How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in North Dakota

The healthcare industry offers an excellent work environment.

Compared to other occupations, jobs in this field tend to provide stability.

One profession you can prepare for is that of a sterile processing technician.

If you’re considering this career, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the requirements.

Below, we will guide you through the process of becoming a sterile processing technician in North Dakota.

Job Duties and Skills of Sterile Processing Technicians in North Dakota

In North Dakota, a license is not required to secure your initial job.

This holds true for most states in the US, with a few exceptions.

However, this doesn’t diminish the importance of obtaining certification.

Many medical facilities hiring sterile processing technicians prefer candidates with experience.

Therefore, certification becomes essential in demonstrating your skills and knowledge for the job.

The daily responsibilities of a sterile processing technician include:

• Conducting inventory checks
• Managing and monitoring the spread of illness and infection
• Cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and storing medical tools
• Maintaining and repairing medical equipment

In addition, it is beneficial to develop other skills, such as:

• Strong organizational skills
• Problem-solving abilities related to the role
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques

Job tasks and required skills may vary depending on the employer.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in North Dakota

You are probably wondering how to obtain certification as a sterile processing technician.

There are various paths you can take to achieve your goal.

The easiest route is to take and pass the three-hour national certification exam.

Multiple organizations offer certification exams in North Dakota.

For instance, you can consider the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Afterward, you can take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.

Another option is obtaining certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

To obtain a license, you must not only pass the exam but also have 12 months of experience.

Additional requirements include:

• About 400 hours of lab experience
• Submission of a fee
• High school diploma or GED
• Passing a background check
• Passing some drug tests
• Passing the licensing exam

Remember that your sterile processing technician certification requires annual renewal.

You can also enhance your skills and knowledge by attending extra classes and workshops.

These additional learning opportunities will keep you updated with industry changes.

Training Programs for Sterile Processing Technicians in North Dakota

To achieve the best results, consider enrolling in a school that offers a sterile processing technician program.

Such a program will provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to obtain certification.

In North Dakota, there are a few schools offering sterile processing technician programs.

Penn Foster College

This is an online school that provides a flexible sterile processing technician program.

The program is self-paced, so you can study whenever you can.

The tuition fee also covers a national certification test organized by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

After you finish the course, you will receive a diploma as a certified registered central service technician.

University of North Dakota

The university provides some physical and online medical laboratory sciences courses.

For example, you have the option to attend a basic 12-month certificate program.

If you are willing to study for a longer time, you can get bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

You will learn the specific information and skills required for managing and sterilizing medical tools, and equipment, it focuses on laboratory analysis and diagnostics.

Hutchinson Community College

The program offered here has a duration of 9 months and is available online.

This allows you to learn at your own pace.

Purdue University Global

Another program with a duration of 9 months can be found at this educational institution.

This university is located in a different state and as such the course is available online.

The schools above also provide a Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences.

Regardless of which program you pick, you will learn about:

• Sterilization processing techniques
• Managing the central service supply unit
• Distribution of instruments, supplies, and equipment
• Identifying common pathogens
• techniques to avoid disease contraction & contamination
• classification of common and specialized surgical tools
• proper transportation and storing of equipment
• medical terminology and basic treatment practices
• maintaining the best level of procedural care

Let’s see how you can contact the universities in the table below!

Sterile Processing Technician Salaries in North Dakota

Once you obtain your license, you will likely want to secure employment as soon as possible.

Fortunately, this should not be challenging, given that you are certified and possess ample experience.

You might be curious about the potential earnings as a sterile processing technician.

In North Dakota, salaries average around $44,065 per year and $22 per hour.

Naturally, these figures are influenced by factors such as your field experience.

The more experience you acquire, the higher your potential pay.

Moreover, the medical field offers numerous chances for career advancement.

Regional Salary in North Dakota

Sterile Processing Technician by State