Eligibility Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration and payment
Online Sterile Processing Tech Certification Program
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 7,700 new Sterile Processing careers are created each year. We'll help you land one!
Whether you're starting your career or advancing in Sterile Processing, Health Tech Academy's online certification program provides the skills, certification and preparation to earn a career or promotion.
Your path to a better future starts now.
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Program Length
16 Weeks
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Certifications
CRCST
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Avg. Starting Salary
$44,574
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Issuing Authority
Become a Sterile Processing Technician in 16 Weeks
Start your journey as a Sterile Processing Technician with our comprehensive online training program. Designed for efficiency, this course equips you with essential skills and hands-on knowledge to secure an entry-level role in hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare facilities within months—not years.
Through interactive virtual simulations and expert-led instruction, you'll gain real-world insights from professionals actively working in the field. Our flexible online format allows you to learn at your own pace while preparing for national certification. Upon completion, you'll be ready to take the CRCST exam and step into a fulfilling career in sterile processing anywhere in the country.
Learn how to:
- Decontaminate, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and medical equipment for procedures.
- Inspect, assemble, and package surgical tools following strict sterilization protocols.
- Maintain and operate autoclaves and other sterilization equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Track and manage inventory of sterile supplies to support surgical teams efficiently.
- Adhere to infection control procedures to prevent contamination and maintain a sterile environment.
- Properly store and distribute sterilized instruments and medical devices to various hospital departments.
- Follow healthcare regulations and facility protocols to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency.
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Begin the Self-Paced Bootcamp
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Schedule 1-on-1 Mentor Coaching Sessions
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Complete Weekly Learning & Assessments
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Begin Exam Preparation Course
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Pass CRCST Industry Certification
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Continued Support from Career Services & Mentors
What Does the Sterile Processing Technician Program Include?
Launch your career as a sterile processing technician with our focused 16-week bootcamp. Gain the critical skills and expertise needed to excel in this high-demand healthcare field and protect patient safety through proper instrument sterilization and handling.
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We are committed to guiding you every step of the way including the completion of the clinical requirements. However, please note that the responsibility to complete these requirements lies with you. We recommend researching for job posts and state requirements to ensure a seamless transition into the workforce upon graduation.
Meet Your Sterile Processing Instructor
Emmanuel Boadu
Emmanuel is a dedicated Supervisor at Northshore University Health System, overseeing the Sterile Processing Department. With a background that spans from volunteering at Swedish Covenant Hospital to six years at Northwestern Medicine, he has accumulated a wealth of experience. Concurrently earning his Bachelor's in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, he pursued his passion for improving patient care through sterile processing. Emmanuel holds certifications including CFER, CRCST, and CSPDT, and has mentored numerous students in the field, instilling a commitment to excellence.
What Will I Learn in a Sterile Processing Program?
Our sterile processing bootcamp blends self-paced online learning with hands-on training to help you start your career in just weeks. Gain expertise in instrument sterilization, infection control, and medical equipment handling to support surgical teams and ensure patient safety.
Courses
Get started with the fundamentals of sterile processing and the critical role it plays in healthcare. This module covers the basics of infection control, sterilization techniques, and industry regulations.
- Learn the core principles of sterile processing, including decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization methods.
- Understand the importance of infection control and how proper instrument handling ensures patient safety.
- Explore career opportunities in sterile processing and the essential skills needed to succeed in the field.
Build a strong foundation in medical terminology to communicate effectively in a healthcare setting. This module covers essential terms related to anatomy, procedures, and sterile processing.
- Learn key medical terms, abbreviations, and definitions used in sterile processing and surgical environments.
- Understand how medical terminology relates to instruments, procedures, and infection control protocols.
- Explore how mastering medical language enhances accuracy and efficiency in a sterile processing career.
Gain a fundamental understanding of the human body and its systems to support proper instrument handling and sterilization practices. This module covers essential anatomy and physiology concepts relevant to sterile processing.
- Learn the structure and function of major body systems and how they relate to surgical procedures.
- Understand the role of sterile processing in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.
- Explore how knowledge of anatomy and physiology enhances your ability to manage and process medical instruments effectively.
Understand the role of microorganisms in healthcare and how sterile processing helps prevent infections. This module covers pathogens, sterilization methods, and infection control principles.
- Learn about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that impact patient safety.
