How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Virginia

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 NameAddress
Reynolds Community College1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228, USA
Fortis College2000 Westmoreland St a, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
Chester Career College751 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836, USA
Piedmont Virginia Community College501 College Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Blue Ridge Community College1 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:
$33K
$37K
$42K

Average Salary of Sterile Processing Technicians in Virginia

City NameSalary
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
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Virginia

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Lynchburg, VA60$39,470$18.98$44,590$33,410
Richmond, VA280$43,880$21.1$52,670$36,850
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC510$43,110$20.73$49,850$35,210
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* 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:

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.

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