Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri

Thanks to abundant opportunities, a straightforward process, and competitive salaries, sterile processing is one of the most encouraging fields to enter if you want to work in healthcare in Missouri. As with other professions, individuals must understand the specific requirements of this discipline before launching their careers.

This is the purpose of the guide below.

We analyze everything individuals need to know, from their preparation steps to choosing a training institution and setting themselves up for career growth through certification. We also analyze which training programs to enroll in and the average annual salaries for professionals in this field in the state.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Missouri

The following is one of the most widely adopted frameworks for starting a successful career as a sterile processing technician in Missouri.

Basic requirements

Generally, an aspiring sterile processing technician in Missouri must understand the job’s foundational duties. They must also have valid vaccinations and no criminal history, as some training institutions require it.

Some schools may also require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Completing a training program

Naturally, to develop the skills necessary to succeed on the job, candidates must receive training. The most popular approach is academic training at a community college or technical school.

During training, candidates learn infection control, decontamination, medical and surgical terminology, among other key topics. They will also be prepared for this certification exam, enhancing their career prospects.

Real-World Experience & Employment

As with all professions, understanding the theoretical principles doesn’t necessarily translate into effective practice. To ensure that candidates develop the proficiency to under real-world challenges, most training programs provide the opportunity for an internship.

It is also common for certification organizations to expect a 400-hour internship as a qualification for the certification exam.

After this, candidates can begin applying for open positions. Certification can significantly ease job placement for trained sterile processing technicians.

We dive deeper into this topic below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Missouri is one of the states where sterile processing technician licensing is not mandatory. Employers often prefer to work with certified individuals, which is why certification is so popular.

Candidates, of course, have a lot to gain by going for respectable credentials from prominent organizations. Currently, the best credentials are the ones offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution.

Incidentally, both organizations have similar qualification requirements for certification. Generally, candidates must have either formal education or work experience to qualify for the certification exam.

Those who complete the exam successfully will be certified and can retain their certification by meeting continuing education requirements.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri

Missouri residents can start their careers as sterile processing technicians by attending any of the schools listed below.

Explore Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Missouri by city:

• Sterile processing technician schools in Kansas City

Salary & Career Outlook

Several factors can influence the annual average salaries of sterile protective technicians in Missouri. These include how long a professional has been on the job, their professional credentials, and specific employer/work environment.

All of these factors determine which bracket a professional falls into. Those in the bottom bracket can earn an annual average salary of $53,798.

Those in the median bracket earn an average annual salary of $63,672, according to Indeed, while those in the top 10% earn around $75,359 per year. Of course, the highest-paid are those who are on the favorable side of the crucial factors.

The annual average salary figures can also be grouped by location. Joplin, with an annual average salary of $72,768; Cape Girardeau, $72,300; and Creve Coeur, $67,564, are the top three locations with the highest average salaries.