A sterile processing technician is an essential and integral member of the healthcare system.
As medical team members, they provide safe, sterile medical equipment for use in a number of medical environments and settings.
These allied health technicians ensure the infection does not spread throughout the facility to other patients or staff members.
Because of the importance of the work done by sterile processing technicians, their work is overseen by a nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.
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- Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia
- Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia – Summary Table
- Salary Information for Virginia Sterile Processing Technicians
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there annual fees for Sterile Processing Technicians in Virginia?
- What kind of certifications is available to Virginia Sterile Processing Technicians?
- What are the best places in Virginia to work as a Sterile Processing Technician?
- Is a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia required to be certified?
Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia
There are no licensing requirements to work as a sterile processing technician in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
However, despite the fact that some sterile processing technicians learn the required tasks while on the job, many others make an intelligent choice to complete a sterile processing technician training program.
A certificate or degree program prepares students for certification as a sterile processing technician, the first step towards a career as an allied health technician.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia
Note that to enroll in a sterile processing technician program, the prerequisites are minimal – holding a high school diploma or GED.
There are age restrictions as well, so research the program’s admission requirements.
Reynolds Community College – Richmond, VA
Reynolds Community College offers a Central Sterile Technician program that prepares students for the CRCST certification examination and related entry-level positions.
This training program from Reynolds Community College is available to full-time and part-time students and includes a 400-hour clinical experience.
Featured topics include storage. clean and sterile, instrument trays, and patient care equipment, among others.
The cost of the tuition for this training program for in-state students is $3,332.
Fortis College – Richmond, VA
Fortis College offers a Certificate in Sterile Processing Technician program from their Richmond campus.
This sterile processing technician program includes classroom instruction, plus hands-on labs and a practicum or clinical experience.
Students graduating from this program are prepared for entry-level work in a number of healthcare settings – clinics, diagnostic centers, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and more.
Chester Career College – Chester, VA
Chester Career College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Sterile Processing Technician degree program that requires students to complete 65.5 credits over two years.
Featured classes for Chester Career College’s training program include decontamination, equipment, storage and distribution, quality assurance, and intro to sterile processing/infection control.
Students can choose from a day or evening class schedule, although the internship may not coincide with the program’s hours.
Piedmont Virginia Community College – Charlottesville, VA
Piedmont Virginia Community College offers a 550-contact hour sterile processing technician credential program with 400 hours of clinical experience.
Graduates of Piedmont Virginia Community College are eligible to sit for the SHOA national certification exam – CRCST.
This is a G3 Program, which may offer free tuition for eligible students.
Blue Ridge Community College – Weyers Cave, VA
Virginia Community College offers a Central Sterile Technician program that prepares graduates to sit for the HSPA-administered Certified Registered Central Service Technician examination.
Coursework for this sterile processing technician program from BRCC includes cleaning, decontamination and disinfection, patient care equipment, sterile storage, and sterilization process, to name a few.
Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Virginia – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Reynolds Community College | 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228, USA |
| Fortis College | 2000 Westmoreland St a, Richmond, VA 23230, USA |
| Chester Career College | 751 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836, USA |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | 501 College Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA |
| Blue Ridge Community College | 1 College Ln, Weyers Cave, VA 24486, United States |
Salary Information for Virginia Sterile Processing Technicians
A Sterile Processing Technician working in the state of Virginia can expect an average base salary of $45,616, with the top-of-scale earners reaching a yearly salary of approximately $60,000.
Virginia sterile processing technicians earn an average salary equal to the national annual average of $45,891.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $35,940 |
| Norfolk | $35,940 |
| Chesapeake | $35,890 |
| Richmond | $37,700 |
| Newport News | $36,140 |
| Hampton | $36,140 |
| Alexandria | $42,490 |
| Portsmouth | $35,940 |
| Roanoke | $35,290 |
| Lynchburg | $35,010 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisonburg, VA | 50 | $38,230 | $18.38 | $45,330 | $34,100 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 50 | $37,140 | $17.86 | $46,330 | $30,080 |
| Richmond, VA | 230 | $40,600 | $19.52 | $48,240 | $33,340 |
| Roanoke, VA | 100 | $39,570 | $19.02 | $43,960 | $31,350 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 590 | $39,030 | $18.77 | $46,520 | $31,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there annual fees for Sterile Processing Technicians in Virginia?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are no licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians, so there are no state fees.
What kind of certifications is available to Virginia Sterile Processing Technicians?
As a sterile processing technician working in Virginia, you have a choice of professional certifications.
The two primary organizations that offer these certifications are:
- The CBSPD – the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, offers an entry-level/intro certification for Sterile Processing technicians that requires an exam.
- The IAHCSMM – the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management offers national certification opportunities to sterile processing technicians. In addition to providing certification for entry-level technicians, the IAHCSMM also offers certification in related specialties.
What are the best places in Virginia to work as a Sterile Processing Technician?
The largest employer of sterile processing technicians in the Commonwealth of Virginia includes VCU Health, Valley Health, Bon Secours, the University of Virginia, Aerotek, as well as Inova Health System.
Is a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia required to be certified?
There are no certification requirements to work as a sterile processing tech in Virginia; however, by completing a sterile processing technician training program, professionals gain confidence and experience when entering the market or looking to move ahead in their careers.
In addition, certification is an ideal way to show potential employers you possess the knowledge to perform a sterile processing technician’s duties.
