Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Iowa

The field of sterile processing has come a long way and continues to advance. Prominent employment organizations and state bodies, such as the BLS, are very positive about the field’s outlook.

In Iowa, individuals interested in entering the healthcare profession and seeking career stability can consider becoming sterile processing technicians. The tools and knowledge they need to start their careers the right way are provided in the guide below.

It includes preparatory steps to secure admission to top programs, top programs to consider, other educational options, certification and licensing, and more.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Iowa

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

Step 1: Preparing for Training

Individuals in Iowa prepare for careers as sterile processing technicians by earning a high school diploma or GED, which is required for admission to top programs. They also work on basic soft skills, such as attention to detail, critical thinking, and organization.

Step 2: Training & Foundational Proficiency

Training programs for prospective sterile processing technicians are usually structured in various ways. The technical aspects of the profession can be studied without face-to-face contact, which is why several programs are offered entirely online.

It is also possible to develop crucial skills by attending a campus-based program or enrolling in an online-and-in-person program.

Ultimately, candidates can develop skills and prepare for certification by attending a comprehensive program, some of which we have analyzed in an upcoming list.

Step 3: Interactive Training

Once they reach an appropriate level of foundational proficiency in theoretical principles, aspiring sterile processing technicians in Iowa must continue improving by participating in a more interactive training program, ideally in a real-world setting.

This is typically achieved through an internship. Four hundred hours of such training is enough to pursue certification.

Step 4: Employment

Training and certification are enough to secure employment as a sterile processing technician in Iowa. The steps above describe how to develop the training requirements, and the next section details the certification options.

For employment, candidates can work in hospitals, surgical centers, laboratories, and more.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Iowa

Licensure & Certification Requirements

While there is no law requiring licensing and certification in Iowa, they remain popular nonetheless. It remains popular because certification affords several professional opportunities, including straightforward employment and a competitive salary.

When pursuing certification, the first step is to choose a certifying body. Afterwards, candidates may register and sit for the certification examination.

The HSPA’s Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential is among the best in the field. Candidates who have completed a training program or have some months of experience may take this exam.

Upon certification, individuals must remain in good standing to keep their credentials. They can do this by earning continuing education credits each year.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Iowa

Candidates in Iowa can start successful careers as sterile processing technicians by attending any of the programs listed below.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Iowa by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Des Moines

Salary & Career Outlook

When starting their careers, sterile processing technicians in Iowa can fall into either the bottom or the middle of the earnings distribution. In no time, they can also move up to the top 10% category.

Anyone in the field who can improve their experience, location, credentials, work environment, and other relevant factors can quickly increase their earnings. Specifically, the top 10% earn an average annual salary of $88,773, while the bottom 10% earn $59,325.

The median earner earns around $72,570 per year, according to Indeed.

Concerning location, sterile processing technicians in Mason City are the highest-paid in Iowa. They earn an average annual salary of $94,963.

Decorah and Iowa City rank second and third, respectively, due to annual average salaries of $93,159 and $88,126.