How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Nevada

Did you know the motto for Nevada is “All for our Country”, and what stands by that more than serving in the medical industry?

Healthcare will always be a growing industry, offering job security and benefits.

If you want to get your foot in the healthcare industry, becoming a sterile processing technician is a great choice…

But wondering where to start?

Let us help assist you on the right path with our guide.

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

Compared to other states, if you’re looking to become a sterile processing technician in Nevada, there are a few options.

You don’t have to be certified, and it isn’t necessary to study a program at a community or career college.

After earning your high school diploma or GED, land an entry-level sterile processing technician job at a medical center or hospital.

Many employers in the healthcare industry offer to train you on the job in the sterile processing field.

So, if you’re lucky, you could jump right into the job force as a sterile processing technician out of high school if your employer was happy to provide you with training.

After finishing high school and turning 18, apply for a sterile processing/surgical technology post-secondary program.

There are a range of different program options.

For example, Truckee Meadows Community College offers a nine-month certificate program in sterile processing.

Pima Medical Institute alternatively offers a longer program that is more comprehensive, resulting in an Associate Degree.

Is obtaining a certificate necessary in Nevada? What is the certification process like for sterile processing techs?

It isn’t mandatory to get a certificate to work in sterile processing, however, getting official credentials will make you look like a better candidate to employers and potentially better pay.

If advancing your career is also important to you, getting certified is a must.

The most widely recognized and accepted certification is offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.

By obtaining a certificate, you’ll demonstrate to your employer that you have the knowledge and skills required to be a sterile processing technician.

Most colleges and programs will prepare you for certification, however, if you’re learning on the job—you can also try for certification.

Top Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Nevada

Despite Nevada being a state where you can get hired out of high school and trained on the job – most employers will still prefer formal qualifications.

So, if you’re looking to get into the sterile processing field, here are the top sterile processing programs in the state.

College of Southern Nevada

Location: 700 College Drive, Henderson, NV 89002

Program: Central Sterile Technician

Description: The College of Southern Nevada program includes online classwork and clinical practice in Sterile Processing.

Students must complete 400 hours in a clinical setting, resulting in a school certificate and full CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) certification.

Admission requirements include a high school diploma, transcripts, or a GED equivalent.

Students must be 18 or older and show proof of CPR, health insurance, a physical, immunizations, drug screening, and background check.

Truckee Meadows Community College

Location: 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512

Program: This community college offers multiple study options.

Description: Located in Reno, the Truckee Meadows Community College has a dedicated surgical technology department offering two study options.

It has a surgical technologist program that is developed in partnership with The College of Southern Nevada.

It also offers a shorter Sterile Processing Skills Certificate program, which is great for updating your skills or getting into the industry.

Pima Medical Institute

Location: 3333 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Program: Associate Degree

Description: The Pima Medical Institute offers an Associate Degree program for surgical technology that takes approximately 18 months to complete.

It’s comprehensive and perfect if you’re serious about the sterile processing field.

It’s available on campus in Las Vegas, and will give you hands-on skills to work in a variety of healthcare fields, including with surgical teams.

As part of the above-listed programs, it’s usually required for applicants to go through a drug screening, background check, and obtain the necessary vaccinations.

This may also be required as part of your placements, and/or job onboarding process.

If you want more specifics on what vaccinations are needed, we recommend checking out the program course pages on your preferred college’s website.

For the most accurate and latest information on course length and tuition fees, please contact these schools directly.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Nevada

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing workers in Nevada average salary is higher than the national average.

The average salary in Nevada is around $21.73 per hour and $45,200 per year.

The national average is $19.01 per hour and $39,520 per year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Las Vegas	$46,070
Reno	$45,748
Henderson	$45,888
North Las Vegas	$46,070
Sparks	$45,748
Carson City	$45,684
Elko	$38,660
Boulder City	$45,435
Mesquite	$45,390
Fallon	$45,036

Regional Salary in Nevada

* 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

Are there background checks to study or work as a sterile processing technician?

Most programs will require you to complete and pass a background and drug test before you begin.

Drug tests will check for a variety of substances, including marijuana and cocaine.

It’s also not uncommon to have to repeat these tests in the employment process.

Is it worth obtaining a formal qualification if you’re already working as a sterile processing technician in the state?

It’s still worth getting a formal qualification, especially if you want to further your career in the healthcare industry or move interstate.

Not every state in the US is like Nevada, where you can work as a sterile processing technician without a formal qualification and certification.

What is the job outlook like for sterile processing technicians? Where can you find work in Nevada?

The outlook for sterile processing jobs in Nevada is incredible, especially compared to other jobs and industries.

Projections Central reports that the growth in the number of positions is expected to be at least 22% for the next several years.

Sterile processing technicians will always be in high demand, and Nevada is one of the best states when it comes to average salaries for the role, too.

Wondering where you can work as a sterile processing technician?

While it’s most common for them to work in surgical rooms or medical centers, they can also work in all types of healthcare facilities.

This includes hospitals, physicians, and dental offices.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State