Advance Your

Sterile Processing Technician

Career

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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

$4,000.00

Payment Plan Available

TOTAL TUITION

Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date. Connect with an admissions counselor to explore the payment plan available to you.

What Does A Sterile Processing Technician Do?

The role of a Sterile Processing Technician is to prepare surgical instruments and devices. Sterile Processing Technicians can also be called different titles, such as central sterile supply technician, central processing technician, sterile preparation technician, and more. The job requires cleaning, testing, inspecting, sterilizing, storing, and delivering sterile instruments for surgery in healthcare settings.



The prevention of spreading infection and making sure all devices are free of diseases are the main goals of a Sterile Processing Technician. Their job requirements may also include noting sterilizer test results, verifying and documenting missing instruments, making sure devices work properly, maintaining and operating steam autoclaves, and communicating with personnel in the operating room.

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.

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

In 2020, the median annual salary for Sterile Processing Technicians (or medical equipment preparers) was $38,800, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 25% of earners in this field make over $48,000 each year, and the top 10% can make over $59,000 each year. The most successful industries Sterile Processing Technicians work in are outpatient care centers, specialty hospitals, and technical consulting services. 

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

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN JOB POSSIBILITIES

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Central Service
Technician
Sterile Processing Tech entering in data in computer for processing.

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile Processing Technician starting sterile machine.

$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Central Sterile Supply Technician

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).

ISSUING AUTHORITY

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Students residing in the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Tennessee and Pennsylvania – these states require that Central Service Technicians become certified within a state-mandated period of time after employment (range from 1.5 – 3 years). This is NOT a barrier to enrollment for students but should be reviewed with a Workforce Training Specialist at time of enrollment.

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. 

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
$4,000 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

CONTACT YOUR WORKFORCE REPRESENTATIVE TO GET STARTED

April is your Workforce Training Specialist.  She is here to help you understand your program of interest, payment options and succeed!  Get in touch with April to learn more about your program, Walla Walla 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.

Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for sterilizing and disinfecting all equipment as well as packaging tools used for medical procedures. The Surgical Technologist assists surgical teams while ensuring patient safety before, during and after surgery. They’re also responsible for preparing the operating room and the patient before and after surgery.

Interested In Another Program?

Walla Walla University located in College Place, Washington, provides the highest quality training in order to best serve students and surrounding communities. Our specialized career training programs provide up-to-date and in-demand skills, preparation and certification, ensuring that everyone who completes our programs is of the highest caliber.