How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky

You could have a career helping others in healthcare without ever having to step foot inside a medical school.

It’s true — you could become a vital part of a hospital, medical center, or clinic in your area as a Sterile Processing Technician.

SPTs organize and prepare medical tools for surgical procedures, sanitizing and decontaminating them so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

If that sounds interesting to you and you’re a Kentucky resident, read on to find out how you could get started as a Sterile Processing Tech.

How to Become an SPT

You don’t need any sort of certification to become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky, since it’s not a regulated career.

However, most employers prefer or even require certification or some sort of prior experience or training for each and every one of their hires.

That’s why it’s a good idea to pursue certification through the HSPA, which has been certifying people since 1971 and even has a local chapter.

The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

You can obtain your certification through one of the HSPA’s four levels of certifications:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) – the base-level certification for SPTs
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) – an endoscope-specific certification
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) – an advanced instrument certification
• Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) – a certification for SPT management

Before you can take the test of your choosing, you’ll need to submit your complete application and pass a criminal background check, since many healthcare facilities aren’t allowed to hire people with certain criminal convictions.

The HSPA gives applicants all they need to prepare for the test, including online courses, content outlines, reference materials, and their Certification Handbook.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll be certified as an SPT for a full year, after which you can renew by paying a $50 fee and providing evidence of continuing education courses.

Sterile Processing Schools in Kentucky

Currently, there is only one available Sterile Processing course in the state of Kentucky.

Eastern Kentucky University

EKU offers an online, self-paced course that lasts 190 course hours in total.

All you’ll need to take the course is a functional computer, working internet, and access to a personal email account — other than that, everything you need will be sent to you directly.

The course costs $3,290 in total and includes a voucher for the HSPA’s certification test so you won’t have to pay for it. 

Though the course itself is fully online, the clinical experience portion is in person, and you will be placed with a local healthcare facility to complete it.

Salary

In Kansas, pay for Sterile Processing Technicians varies quite a bit.

You can expect to make $42,548 on average, but some make upwards of $47,000 a year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Lexington	$42,398
Louisville	$42,923
Owensboro	$42,465
Bowling Green	$40,975
Covington	$44,216
Hopkinsville	$40,694
Frankfort	$41,336
Henderson	$42,736
Richmond	$41,983
Jeffersonville	$42,037

Regional Salary in Kentucky

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers, OCC Code 31-9093, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be certified to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky?

No, Kentucky is not one of the four US states that regulates its Sterile Processing Techs — however, SPTs with certification are more likely to get hired, so it’s highly encouraged.

How much could I make as a Sterile Processing Technician in Kentucky?

Average base salaries range quite a bit in Kentucky, from $38,000 on the low end to upwards of $47,000 on the high end.

Salaries also vary by city.

Does Kentucky have any available Sterile Processing Training programs?

Yes, Kentucky currently has one online Sterile Processing Training program through East Kentucky University.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State