Advance Your
Sterile Processing Technician
Career
INQUIRE TODAY
Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Professional Development Specialist today!
Advance Your
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?
Sterile processing technicians play a crucial role in the daily upkeep of hospitals, surgical centers, and the like. Responsible for the cleanliness of operating equipment and surgical tools, professionals in this field are key in mitigating cross-contamination and reducing the spread of viruses.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Analyzing and maintaining sterilization records
- Cleaning and inspecting medical equipment
- Documenting and itemizing equipment inventory
- Organizing approved medical tools for procedures
- Recommending procedures to improve sterilization processes
- Sterilizing, inspecting, and testing surgical tools
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
Careers in this field are responsible for upwards of 61,000 jobs throughout the U.S. healthcare sector. Job listings for sterile processing technicians are expected to increase by 11.1%, according to the BLS, over the next decade.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing technicians, which fall under the category of medical equipment preparers, earn an average of $20.40 per hour or a yearly salary of $42,420.
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
Central Service
Technician
$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Sterile Processing Technician
$26,000 – $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
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.
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 TUITION 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!
Apply for a workforce grant through Sonoma County Job Link and get all or part of your training paid for! Complete the course registration process on this site to reserve your seat. Select “WIOA” as your payment option.
Apply for a workforce grant through Sonoma County Job Link and get all or part of your training paid for! Complete the course registration process on this site to reserve your seat. Select “WIOA” as your payment option.
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
| PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE | 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 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST!
April is your Professional Development 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, The Center for Professional Development with Pacific Union College and how to achieve your professional 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?
The Center for Professional Development at Pacific Union College located in Angwin, California, 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.
View Pacific Union's Degree Programs
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