ADVANCE YOUR

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN

CAREER

Learn how to sterilize and prepare medical equipment, retrieve and deliver sterile supplies, and operate and maintain decontamination equipment.

The Sterile Processing Technician program from Professional Workforce Development sponsored by Southern Adventist University offers you the ideal opportunity to get trained and ready for a fast-growing healthcare career. Sterile processing technicians are expected to see available jobs grow 6.3% over the next ten years, a bit faster than the average for all occupations.

Through our Professional Workforce Development programs, you can get qualified for entry-level roles in this field in approximately 3.5 months.

INQUIRE TODAY
Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!
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14 Weeks

PROGRAM LENGTH

CRCST

CERTIFICATIONS

$4,000.00*

Pay in full

TUITION

ISSUING AUTHORITY

*You can pay as little as $267 per month. For full payment options and different financing plans, including interest rates from external lenders, please talk to our enrollment team.

WHAT DOES A STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN DO?

A sterile processing technician is a professional who helps prevent the spread of infection by ensuring all instruments needed for surgery in healthcare facilities are thoroughly sterilized. Their responsibilities include cleaning, inspecting, storing, and delivering devices, recording sterilizer results, and effectively communicating with healthcare personnel and staff.

After successfully completing the Sterile Processing Technician program, students will be proficient in sanitizing and maintaining medical tools used in healthcare settings. Their primary role is the decontamination of surgical instruments, as well as documenting any missing instruments, and ensuring instruments are in good working order prior to use.

Sterile Processing Technician starting sterile machine.

WHERE DOES A STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN WORK?

Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, outpatient care centers, ambulatory services centers, dentists’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Sterile Processing Tech entering in data in computer for processing.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED

Web browser with internet connection

Course registration & payment

Training Materials Provided

Expert-led video based training

Textbook: Central Service Technician Manual

Competency assessments

National Certification exam fee

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN

Outcomes

Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician, who is also called a medical equipment preparer, is a popular field to pursue, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Sterile processing technicians can expect to earn a starting salary of between $26,000 and $45,000
  • Graduates of the Sterile Processing Technician program will have acquired the skills necessary to work in a wide range of healthcare settings
  • Sterile Processing Technician students will complete the program with a thorough understanding of medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy, and physiology

Skills Learned

Upon completion of this certified sterile processing technician program you’ll learn a number of skills, including:

  • Knowing medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy, and physiology
  • The importance of customer service, communication skills, and professionalism
  • Identifying central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation, and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
  • Describing the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impact on personnel and patient safety
  • Differentiating methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation
  • Discussing compliance standards and the role of HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI, AAMI, and other regulating agencies
COURSES - 14 WEEKS
Professionalism in Allied Health
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
Sterile Processing

PROGRAM PREVIEW

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN JOB POSSIBILITIES

2 people in lab coats working

Central Service Technician

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Doctor preparing surgical instruments

Sterile Processing Technician

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Sterilizing medical instruments in autoclave

Central Sterile Supply Technician

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the provisional certification exam for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

CRCST

Certified Registered Central Service Technician

Full certification is obtained after acquiring 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience within six months of provisional certification. Hands-on experience provides an invaluable resource with which to better understand the standards, knowledge, and practices needed to be successful in the field and on the CRCST exam.

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN PAYMENT OPTIONS

In addition to the following payment options, we offer special corporate volume pricing. Visit the Corporate page for details.

Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize. Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.

Many employers have education programs or will pay for continued education! Select “Corporate Invoice” if you need an invoice to process payment through company training tuition assistance/reimbursement plans. 

Download the free brochure below to your HR representative or manager and show them the benefits of gaining additional education!

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?​

Many employers offer education assistance programs. Download the brochures to show your employer the benefit of upskilling their employees.

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Community College
Program & Tuition Cost
$5,000 average
Up to $20,000
Exam Fees, Books & Materials
Included
Up to $750
Job Ready In
3–6 months
24–48 months
Schedule Flexibility
On-demand 24/7
Set class schedule
Travel Requirements
None: 100% online
On-campus classrooms
Student Support
Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
Professors: scheduled office hours
Career Coaching
Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
Content Delivery
3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
Professor lectures

MEET YOUR WORKFORCE TRAINING SPECIALIST!

Tracey is your Workforce Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand your program of interest, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Tracey to learn more about your program, Southern Adventist University and how to achieve your workforce development goals!

FAQ

Sterile processing is important because it prevents infections in healthcare settings. Handwashing, sterilization, and disinfection of tools, instruments, and equipment are necessary for the safety of the patient.

Sterilization technician positions can offer flexible working hours (from weekdays to nights and weekends). The exact shift requirements vary based on the type of facility. A hospital will most likely have evening and overnight shifts available. Since there are so many places to find work, you should be able to find the schedule that is the best fit for you.

The time it takes to become a sterile processing technician is relatively short for a career in health care. You can earn a good salary, often with excellent benefits, without going into much educational debt. The medical field is growing very rapidly, so jobs will continue to be in demand.

 

Most sterile processing technicians have a fair amount of autonomy, so you’ll need to be good at keeping yourself on track while completing tasks. Attention to detail is also critical for this career, as sterile processing technicians must adhere to strict infection-control procedures to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences. Finally, you’ll need sufficient manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments and operate sterilization equipment, and the interpersonal skills to work well with others in an occasionally fast-paced environment.

Most sterile processing technicians have a fair amount of autonomy, so you’ll need to be good at keeping yourself on track while completing tasks. Attention to detail is also critical for this career, as sterile processing technicians must adhere to strict infection-control procedures to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences. Finally, you’ll need sufficient manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments and operate sterilization equipment, and the interpersonal skills to work well with others in an occasionally fast-paced environment.

INTERESTED IN ANOTHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

Founded in 1892, Southern Adventist University provides a quality, Christ-centered undergraduate and graduate education to approximately 2,700 students each year. Caring professors, hands-on training, and a wide selection of academic options prepare students for success, as demonstrated by our graduates’ impressive job placement numbers and high median starting salaries. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Southern’s 1,300-acre campus features nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, a top-notch fitness center, and much more.

VIEW SOUTHERN'S DEGREE PROGRAMS

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