How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky

When individuals visit a clinic or hospital, they anticipate the utilization of completely sterilized equipment and tools.

This also applies to the attire of doctors and patients, among other things.

The responsibility of ensuring these requirements is entrusted to a little-known professional known as a sterile processing technician.

In this presentation, my aim is to acquaint you with this occupation and potentially persuade you to pursue a career as a sterile processing technician in Kentucky.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky

Interestingly, Kentucky does not require sterile processing technicians to possess a license or certification.

In fact, individuals can pursue employment in this field immediately after completing high school.

However, it is worth noting that candidates for this position have the opportunity to obtain relevant credentials if they choose to do so.

The following prerequisites must be met by those seeking official certification:

• Finish high school or get a GED
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug test
• Apply for the certification exam
• Pay the required fees
• Register with the testing center
• Obtain a passing score on the certification exam

In Kentucky, aspiring candidates have the opportunity to enroll in specialized training programs aimed at obtaining certification.

The certification exam specific to Kentucky is acquired by successfully completing the CRCST Credentialing Examination.

This credential is recognized across the country and needs to be renewed periodically.

The renewal usually requires the payment of a fee that will not be refunded.

Later in this article, I will provide further details about these courses and their availability.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Kentucky

Every profession necessitates a distinct skill set and entails specific responsibilities.

In the medical field, certain duties and skills can be shared across multiple occupations.

Outlined below are some of the commonly assigned tasks associated with the role of sterile processing technicians:

• Control and monitor the spread of disease and infection
• Follow protocol and techniques for proper disinfection and sterilization of equipment
• Perform inventory checks
• Clean, sterilize, decontaminate, package, and store medical equipment
• Maintain and repair medical tools and equipment

It is not uncommon to find nurses occasionally performing these tasks.

It is evident that sterile processing technicians hold significant responsibilities.

Their work not only assists nurses but also facilitates the overall workflow.

Having the following skills will greatly benefit individuals in this medical role:

• Have strong organizational skills
• Able to identify and troubleshoot common sterilization and storage problems
• Possess a good understanding of medical terminology and aseptic techniques

It’s highly likely for many employers to expect more of you than what was listed above, once you get hired.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kentucky

Unfortunately, there aren’t many learning options for future sterile technicians in Kentucky.

One in-state program is available at the institution listed below.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

WKCTC has a program with a duration of 145 hours of class time.

These hours can be completed at a self-paced speed and the same goes for the testing.

Generally, most students complete these hours in about 16 weeks.

Students will be helped to complete at least 8 hours of hands-on practice in a clinical setting as well.

Be aware that employers might seek candidates with more hands-on experience than what this course provides.

Penn Foster

This educational center offers online training for students across the US.

The program allows you to complete it at your own pace as well.

This course can also be completed in a few weeks, making it available to those who seek fast employment or an additional certification for a higher paycheck or career advancement.

The classes you’ll attend are similar across all these educational institutions, and these are:

• Microbiology
• Medical terms
• Introduction to Sterile Processing
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Decontamination and Sterilization Procedures and Practices
• Equipment Safety Management and Tracking

Other educational institutions offer training programs for this occupation.

If you choose distance learning classes, you’ll have to search for a clinic or hospital to complete your hands-on practice hours.

Below you can see a table with the contact details for the schools mentioned earlier.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Kentucky

Without knowledge of potential earnings, individuals cannot make informed decisions about their job preferences.

In the healthcare industry, salaries tend to be higher compared to many other sectors.

This also holds true for sterile processing technicians in Kentucky, although the state’s salaries typically fall slightly below those in other states.

On average, sterile processing technicians in Kentucky earn an annual income of $43,000.

Those with less experience generally receive around $34,000 per year, while individuals with more qualifications and expertise can expect annual pay of approximately $56,000.

It is important for candidates to consider that salaries tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural regions.

The following table provides information on the cities where applying for a sterile processing technician position can lead to higher earnings.

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Sterile Processing Technician by State