Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician in Kansas
It is impossible to minimize infection risks in America’s healthcare industry without sterile processing technicians. That’s because these technicians play a main role in the decontamination process. Specifically, they decontaminate all reusable equipment that comes into contact with patients.
If you’re thinking about entering the healthcare field in Kansas, sterile processing may be on your list of possible options. But before you start applying at hospitals or other facilities, you need more information on Kansas’ legal requirements. You also need to know more about sterile processor training and job opportunities. This concise guide provides ready answers for all your important questions.
Following the Law for Sterile Processors in Kansas
Kansas has not made any statewide laws covering employment as a sterile processor. This means that, unlike frontline employees such as doctors and nurses, you don’t have to apply to a state-level board for a license. You also don’t need to follow any other set legal procedure or pay a fee. All you need to do is meet the qualifications established by healthcare facilities where you apply for work.
Meeting the Standards of Healthcare Organizations
No one can expect to succeed in a job hunt without meeting the standards of prospective employers. What does this mean for anyone hoping to work as a sterile processing technician? First, it means being old enough to work in a dentist’s office, surgical center or hospital. As a rule, it also means achieving at least a secondary education.
Most importantly, you must have the background expected of a competent sterile processor. Such a background may include completion of a thorough processor training program. It may also include firsthand experience working in another healthcare-related position. In addition, national certification as a sterile processor may be expected by some Kansas employers. You obtain this kind of certification by passing a comprehensive, standardized exam for members of the profession.
Training Options
Kansas is one of a few states that lack brick-and-mortar locations for sterile processor training. Fortunately, you can overcome this obstacle with online training options such as:
- Penn Foster – Penn Foster has developed an extensive online program for sterile processors. To complete this program, you will need to pass 12 individual classes covering the full gamut of relevant training topics. On average, it takes half a year to nine months to complete all of your work. The level of skill you attain will leave you well-prepared to take a national certification exam.
- MedCerts – MedCerts specializes in video training for would-be sterile processing technicians. All of your coursework will be presented in this format. The program also emphasizes close mentoring for each student. It takes about 90 days to complete your training. Almost 90 percent of all graduates succeed in achieving national certification.
- Ashworth College – Ashworth’s online sterile processor program focuses on covering all areas of knowledge that are vital to working professionals. At the same time, the institution prepares you for national certification by one of the nation’s top two providers.
Penn Foster College – Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification
Take the first steps towards a career as a sterile processing technician with Penn Foster’s Sterile Processing Career Diploma. As a student in the program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
What Will You Make as a Kansas Sterile Processor?
In Kansas, equipment preparers like sterile processing technicians take in about $35,000 a year. Newcomers can expect salaries that fall below this level, while highly experienced pros can expect to make more. Unfortunately, the pay average for Kansas sterile processors does not meet the national norm. Still, factors such as lower cost of living may help erase some or all of this shortfall.
Forecasting Future Job Markets
What about future availability of jobs for sterile processors and other equipment preparers? Rest assured that you have plenty of good news on your side. Like many healthcare-related sectors, this portion of the job market is trending strongly upward. Between job turnover and the creation of new positions, openings are common in larger communities throughout the U.S.