Online Certificate

Sterile Processing Technician

Start a Career as a Sterile Processing Technician

4-6 Months*

To Complete

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Anytime

Enrollment

Overview

Program Details

Curriculum

Careers

Certification

Cost

FAQ

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

Sterile processing technicians are responsible for sterilizing and preparing medical instruments and equipment.

They typically work in the sterile processing department of a hospital, but they can also work in other healthcare facilities that perform surgical procedures, such as outpatient care centers and dental offices.

Becoming a Qualified Sterile Processing Technician

The 100% online Sterile Processing Technician program from Molloy University is designed to equip you with the skills to become a sterile processing technician. You'll learn how to sterilize and prepare surgical instruments, manage medical inventory, and uphold a sterile environment in healthcare facilities.

Your role will be pivotal in preventing infections and safeguarding patient health.

You will learn

Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology

Microbiology and Infection Prevention

Transport, Cleaning, and Decontamination

Sterile Storage and Transport

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or a high school diploma
Web browser with internet connection
Course registration & payment

Key Course Features

Expert-led video-based training
Competency assessments
National Certification exam fees (Sterile Processing Technician Certification Exam)

Is a Career as a Sterile Processing Technician Right for You?

Take the Molloy University “Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and provides you with a personalized report to find out if a short-term online certificate program is right for you. The report identifies your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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Topics You'll Learn in the Online Sterile Processing Technician Program

Describe the body’s defenses against infection and the factors that affect the body’s susceptibility to disease
Distinguish between regulated medical waste and non-infectious waste
Outline the standards required for a quality decontamination process
Describe functions performed during chemical disinfection
Identify the processes needed to effectively disassemble, clean, disinfect, inspect, reassemble, test, store, and distribute movable patient care equipment

Sample Lessons

Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology
Transport, Cleaning, and Decontamination
Sterile Storage and Transport
Monitoring and Record Keeping
Central Services Support and Management

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What Can You Do with an Online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate?

The need for sterile processing technicians is driven by the ongoing need for sterile medical equipment in healthcare settings, which is essential for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.

Careers to Explore

Sterile processing technicians work in environments where sterilization of medical instruments is required, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, laboratories and more.

As a graduate of this program, you may find employment as a:

Sterile Processing Technician
Medical Equipment Coordinator
Clinical Medical Assistant
Patient Care Technician
Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologist

High Demand for Sterile Processing Technicians

The demand for healthcare professionals, including Patient Care Technicians and Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologists, is expected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033**.

Optional Externship Volunteer Opportunity

Upon completing the program, students have the opportunity to engage in an optional volunteer externship with a local company, agency, or organization related to the field, allowing them to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Get Certified as a Sterile Processing Technician & Stand Out to Employers

Upon successful completion of your online Sterile Processing Technician courses, you will be prepared to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field, including:

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)

Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) Certification

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

SPD Technician (SPD) Certification

You will receive one complimentary voucher for the certification exam of your choice.

How Much Does a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Cost?

$4,000

Total Tuition

Connect with an admissions representative to explore payment plans available to you.

Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To become a sterile processing technician, you need to complete an accredited sterile processing technician training program and obtain certification, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Job prospects are strong, as hospitals, surgical centres, and clinics require skilled professionals for infection control.

Sterile processing technician training covers sterilization techniques, infection prevention, surgical instrument handling, and equipment maintenance. Hands-on training ensures that students are well-prepared for clinical environments.

Many employers require sterile processing technician certification, such as the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or the CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) credential, to ensure compliance with industry standards.

You can find sterile processing technician schools near you at community colleges, vocational schools, and online programs that offer both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

A sterile processing technician is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments, maintaining sterilization records, and ensuring compliance with hospital infection control protocols.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Sterile Processing Technician Right for You? Get More Info…

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