Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Nebraska – Find Programs
The Department of Public Health in Nebraska does not govern sterile processing technicians in the state and doesn’t require them to be licensed. As such, employers will likely rely on certification from a national body to build their candidate base.
The CRCST, or Certified Registered Central Service Technician accreditation, is the most notable form of reference for sterile processing technicians in the entire United States. Nebraska is no different in this regard.
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association is the official certification board that awards this certification. STPs achieve it after successfully sitting the national certification examination and completing the 400 hours of mandated practical work.
As a Nebraska resident, you will give yourself the best chance of passing the certification exam if you consider completing a sterile processing technician program either online, or onsite, at a sterile processing technician school in Nebraska. We will provide you with two Nebraska-based alternatives for you to consider among potential schools you could attend.
Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs In Nebraska
The following options provide comprehensive alternatives for sterile processing technician schools in Nebraska.
Nebraska Methodist College Sterile Processing Technician certificate
Nebraska Methodist College provides a sterile processing technician certification course at its Josie Harper campus. This program offers an introduction to a career in healthcare as a sterile processing technician.
A medical facility’s sterile processing department plays a critical role in infection control and the sterile processing of surgical instruments and patient care equipment. Somebody who wants to build a career in the medical field, especially within an operating room environment, should view a job as a sterile processing technician as a perfect gateway to more senior roles.
This certificate course helps you gain certification through the HSPA. Thereafter, you can begin earning while choosing to pursue an allied health degree.
This enables advancement to a role in healthcare as a surgical technologist, for example.
Benefits
- Remote course including practical clinical sessions at the Methodist Hospital. These count towards the mandatory 400-hour requirement for national certification.
- Successful course completion gets you a certificate and eligibility to take the CBSPD certification examination.
- Passing also gives you eligibility to sit for the national HSPA certification exam for sterile processing techs.
- The course only takes six weeks to finish.
Cost
The price of the course is $780 and you will need to supply your own closed shoes for practicals. You can find further information and apply by visiting the Nebraska Methodist College course webpage.
Southeast Community College Sterile Processing course
The Southeast Community College course provides a fundamental yet comprehensive education in the roles and responsibilities of working within a sterile processing department. The course outlines the medical terminology required. It also shows how to ensure the safe and effective processing of medical equipment, including surgical equipment.
An understanding of the basic sciences of physiology, anatomy, and microbiology is also covered. Infection control concepts and principles are necessary to protect patients and staff from harm.
This course delves into practicing efficient cleaning and decontamination. It teaches you about the most suitable cleaning materials and equipment.
Processing patient care equipment in the correct manner is primary among healthcare professionals. The sterile processing technician course will educate participants on the equipment types and their uses. It will also show students how best to prepare, package, clean, and sanitize medical and surgical instrumentation.
Benefits
- Younger students can take the course. It is open to applicants of 16 years old, as long as they’re in possession of a high school diploma or GED-type equivalent.
- Practical, hands-on experience provides students with the chance to work in some of the compulsory clinical hours required for national sterile processing technician certification. These hours are determined by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
- The practical experience takes place in a location similar to those found in healthcare facilities.
- Medical and surgical terminology used in the course is up-to-date with that used in surgery centers around the US.
- Completion of the course allows students to sit for the HSPA sterile processing examination. When you complete the exam, you’ll be awarded national certification as a sterile processing technician.
- Financial aid is available.
Cost
The price of the course and other requirements are obtainable by contacting Southeast Community College’s Lincoln campus. They can be reached at 402-323-3636, or through the Nebraska City Learning Center.
FAQs
What is the median annual salary of sterile processing technicians in the United States?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing technicians, or medical equipment preparers as they are also known, earned a 2021 median salary of over $42,000 per year.
What are the job prospects for sterile processing technicians in the US?
Job growth prospects as a sterile processing technician in the US are predicted to be around 14% between 2019 and 2029.
Sources
https://www.southeast.edu/nebraska-city-learning-center/