How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in West Virginia

If you are looking to be in the healthcare industry but dealing with patients constantly isn’t your cup of tea, being a sterile processing technician might be right for you.

Medical spaces are represented by more than just doctors and nurses and a sterile processing technician is an equally important professional who often works in the backrooms and does not get adequate acknowledgment.

Still, their contributions are massive since they help save lives by disinfecting and cleaning medical equipment and instruments.

So, if this sounds like something you want to do and you are a resident of West Virginia, it helps if you know the right steps to take to become a sterile processing technician in the state.

After you are done reading this blog, you will be familiar with how you can get into this field and help make a difference.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in West Virginia

Most states in the United States do not have any requirement for a certificate or license to be a sterile processing technician.

West Virginia follows the same route.

That said, there is still a lot of oversight and the responsibility falls on the employers to make sure that they are hiring competent and skilled professionals.

Let us walk you through the process of becoming a sterile processing technician in West Virginia.

Step 1: Get Your Education

The first thing you have to do is get your high school diploma or equivalent.

Without a high school degree, you cannot go on to formal training or even bag a job since most employers prefer a minimum high school diploma.

After high school, the next step is to go for formal training in sterile processing.

Although it is not mandatory, formal training helps you to get the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience of how it is to work as a sterile processing professional.

There are several schools in West Virginia that can help you get the degree you need.

These courses also prepare you to sit for the certificate exams so, it’s always a good idea to enroll in these courses.

They can last anywhere between 6 to 12 months.

Step 2: Work Experience

Another important thing is to gain some work experience which will propel you further in your career.

A lot of employers want professionals to have prior experience since it gives them the confidence that the person they are hiring is capable of performing the task.

You can get into internships and externships to gain some technical knowledge, which will definitely come in handy down the line.

Plus, it’s a good look for your resume.

You don’t have to only work as a sterile processing technician to count it as experience.

You can work anywhere in the medical field such as in medical assisting.

Step 3: Get National Certification

Again, it is not mandatory for you to get licensed in the state of West Virginia to work as a sterile processing technician.

But, it helps a lot in your career if you have the necessary certification to work in the field.

Since the responsibility of oversight falls on the employers, most of them prefer if the candidates have the certificate.

Here are your options for certificates you can acquire:

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam
• Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
• Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

One thing to note here is that in order to get the certification for CBSPD, you not only need to pass the examination but also need to have 400 hours of hands-on experience.

Once you get these certifications, the chances of you landing a job become higher.

The more certificates you have, the higher your chances. Reach out to hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s chambers and see if they are hiring.

Sterile Processing Technician Schools in West Virginia

As mentioned before, it comes in handy if you have formal training in sterile processing.

A lot of schools in West Virginia offer courses that can teach you the basics of this line of work and prepare you for certification exams.

Let us see what options you have.

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

This College offers a course of 30 credit hours and takes about 12 months to finish.

The estimated tuition is $4,000 and it also prepares you for the certification exam.

It is located in Williamson and also offers financial aid to those who might need it.

Carver Career and Technical Education Center

If you are looking for something more than just sterile processing and want to learn surgical technology as well, then this college is the right option for you.

They introduce concepts to you that are related to both fields.

With this knowledge, you can assist in operating rooms since you will learn positioning, prepping, aseptic technique, and so on.

Martinsburg College

This College offers a certificate in Surgical Instrument Processing.

You will learn about physiology and anatomy, infection prevention, as well as inventory management.

Essentially, you will know how to handle and process surgical instruments.

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in West Virginia

Once you get the necessary certification, you will get a lot of employment opportunities.

The medical field in West Virginia is on the rise right now, and this gives you the opportunity to find a job and earn a good salary.

On average, sterile processing professionals in West Virginia have an annual salary of $41,000.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Charleston	$41,284
Huntington	$40,482
Parkersburg	$40,246
Wheeling	$44,370
Morgantown	$44,370
Weirton	$44,184
Fairmont	$44,370
Beckley	$40,921
Clarksburg	$39,883
Martinsburg	$50,226

Regional Salary in West Virginia

* 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

What Will I Learn In a Sterile Processing Technician Course in West Virginia?

When you take these courses, you will be exposed to a plethora of concepts such as microbiology, infection control, surgical instrumentation, and so on.

Is There Any Fee for Getting a Certification in West Virginia?

Yes, the fee for the CRCST certificate is $140.

Plus, in order to renew the certificate, you have to pay $50.

Is It Difficult To Be In This Field in West Virginia?

It can be challenging, especially since employers prefer certifications, for which you have to sit for tough exams.

It is important that you are well-prepared.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State