How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Kansas

Did you know you could have a career in healthcare without med school or a degree?

Sterile Processing Technicians are necessary parts of hospitals, medical centers, and clinics throughout the US.

You could find purpose in sanitizing and decontaminating medical tools, making sure they’re ready for surgical procedures.

Here’s how to become an SPT in Kansas.

How to Become an SPT

Kansas doesn’t require any sort of board certification or degree for their Sterile Processing Technicians, but it’s highly recommended that you pursue some sort of training before applying to any jobs.

After all, employers are usually far more likely to hire people with experience or training than people without it.

Luckily, the HSPA has been certifying people since 1971.

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

Once you’ve submitted a complete application and passed a criminal background check, you’ll have to sign up for a testing session and begin studying.

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.

Renewal is relatively easy; you just have to pay a $50 fee and show that you’ve been attending continuing education courses to keep your skills up to date.

Sterile Processing Schools in Kansas

Kansas has two available Sterile Processing courses available, one in-person and one online.

However, if you live in Kansas City, you may be able to find some available programs on the Missouri side, too.

Washburn Tech

Washburn Tech offers Sterile Processing courses that start every fall and last two semesters in total.

They also have two different schedules of courses depending on your availability: you can either attend Monday through Friday in the mornings or in the afternoons. 

You have to be 17 by at least October 1st to participate in the course, which prepares you for the HSPA’s CRCST test.

The program is also eligible for financial aid.

Kansas City Kansas Community College

KCKCC offers an online, self-paced Sterile Processing course that consists of 190 credit hours.

It costs $3,290 in total and includes a voucher so you won’t have to pay for the HSPA exam.

Once you’ve completed the online portion of the course, they’ll help you place with a local healthcare center to begin your clinical experience.

All the instructional materials you’ll need will be sent to you once you enroll; all you’ll need is consistent internet, a functional computer, and access to a personal email address and you’ll be set.

Salary

In Kansas, the average base salary for Sterile Processing Technicians is $43,054.

With experience and training, though, you could start out at nearly $48,000 a year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wichita	$42,638
Overland Park	$44,202
Kansas City	$44,334
Topeka	$41,820
Olathe	$44,082
Lawrence	$42,710
Shawnee	$44,202
Salina	$42,186
Manhatten	$41,367
Hutchinson	$42,186

Regional Salary in Kansas

* Salary information based on the May 2022 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 need to be certified to work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Kansas?

No, Kansas is not one of the four US states that requires certification for Sterile Processing Techs; however, many employers prefer certified employees.

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

On average, Sterile Processing Techs make $43,054 a year, but there’s plenty of room for growth.

Are there Sterile Processing courses in Kansas?

Yes, Kansas has two Sterile Processing courses available, one online and one in person.

Sterile Processing Technician Info by State