How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Mississippi

One of the most essential jobs in the medical industry is being a sterile processing technician.

The role is critical in preventing infection and bacteria through disinfecting, sterilizing, cleaning, and distributing medical supplies.

So, if you’re interested in keeping Mississippi’s hospitals and other medical clinics up and running, here’s how to become one.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Mississippi: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to become a sterile processing technician in Mississippi, the best way is to obtain formal training and accreditation through a post-secondary school.

This means you need to be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate or equivalent to qualify for admission.

With that being said, Mississippi doesn’t require certification to work as a sterile processing technician; however, most employers prefer candidates who can demonstrate they have the knowledge necessary.

If you’re wondering how to break into this state’s sterile processing industry, we’ll list it step by step.

Training & Education

Anyone seeking a sterile processing technician job will need a high school diploma or GED.

From there, training at a post-secondary school such as a community college is crucial.

Becoming a sterile processing technician requires practical and theoretical knowledge of topics such as infection, medical terminology, and microbiology.

The program is typically called “Surgical Technology” and can often be completed in a year or two.

Some community colleges offering this program include the Pearl River Community College and Hinds Community College.

Prerequisites

Before you start any formal training or education to get a qualification for sterile processing, the programs in Mississippi usually have prerequisites before you can start studying it.

For example, at Hinds Community College, requirements include the completion of the following college courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (BIO 2513 and BIO 2511)
• Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (BIO 2523 and BIO 2521)
• English Composition I (ENG 1113)
• Pre-College Algebra (MAT 1133)
• Humanities Elective

To start studying at Hinds Community College, the applicant must have completed the above courses with a “C” or above.

Other community colleges in Mississippi have similar prerequisites before you can study the surgical technology program.

Obtaining a Certification

While you don’t require certification from a third-party board, it can help increase your chances when you’re looking for job opportunities.

Certification for sterile processing work can be obtained through either the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Management (IAHCSMM), the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

To obtain certification, you undergo an examination process to evaluate your surgical technology skills.

The process is different depending on the certification board, so it’s essential to go through each one and see the dates/times they run examinations and any required preparation work.

Background & Health Checks

Commonly, as part of the training (and/or during the hiring process) to become a sterile processing technician, you will need to undergo drug and health screenings.

For example, at the Hinds Community College, drug screening is part of the program and costs.

You will also need to undergo standard health screenings for medical professionals, typically including testing for diseases such as hepatitis, which could be a potential risk, and a security background check.

Vaccinations

To become a sterile processing technician in Mississippi, you must obtain vaccinations like other healthcare professionals.

If you haven’t received the vaccination(s), you will need to for HBV, COVID-19, Tetanus, and the Flu.

These are typically mandatory and must be obtained during study* or through employment.

*Some programs will include vaccinations as part of their program.

Surgical Technology Programs in Mississippi

While the job title is typically referred to as a sterile processing technician, the program for training is called surgical technology.

If you’re looking for surgical technology programs in Mississippi, there are a few things you should consider.

You should think about the price of the program, the location of the educational institution, as well as the length of the program.

It’s also important to ensure that it is an officially accredited surgical technology program.

Hinds Community College

• Location: 501 E Main St, Raymond, MS 39154
• Program: Surgical Technology
• Accredited By: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Course Length: One-Year Curriculum
• Tuition Cost: Approximately $8,439 (based on 2021–2022 figures)

Hinds Community College is a public community college with a main campus in Raymond, Mississippi.

Studying surgical technology here is an excellent opportunity if you’re looking for a job as an allied health professional, with the chance to work close to surgeons, doctors, and other medical professionals.

Pearl River Community College

• Location: Forrest County Campus,   5448 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
• Program: Surgical Technology
• Accredited By: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Course Length: One-Year Curriculum
• Tuition Cost: $9550* Depending on when you start the program

Pearl River Community College is one of the oldest institutions in the state of Mississippi.

It offers flexibility with its programs, including online learning options for those who prefer remote and three campuses.

It offers flexibility with two different starting dates for its surgical technology program.

Tuition also includes background checks, vaccinations, and equipment.

East Mississippi Community College

• Location: 8731 S. Frontage Road, Mayhew, MS 39753
• Program: Surgical Technology
• Accredited By: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Course Length: 12-Month Program
• Tuition Cost: Upon Request* (Contact the Community College)

 East Mississippi Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

The program consists of at least 23 hours of general academic classes for general academics and 45 hours of surgical technology classes.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

• Location: 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573
• Program: Surgical Technology
• Accredited By: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Course Length: 12-Month Program
• Tuition Cost: Estimated available on their website

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College now offers surgical technology programs, with enrollments twice a year.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for more flexibility and will receive theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in their operating room suite.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Mississippi

The average salary for a sterile processing technician in Mississippi is usually $27.41 per hour—approximately $57,637 per year.

This is the same as the national average and typically includes bonuses like insurance, 401(k), and other non-cash benefits.

The salary of a sterile processing technician will also depend on the years of experience, with people with over ten years of experience earning up to $31.84 or more.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Jackson	$40,566
Gulfport	$39,852
Biloxi	$40,169
Hattiesburg	$39,602
Greenville	$40,291
Meridian	$40,173
Tupelo	$38,234
Southaven	$41,936
Vicksburg	$40,158
Pascagoula	$39,983

Regional Salary in Mississippi

* 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

How long does it take to become a trained and certified sterile processing technician in Mississippi?

Excluding the time it takes to get your high school diploma or GED, the time it takes to complete a typical program or course for surgical technology takes anywhere from 9 months to 2 years to complete.

The amount of time will depend on whether it is a certificate or degree program and which certification board you go through.

Can you become a sterile processing technician in Mississippi without training?

If you want to become a sterile processing technician, you will have to undergo formal training through a certificate or degree program, however, certification of skills is optional.

What are the top benefits of getting certified in the surgical technology industry / SPT?

Unlike some other roles in the healthcare industry, becoming a sterile processing technician in Mississippi takes only a year or two and is a high-demand role.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State