Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Dakota

One of the key duties of a sterile processing technician is to ensure that medical instruments are properly cleaned and disinfected for use. Of course, these professionals are also responsible for other important tasks, such as ensuring proper storage, transport, and recordkeeping.

For anyone in South Dakota who wants to start their sterile processing technician career the right way, it is important to have a clear understanding of the entire process. This is what we provide in the guide below.

We analyze certification requirements, educational destinations and opportunities, preparatory steps, admission requirements, and average annual salary categories.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in South Dakota

Successful sterile processing technicians in South Dakota begin their careers by following the approach below.

Basic Prerequisites

Because this is a healthcare field, individuals entering the sterile processing technician profession in South Dakota are typically expected to have appropriate vaccinations and pass a criminal background check. A high school diploma or GED is another common requirement for training institutions and certification agencies.

Classroom & Practical Training

Several sterile processing technician programs in South Dakota offer entirely online study. Other programs allow campus-based education.

Typically, regardless of their choices, candidates must prioritize both classroom and practical education. Even those who attended online programs can still receive practical training through internships.

Many programs offer students opportunities to secure placements at leading medical institutions for clinical internships. Some make this compulsory, while others make it optional.

Another thing candidates must keep in mind during their training is certification preparation. Most sterile processing technician programs prepare students for HSPA certification.

Employment & Career Growth

Sterile processing technicians can work in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and physicians’ offices. Typically, professionals can submit their resumes to any establishment that uses medical instruments at scale.

After employment, candidates can also continue to grow through continuing and advanced education. They can ultimately secure placement as sterile processing supervisors, surgical technologists, or surgical technicians.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

One of the main things to consider when pursuing certification as a sterile processing technician in South Dakota is the certification organization. The HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential, but this is not the only option to consider.

The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution also offers its own nationally recognized, highly rated credential. Fresh candidates are expected to pursue either of these credentials to improve their chances of employment, potential salary, and job opportunities.

To earn certification from HSPA or the CBSPD, professionals must pass a credentialing exam.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Dakota

The following are some of the best training programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians in South Dakota.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in South Dakota by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary for a sterile processing technician in South Dakota varies based on several factors. Those well placed to optimize these factors earn an average annual salary of $52,762.

These are the top 10%.

Those who are just beginning their careers may fall in the middle or in the bottom 10%. In this case, they can earn an average annual salary of $32,830 in the bottom bracket and $41,619 in the median bracket, according to Indeed.

The factors responsible for this fluctuation include experience, location, professional credentials, and more. By location, the places with the highest average salaries in the state include Mitchell ($86,402), Sioux Falls ($42,528), and Rapid City ($36,020).