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

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

Sterile processing technicians are healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality, and inventory of healthcare instrumentation and equipment.

They are a critical part of the healthcare team, ensuring that medical procedures can be performed safely and efficiently. They primarily work behind the scenes in the central service department of hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics.

Becoming a Qualified Sterile Processing Technician

Interested in playing a critical role in patient safety? This certification prepares you to become a sterile processing technician, where you’ll learn to sterilize and prepare surgical instruments, manage medical inventory, and maintain a sterile environment in healthcare settings.

Your work will be vital in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.

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 St. Norbert College “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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What You’ll Learn in the 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 a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate?

As the healthcare industry continues to expand due to factors like population growth, aging population, and advances in medical technology, there is an increased demand for surgeries and other procedures, which drives the need for sterile processing technicians.

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 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 a complimentary voucher for these certification exams.

How Much Does a Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Cost?

$4,000

Total Tuition

Connect with an admissions counselor 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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Is a Rewarding Career as a Sterile Processing Technician Right for You? Get More Info…

At St. Norbert College, you can gain the skills to make a positive impact while advancing your career. Get the details and see how St. Norbert College can help you move forward.

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Take our Online Certificate Readiness Quiz. Our online quiz provides you with a personalized report to find out if an online certificate program is right for you.

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