it consists of steps and procedures you do every day, so it should be easy to pass.
