On the journey to becoming a successful sterile processing technician in Minnesota, candidates must understand the requirements, including how to build professional skills and stand out. Of course, the entire process begins with the preparatory stage, where candidates decide on their training destinations and specific approaches.
We cover all of these below, going so far as to provide strong alternatives concerning comprehensive education and career opportunities for these professionals in the state. We also explore the steps to becoming certified as a sterile processing technician in Minnesota, as well as what to expect in terms of the annual average salary.
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Minnesota
Below are the steps required to become a sterile processing technician in Minnesota.
Foundational Requirements
The foundational requirements for prospective sterile processing technicians in Minnesota include having basic high school qualifications and possessing transferable skills. For basic high school credentials, a diploma or GED equivalent is usually required to secure admission to the most prominent programs.
For their transferable attributes, candidates need attention to detail, cleanliness, and organizational skills to secure employment.
Completing a Program
Before they can secure employment in their desired work environment, future sterile processing technicians in Minnesota need to complete a training program. However, there is no law requiring them to attend a campus-based, multi-year program.
Attending a non-credit or certificate program can be just as effective in preparing candidates for employment. What’s more, it’s possible to study entirely online as a prospective sterile processing technician.
Internship & Real-World Practice
Completing an internship is the most common approach to building real-world experience as a fresh sterile processing technician. This is also highly encouraged as it may lead to full-time job placement at the same establishment.
Career Opportunities
Several career opportunities abound for sterile processing technicians in Minnesota. With certification, continuing education, and advanced training, candidates may eventually use this to launch careers as surgical technicians, surgical technologists, and clinical medical assistants.
They may eventually secure employment as licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Minnesota is one of the numerous states across the country where sterile processing technicians do not need to register with the state. They don’t need to obtain a license or maintain one to secure employment and keep working professionally.
They don’t need to secure certification under the law, but they do need to do so to enjoy career benefits. Certified sterile processing technicians in the state secure employment more easily, enjoy networking opportunities, and earn higher salaries and other professional advantages.
Those who would like to pursue a nationally recognized credential should obtain the Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential issued by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. They will have to pass a professional examination to earn this credential.
Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Minnesota
The following are the top training programs for aspiring sterile processing technicians in Minnesota.
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis, MN Campus Only
Minneapolis College offers an on-campus Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician program that culminates in a certificate and prepares participants for multiple professional certifications.
Tuition
$182 - $221 per CreditContact
(612) 659-6411
ben.weng@minneapolis.edu
Anoka Technical College
Anoka, MN Campus + Online
Anoka Technical College delivers a Sterile Processing program that combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on training. Participants gain the expertise required to obtain certification and begin working immediately after completion.
Tuition
$213 - $247 per CreditContact
(763) 576-7710
EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu
Saint Paul College
Saint Paul, MN Campus Only
St. Paul College offers a comprehensive Sterile Processing program that emphasizes both technical excellence and professional development. Students complete 30 credit hours of coursework that build their understanding of sterilization procedures, infection control, and instrument management.
Tuition
$190 - $289 per CreditContact
(651) 846-1600
Janice.Brownlee@saintpaul.edu
Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Minnesota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
One factor that determines how much a sterile processing technician takes home at the end of the year in Minnesota is experience. Employers, work environments, and specific locations within the state also matter.
For those who are on the positive side of these factors, it is possible to earn an annual average salary of $77,820. This brings candidates to the top 10%.
It is also possible for fresh candidates to still be on the negative side of the relevant factors and make an annual average salary of $39,685. However, the most popular category is the median earners, who earn an average annual salary of $55,572 according to Indeed.
Regarding location, Maplewood ($78,682) and Rochester ($73,528) have the highest average salaries in Minnesota. Duluth, with an annual average salary of $62,701, and Saint Cloud, with an annual average salary of $60,422, are also among the top destinations.




