Online Sterile Processing Technician Training

Begin a critical healthcare career as a certified sterile processing technician (SPT). Sterile Processing Technicians, also known as Central Service Technicians, prevent infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This 100% online sterile processing technician course will train you to work as an SPT and will also prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)—all in 12 months or less.
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Begin a critical healthcare career as a certified sterile processing technician (SPT). Sterile Processing Technicians, also known as Central Service Technicians, prevent infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This 100% online sterile processing technician course will train you to work as an SPT and will also prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)—all in 12 months or less.

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Become a Sterile Processing Technician and get CRCST Certified

Certified Sterile Processing TechnicianYou will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT as you gain confidence to begin your new career. Gain proficiency in the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process and fully prepare to pass the CRCST exam. A voucher for the exam is included in the cost of your course.

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Please note: Students utilizing the MyCAA scholarship should know that it can only be used towards tuition; it cannot be applied towards physical textbooks, materials, and/or other fees.

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Sterile Processing Technician / Central Service Technician FAQs

What Is a Sterile Processing Technician? What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

A Sterile Processing Technician, also known as a Central Services Technician, is responsible for preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies and equipment.  These professionals play a critical role in healthcare.

What Is a Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certification?

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is a certification granted by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). The CRCST is a certification program designed for entry-level and existing technicians who demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to show competence as a sterile processing technician.

Course Overview

Course Objectives

  • Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
  • Identify sterile processing regulations and standards providing by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
  • Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
  • Understand sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
  • Discuss the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
  • Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
  • Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician
  • Understand all the tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
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Prerequisites and Requirements

To sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.

Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of this course’s test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.

Curriculum

Medical Terminology

  1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
  2. The Musculoskeletal System
  3. The Cardiovascular System
  4. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
  5. The Respiratory System
  6. The Digestive System
  7. The Urinary System
  8. The Nervous System
  9. The Special Senses The Eyes and Ears
  10. The Integumentary System
  11. The Endocrine System
  12. The Reproductive System
  13. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology

Sterile Processing Technician

  1. Introduction
  2. Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
  3. Decontamination and Workplace Safety
  4. Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
  5. Tray Assembly
  6. Prep and Pack
  7. Introduction to Sterilization
  8. Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
  9. Instrumentation Identification (Part I)
  10. Instrumentation Identification (Part II)
  11. Case Cart Introduction
  12. Sterile Storage
  13. Managing Inventory
  14. Ancillary Department Support
  15. Important Components for a Successful Career
  16. Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam

Job Outlook

sterile processing technician

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that job demand for sterile processing technicians and similar positions will increase by 6% through 2031. It estimates that 7,700 jobs will be opened each year in this job category.
  • The BLS reports that medical equipment preparers earn an average salary of $42,420 per year, with the top earners pulling in over $60,000.
  • According to the BLS, California, New York, Texas, Ohio, and Florida are among the states with the highest employment in this field.