- Understand how sterilization and disinfection techniques eliminate harmful pathogens in medical settings.
- Explore the connection between microbiology and best practices in infection prevention and control.
Master the techniques for inspecting, assembling, and packaging surgical instruments to maintain sterility and ensure patient safety. This module covers proper handling, wrapping methods, and industry standards.
- Learn how to prepare, inspect, and assemble medical instruments for sterilization.
- Understand the correct packaging techniques and materials used to maintain sterility.
- Explore industry best practices for ensuring instruments are safely stored and ready for use in medical procedures.
Develop essential skills in cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety. This module covers decontamination protocols, cleaning agents, and disinfection techniques.
- Learn proper procedures for cleaning, decontaminating, and disinfecting surgical instruments and medical equipment.
- Understand the role of enzymatic cleaners, detergents, and disinfectants in eliminating harmful pathogens.
- Explore industry standards and best practices for maintaining a safe and sterile healthcare environment.
Gain in-depth knowledge of sterilization techniques and protocols to ensure medical instruments are free from contaminants. This module covers sterilization methods, quality assurance, and regulatory standards.
- Learn the different sterilization techniques, including steam, ethylene oxide (EtO), and chemical sterilization.
- Understand the importance of sterilization monitoring, including biological indicators and process validation.
- Explore industry regulations and best practices to maintain compliance and ensure patient safety.
Learn how to properly store and manage sterile instruments to maintain their integrity and ensure efficient healthcare operations. This module covers storage guidelines, inventory control, and best practices for sterility maintenance.
- Learn the proper techniques for handling and storing sterilized instruments to prevent contamination.
- Understand inventory management systems and strategies to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies.
- Explore best practices for maintaining sterility, organizing storage areas, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Develop strong communication and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with healthcare professionals. This module covers professional interactions, problem-solving, and the role of sterile processing in patient care.
- Learn how to communicate effectively with surgical teams, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
- Understand the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and responsiveness in a sterile processing role.
- Explore strategies for handling challenges, improving workflow, and contributing to a positive healthcare environment.
Gain expertise in handling, cleaning, and maintaining patient care equipment to ensure safety and functionality. This module covers equipment types, decontamination procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Learn proper techniques for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing patient care equipment.
- Understand the function and importance of various medical devices used in patient treatment.
- Explore industry best practices for maintaining and storing equipment to ensure compliance and patient safety.
Download the syllabus to view all courses and requirements.
Student Support Resources
Explore further learning assets, clinical resources, and post-graduation job placement opportunities.
Expand your sterile processing knowledge with essential resources made to enhance your training and career growth.
- Starter Kits: Begin your journey with essential program details and tools, all conveniently organized for easy access.
- Personalized Coaching: Get expert guidance from industry professionals to support your learning and career goals.
- Online Learning Hub: Access interactive lessons, assignments, and study materials anytime, anywhere.
- Digital Textbooks: Strengthen your knowledge with in-depth eBooks covering critical sterile processing concepts.
- Procedure Demonstrations: Watch detailed video tutorials to understand proper sterilization and equipment handling techniques.
- Skills Competency Checklist: Track your progress and ensure mastery of key sterile processing tasks.
- Certification Practice Exams: Prepare for the CRCST certification with realistic test simulations to boost your confidence and readiness.
Kickstart your sterile processing career with specialized job placement tools designed to connect you with rewarding opportunities in the field.
- Essential Soft Skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities vital for success in healthcare settings.
- Resume Enhancement: Build a polished, industry-focused resume that highlights your sterile processing expertise and certifications.
- Interview Coaching: Gain confidence with mock interviews and expert feedback to help you make a lasting impression.
- LinkedIn Branding: Optimize your profile to showcase your skills, connect with industry professionals, and attract potential employers.
- Professional Portfolio Development: Craft a compelling professional presence that effectively highlights your qualifications and career aspirations.
- Job Market Training: Master job search strategies, application techniques, and career development skills to land the right role in sterile processing.
Seamlessly transition from training to a career with hands-on clinical and externship resources designed to prepare you for success as a sterile processing technician.
- Hands-On Experience Support: Get expert assistance in securing an externship, allowing you to apply sterile processing skills in a real healthcare setting.
- Career Opportunity Access: Explore exclusive job listings and connect with employers actively hiring sterile processing technicians.
