Sterile Processing Technician Schools In Oklahoma – Find Programs

The role of a sterile processing technician is vital within the healthcare industry. The responsibilities include sterilizing equipment, ordering medical supplies, and keeping the operating area sterile.

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To be able to do this job effectively, you need the right amount of training and experience.

If you’re based in Oklahoma, the best way to gain this knowledge is through a sterile processing technician education program. Let’s take a look at some of your options, and the other key information you need to become a sterile processing technician.

Sterile Processing Technician Licensing Requirements In Oklahoma

As with most states, there are no licensing requirements to become a sterile processing technician in Oklahoma. Technically, all you need to work in this role is a high school diploma.

Still, if you want to work in a sterile processing department, you’ll be monitored by a licensed professional. However, you won’t be tracked by any statewide board.

The sterilization process is a vital part of healthcare, and you’ll also usually be in charge of ordering medical and surgical supplies. This is why most sterile processing departments have strict supervision in place for sterile processing technicians.

Sterile Processing Technician Certification In Oklahoma

Although certification isn’t required to become a sterile processing technician in Oklahoma, it is recommended. When you’re looking for sterile processing technician jobs, you’ll notice that many employers ask for accreditation.

As you’ll be working with medical equipment, surgical instruments, and other surgical technology, employers need to know you’ll be sufficiently trained for the role. Most employers won’t hire you unless you have the relevant experience and certification.

There is no state-level certification for sterile processing technicians in Oklahoma, but there are numerous options at a national level.

One of the most reputable options is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) program from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. To become certified, you’ll need to pass a certification exam. You also need to be able to provide proof of 400 hours of hands-on experience within the field.

There are two different options for becoming a CRCST. To gain full CRCST certification, you need to show that you’ve had 400 hours of experience within the past five years before you take the exam. Otherwise, you need to gain this experience within six months after achieving certification.

Having CRCST certification will help you get the best sterile processing technician jobs. It should also mean that you climb up the sterile processing career ladder more quickly.

Sterile Processing Technician Education Programs In Oklahoma

As you’ll be a key member of the surgical team, all employers will expect you to have a high level of experience before they hire you. You can gain this experience by working in a sterile processing department or another healthcare setting. However, it’s usually best to enroll in an education program where you’ll be fully trained.

Let’s take a look a the best sterile processing technician schools in Oklahoma.

  • Moore Norman Technology Center – this school has a program where you’ll work towards becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist. It has campuses in Oklahoma City and Norman. You’ll learn about sterilizing surgical instruments and will be trained to work under pressure.
  • Metro Technology Centers – this school also provides an education program in surgical technology. You’ll learn all the necessary skills for becoming a sterile processing technician and will sit a certification exam at the end of the course. You’ll be taught in a classroom and also gain hands-on experience.

Salary And Job Outlook For A Sterile Processing Technician In Oklahoma

The salaries for sterile processing technician jobs vary depending on numerous factors. These include the place you work and your experience. For example, if you work in a surgical hospital you’ll typically earn more than a sterile processing technician that works in a dentist’s office.

The mean annual wage for sterile processing technicians in the US is $42,420. In Oklahoma, the mean annual wage is $34,800.

The job outlook for sterile processing technicians is positive as they continue to be in high demand across the healthcare industry.

Where To Find Work

As a sterile processing technician, you can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The most common places where sterile processing techs find work are:

  • Dentists’ offices
  • General medical and surgical hospitals
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Physicians’ offices

In Oklahoma specifically, there are several healthcare facilities that regularly hire sterile processing technicians. These include:

  • Oklahoma Heart Hospital
  • McBride Orthopedic Hospital
  • St. Anthony Hospital

When looking for jobs, you can apply directly to the institution. Or, you can search for jobs on popular job websites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

FAQs

What questions will I be asked at my sterile processing technician interview?

The questions that are asked at a sterile processing technician job interview vary widely. Still, there are some questions that are commonly asked, such as:

  • What are the methods you use to make sure that all medical supplies are sterilized, cleaned, and stored properly?
  • What’s your preferred sterilization process for surgical instruments?
  • If you saw a colleague drop a tool on the floor and place it back on the tray, what would you do?
  • How would you resolve the issues associated with the long-term use of sterilization equipment?

What skills does a sterile processing technician need to have?

As well as technical knowledge, you also need to possess good communication skills, manual dexterity, and be able to work well as part of a team.

Sources

https://myhspa.org/certification/get-certified/crcst-application.html

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319093.htm

https://sterileprocessingtech.org/ok/