How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana

Many people started looking into becoming sterile processing assistants in Louisiana.

If you wonder why, this is because it is an ideal way to start working in the healthcare field.

Your most important task is to sterilize, decontaminate and store medical equipment.

This means you will get to help nurses and doctors do their job better.

So, how can you become a sterile processing assistant?

Sterile Processing Technician Job Duties and Skills in Louisiana

Louisiana has a set of rules and regulations for anyone who wants to practice.

So, you will have to adhere to them in order to work as a sterile processing assistant.

Furthermore, there are also some skills you need to have.

Below, you can see the main duties you will have to perform daily.

This will give you a better idea of what is required from a sterile processing tech in this state.

The most common tasks include:

• Performing inventory checks
• Managing and keeping track of the spread of illness and infection
• Cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and storing medical tools
• Maintaining and fixing medical equipment
• Following protocol and specific methods for suitable disinfection and sterilization of medical tools and equipment

You should also have some additional skills, such as:

• Good organizational skills
• An ability to find and solve common problems related to the position
• Knowledge of the medical terminology
• A good understanding of aseptic techniques

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Louisiana

There are some jurisdictions where getting a certification is required for all sterile processing techs.

Luckily, Louisiana is not one of them.

This means that you can get hired without a diploma, however, it is recommended you do get certified.

Keep in mind you will compete against other people who want the same position and have recertification.

So, this will help you find your first job much faster than otherwise.

But what do you need to do to get a license?

The most simple way of getting licensed is by taking and passing the national exam.

This exam lasts for 3 hours.

You have a couple of options to choose from here.

For instance, your first option is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) test provided through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Passing the exam means that you can work as a CRCST.

To work as a CRCST, you are also required to:

• A lab experience of about 400 hours
• Submit a fee
• Obtain a high school diploma or a GED
• Pass a background check and pass some drug tests
• Pass the licensing exam

Once a year, the certification has to be renewed so you can continue practicing.

Another way to go about it is by becoming a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

For that to happen, you have to take and pass the Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification (SPDTC) test through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in Louisiana

If you decided to take your exam and become a certified sterile processing tech, you will need to train.

The easiest way to receive the training you need is by attending a school.

Of course, the school of your choice should have a sterile processing assistant program.

Let’s see the schools you can find in Louisiana!

Southern University

This university is located in an easy-to-reach area and provides a reliable sterile processing technician course.

The theory includes classes on medical equipment, maintaining this equipment, and aseptic methods.

You will also learn more about sterile processing, medical terminology, biology, and anatomy.

The program does not only offer a theory class but also lab time and hands-on experience through an internship.

Fortis College

Located in Baton Rouge, this program will prepare you to pass the certification exam.

You will learn theory, but also attend lab hours and get some practical experience.

Sowela Technical Community College

If you are looking for a fast program, you can find one in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

This school provides a program for sterile processing assistants that lasts 18 hours.

The program concentrates more on building a career rather than passing the exam.

It is nevertheless helpful in preparing you for the exam too.

Penn Foster College

This great college offers a sterile processing tech program that prepares students to pass the national exam.

When it ends, you will also receive a diploma.

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in Louisiana

Once you get certified, you can apply for a job in any medical facility.

Salaries for sterile processing techs in Louisiana average at about $43,634 a year and $21 an hour.

Even though the salaries in Louisiana are lower than average, you can still enjoy your career.

Plus, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that jobs in the field will grow by 6 percent over the next decade.

You will not have an issue in landing your first job once you have a certification and all the training.

Regional Salary in Louisiana

Sterile Processing Technician by State