- Industry Networking: Leverage our professional connections to gain referrals and increase your chances of landing a job in the field.
- Professional Outreach Tools: Use tailored email templates and communication resources to engage with potential employers and showcase your qualifications effectively.
Where Will I Work as a Sterile Processing Technician?
After certification, sterile processing technicians can pursue careers in diverse healthcare environments. Health Tech Academy's bootcamp equips you with the skills needed to work in hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and other medical facilities.
Free Career Assessment
Is Sterile Technology the right career path for you? Take our free career assessment to determine which healthcare career path is the best fit for you.
*All salaries according to 2021 estimates released by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tuition Advantage
Unlock your future in healthcare technology with flexible payment options including full payments, installment plans, and Study Now, Pay Later plans.
$2,900
$3,450
Use/mention discount code HTA550 to get $550 discount. Full tuition payment only.
- Free Laptop
- All Materials Included
- Exam Voucher Included
- Student & Career Support
- Certificate of Completion
- No Additional Fee
- No Interest
$265
/month
Deposit $265 today to enroll and pay $265 monthly for 12 months. Zero-interest, No credit checks!
- All Materials Included
- Exam Voucher Included
- 12 Customizable Payments
- Student & Career Support
- Certificate of Completion
- No Additional Fee
- No Interest
Payment Options
No credit check
Sterile Processing Technician Program Comparisons
| Feature |
|
Community College | Online Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program & Tuition Cost | $3,450 | $2,000 to $10,000/year | $8,000 to $19,000 per year |
| Books, Materials & Fees | Included | + $500 to $2,000 | + $500 to $2,000 |
| Certification Exams & Fees | Included | + $200 to $500 | + $200 to $500 |
| Job Ready Timeline | 4-6 months | 1 to 2 years | 6 months – 2 years |
| 100% Online | |||
| Schedule Flexibility | --- | ||
| 1-on-1 Coaching & Mentorship | |||
| Job Placement Assistance | --- | --- | |
| Clear Path to Certification | --- | --- | |
| No Travel Requirements |
Real People. Real Jobs. Real Salaries.
Success Stories from our Students
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2023 was a rough year for me. I lost a lot but I also gained a lot. I desperately needed to start working, but I wanted to spend my time on starting a career and not working a typical 9-5 that I won't grow in or be happy in. I decided to do research and stumbled upon Health Tech Academy. I gave them a call and I was very happy to know that it was at my own pace and I could get finished as quickly as I was capable. The only other thing I needed to figure out was the financial aspect of it, I was nervous about that. Luckily, there was an affordable payment plan! Because I have health care knowledge already, I was happy to see that I got through the program very quickly and was satisfied with the learning experience.
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As a single mother, who wants to further her career to better her child's life, I'm grateful I found this program! Before I even started attending the actual program, they were already willing to help accommodate my needs while working graveyard shifts. They constantly were reassuring and willing to help me reschedule my orientation date and time, answered all my questions thoroughly. I will definitely be referring my fellow medical field friends to this schooling website and to my other friends as well. I'm very excited for this journey, and again so grateful that this school is compassionate about their students and the students' needs.
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Health Tech Academy has been instrumental in guiding me towards a career in surgical technology. The program provided invaluable knowledge and equipped me with the skills needed to excel in this field. The experience has also sparked a passion for furthering my education in nursing. I'm grateful for the support and dedication of the instructors at Health Tech Academy. I highly recommend this rewarding educational institution to anyone interested in healthcare. Thank you, Health Tech Academy, for opening doors of opportunity and empowering me to pursue my goals in surgical technology and beyond.
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The online orientation was wonderfully presented, full of great information and contacts/resources available. This experience has been wonderful from the very start, and I wanted to thank you! Thank you, Health Tech Academy for answering any questions I had and for all the information clearly presented.
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Orientation was well put together. It wasn't too long or too short. Ms. Farzeen was great and fun to speak with. My expectations are to become one of the most valuable Surgical Techs. Also, elevate my career in the medical field.
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Health Tech Academy's surgical tech bootcamp has been a great program for me. I come here as a truck driver after leaving the medical field for 6 years. I didn't think I would remember or do anything in the medical field again but since day one, everyone have a great support to me and. The content has been very informative and the price is very affordable. I love being here, and also the fact that the course contnet is not time-consuming, as I have enough time to work and be with family but still learn. I appreciate everything you guys are doing for your students, thank you.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need for a job in healthcare – and the confidence to transform your career.
