Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arkansas

Sterile processing technicians ensure medical instruments are properly sterilized and free of infection. They do so through a range of skills they have cultivated during their training.

As a resident of Arkansas, you can start a career as a sterile processing technician in just a few months. Below, we outline the steps interested individuals must take to launch their careers successfully.

We analyze educational requirements, licensing and certification steps, top training programs, and more.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Arkansas

The following steps are necessary to become a successful sterile processing technician in Arkansas.

High School Credentials

A high school diploma or GED is required to start a career as a sterile processing technician in Arkansas. The best training programs and certification organizations require these credentials before admission can be considered.

Background checks and drug screenings are also necessary in most cases.

Attending a Training Program

There are several reasons to attend a training program description for prospective sterile processing technicians in Arkansas. First, it is the best place to learn key topics and build a solid understanding of the profession.

Additionally, training programs effectively help candidates understand their professional responsibilities and the opportunities available to advance their careers. And, of course, candidates pursuing certification must meet the certification requirements, which usually include completing a formal training program.

We review some of the best choices in the next section.

Real-World Experience & Certification

Real-world experience for sterile processing technicians just starting their careers is crucial to help them acclimate as smoothly as possible. Internships and externships are the most popular ways to achieve this objective.

In some cases, candidates can secure full-time employment through their externship.

Employment & Career Trajectory

Properly trained sterile processing technicians can secure employment in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and other healthcare settings. Through certification and continuing education, professionals in this field can even move into disciplines such as medical assisting and licensed practical nursing.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Arkansas, sterile processing technicians are not required to be licensed to begin their careers. They are also not expected to be certified, but the profession usually requires it, given the greater career opportunities for certified professionals compared with non-certified professionals.

This is why many sterile processing technicians in Arkansas hold credentials from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Those who are not certified by the HSPA may be certified by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Formal education or 400 hours of practical experience are sufficient to obtain certification from each organization. Candidates must pass a professional exam from either organization and periodically renew their credentials through continuing education.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arkansas

The following schools offer comprehensive sterile processing technician programs for residents of Arkansas.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Arkansas by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Arkansas is $65,457. For those who are not yet up to the average standard, it is still possible to earn an annual average salary of $53,893, according to Indeed.

In the top 10% bracket, the annual average salary for a sterile processing technician in Arkansas is $79,503. Factors that help candidates scale to the top 10% include location, experience, professional credentials, and work environment.

By location, sterile processing technicians in Batesville earn the highest average annual salary in Arkansas at $68,045. They are followed by Little Rock ($67,934) and Bentonville ($65,457).