Schedule a call with one of our admissions advisors to get started.
Schedule a CallSterile Processing Technician Certification Program FAQs
Reference common questions, and answers, about our Sterile Processing program.
A Sterile Processing Technician program provides the essential training needed to ensure medical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use in healthcare settings. You'll learn about infection control, decontamination procedures, sterilization techniques, and inventory management. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities, playing a crucial role in maintaining patient safety and supporting healthcare teams. These programs typically prepare students to take and pass a national certification exam, such as the CRCST, to advance in the field.
After completing the Sterile Processing Technician program, students can apply for a national certification exam, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Our program equips you with the necessary skills and hands-on knowledge to successfully pass the CRCST exam and earn your certification, helping you advance in your healthcare career.
The HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification is a nationally recognized credential that validates a sterile processing technician's expertise in decontamination, sterilization, and infection control. Awarded by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), this certification demonstrates a professional's ability to uphold strict sterilization standards and ensure patient safety. While not always legally required, it is highly valued by employers and can significantly enhance career opportunities in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities. Earning the CRCST credential reflects a commitment to excellence in sterile processing and infection prevention
Health Tech Academy's Sterile Processing Technician program is designed for flexible, self-paced learning, allowing students to complete their training on their own schedule. Students can finish the program in 16 weeks, an accelerated timeline that provides the necessary skills and certification so learners can enter the workforce quickly.
Health Tech Academy offers an affordable and transparent pricing structure for its Sterile Processing Technician program. You can enroll with a one-time payment of ,900 or take advantage of flexible payment options, starting with a low 0 deposit, followed by monthly installments of up to 6 for 12 months. This cost-effective approach ensures accessibility while preparing you for a rewarding career in sterile processing.
We also offer customized payment plans to accommodate individual budgets, making our program accessible to a wider range of aspiring sterile processing technicians.
Health Tech Academy offers a refund policy for its Sterile Processing Technician Bootcamp. You can cancel your enrollment within three days of signing up for a full refund. After this three-day period, the enrollment fee becomes non-refundable, so please visit our support page for complete details.
While Health Tech Academy doesn't guarantee job placement, we provide comprehensive career services and student support to assist you in your job search. Our dedicated Career Services Team offers mentorship on professional profile building and employer outreach. We leverage our partner site network to help students find externships and provide guidance on securing their own clinical sites, facilitating the process as needed. Ultimately, students are responsible for securing their externship and employment, but they have our full support throughout the process. Please watch this video to learn more about how we support you on clinical externships.
Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in healthcare by ensuring that surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use. They follow strict infection control protocols to prevent contamination and maintain patient safety. Their responsibilities include decontaminating instruments, assembling surgical trays, operating sterilization equipment, and managing inventory to ensure healthcare teams have the necessary tools. While they may not work directly with patients, their behind-the-scenes expertise is critical to supporting surgical teams and maintaining the highest standards of medical care.
Sterile processing technicians require a mix of technical expertise and attention to detail to ensure medical instruments are properly sterilized and safe for use. They must have a strong understanding of infection control, decontamination procedures, and sterilization techniques. Organization and inventory management skills are essential for tracking and maintaining surgical tools. Additionally, they need excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and communication skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals in fast-paced environments. Precision, focus, and adherence to strict safety protocols are critical for success in this role.
Sterile processing technician salaries vary based on factors like location, experience, and certifications. According to industry data, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is typically around ,000, though this can fluctuate depending on the healthcare facility and region. Additional factors such as overtime, shift differentials, and specialized certifications can further impact earning potential.
No prior healthcare experience is required to enroll in Health Tech Academy's Sterile Processing Technician Bootcamp. Our program is designed to provide all the essential training and hands-on knowledge needed to prepare you for a career in sterile processing. While some employers may prefer candidates with healthcare experience, our comprehensive curriculum equips you with the necessary skills to succeed in the field, even if you're new to healthcare.
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A Faster Path to a Meaningful Career in Healthcare
HealthTech Academy is designed to accelerate your path to a well-paying healthcare career, on your schedule. From selecting the right program to career mentorship, our team is here to help you succeed.
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