Online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program
Our self-paced, online Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to prepare you for certification and a role as a Sterile Processing Technician in as little as 4 months.
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
Serving 100,000+ students in the past decade alone.
What You'll Learn
- The roles and desirable traits of various healthcare professionals
- Speak the language - communicate using proper medical terminology
- Apply strict rules to minimize the risk of infection using the aseptic technique
- Explore proper sterile storage and inventory management procedures
- Adhere to compliance for documentation and record maintenance
- How to decontaminate and prepare a clean work area and the high-level disinfection (HLD) process
- Prepare and package instruments and supplies, including labeling and handling instruments
- The importance of effective communication, customer relations and teamwork in the healthcare field
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Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.
Top Program
Our Sterile Processing Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.
Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.
Top Program
Our Sterile Processing Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.
Course Outline
Graduates of this course will learn the necessary skills to professionally perform the duties of a Sterile Processing Technician. Students learn to decontaminate, inspect, assemble, disassemble, package, and sterilize reusable surgical instruments or devices for healthcare facilities.
Quick Facts
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Lessons: 23
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Quizzes: 23
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Complete in as little as 4 months
Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert
Teresa Rufi is a Sterile Processing Technician Program Instructor at U.S. Career Institute -WDL Distance Learning. Teresa has worked in Sterile Processing for thirty years and maintains both CRCST and CHL certifications. She graduated in 2020 from Idaho State University with her bachelor’s in health science degree. Teresa has worked in Hospital settings as well as Ambulatory Surgical Centers as a leader, manager, and colleague. Teresa strongly believes that education in Sterile Processing is critical to the success of the department in delivering exceptional assistance to the areas that rely on sterile supplies. She is determined to provide the most accurate and current guidelines pertaining to Sterile Processing as well as assistance in implementing changes as they develop. Sterile Processing is the “Heart” of providing patient safety through decontamination and sterility of medical and surgical instrumentation making training and education key components to compliance and excellence. In addition to being an instructor, Teresa currently manages the Sterile Processing Department at Ten Mile Surgery Center in Meridian Idaho. When she is not working, she enjoys the mountains and the Boise River where she spends her days hiking, skiing and walking her dogs.
Teresa Rufi, BA, CRCST
Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert
Teresa Rufi is a Sterile Processing Technician Program Instructor at U.S. Career Institute -WDL Distance Learning. Teresa has worked in Sterile Processing for thirty years and maintains both CRCST and CHL certifications. She graduated in 2020 from Idaho State University with her bachelor’s in health science degree. Teresa has worked in Hospital settings as well as Ambulatory Surgical Centers as a leader, manager, and colleague. Teresa strongly believes that education in Sterile Processing is critical to the success of the department in delivering exceptional assistance to the areas that rely on sterile supplies. She is determined to provide the most accurate and current guidelines pertaining to Sterile Processing as well as assistance in implementing changes as they develop. Sterile Processing is the “Heart” of providing patient safety through decontamination and sterility of medical and surgical instrumentation making training and education key components to compliance and excellence. In addition to being an instructor, Teresa currently manages the Sterile Processing Department at Ten Mile Surgery Center in Meridian Idaho. When she is not working, she enjoys the mountains and the Boise River where she spends her days hiking, skiing and walking her dogs.
Teresa Rufi, BA, CRCST
Sterile Processing Technician Instructor/Course Expert
Program Reviews
I recently enrolled into Sterile Processing Technician course and even though I’m only 3 weeks in I’ve learned so much. The enrollment is fast, easy and affordable. And I can study and learn at my own pace. Great faculty and I received a call from a customer service rep the next day to make sure I was okay. I love the fact that the people care and they are there for you every step of the way.
Brittany Sterile Processing Technician Student
My goal is to become a nurse but I’ve decided to pursue a short term goal in becoming a Sterile Processing Technician. So far, U.S Career Institute has been a great choice. There’s a lot to learn on the lessons but everything is very organized and understandable. I’m very excited to learn and relearn because there’s so much to learn. Can’t wait to be certified!!
Admene J. Sterile Processing Technician
Each team member is polite and attentive. The process is easy and the teachers reply quickly. I wish I had found them earlier.
Victoria M. Sterile Processing Technician
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
· Get instant access!
· 5-day money-back commitment
· $69/month
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
Get instant access! · 5-day money-back commitment · $69/month
Career Outlook & Certification
$46,490*
76,500*
10%*
Sterile Processing Technician Certification
U.S. Career Institute's Sterile Processing Technician program will prepare you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Included with our course, we cover the cost of your CRCST certification exam fees – a $140 value!†
CRCST certification from HSPA requires that you pass the certification exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Service department. These hours can be completed before testing or within 6 months of passing the exam. Please note that you are responsible for obtaining the 400 hours of hands-on experience once you finish our Sterile Processing Technician course, USCI will not provide this training. View salary and career outlook by state.
Job growth for sterile processing techs is nearly 2x greater than all other jobs by 2034*.
The certification process is straightforward, and no prior experience is required to become a Sterile Processing Technician.
People transition into sterile processing tech jobs because it offers a comfortable wage, flexibility, a sense of fulfillment, job security, it’s a growing field, and you’ll play a key role on a medical team!
Sterile processing technicians will have consistent job opportunities, as they are essential to surgical centers and operating rooms. Surgical procedures that treat a vast number of health conditions are more prominent than ever.
Tuition & Financing
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your Sterile Processing
Technician education affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find
fulfilling without a
mountain of debt!
5-Day Money-Back Commitment
After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you. Learn more.
Student Support & Coaching
Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching $400 value**.
Learning Materials Included
Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
*Plus one-time $29 application charge..
**First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
How to Enroll
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1
Provide us with basic information - Our form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
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2
Pay for your tuition: You can pay-in-full or choose our monthly payment plan.
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3
Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures
That’s all! It just takes about 5 minutes then you’re ready to start your first lesson.
Questions? Give us a call
866-250-6851
Program FAQs
To become a Sterile Processing Technician, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a sterile processing training program, pass the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, and apply for entry-level positions in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. While certification is not required in every state, many employers prefer or require certified candidates.
Most Sterile Processing Technicians follow these steps:
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1
Prerequisites: Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
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2
Education: Enroll in and complete a sterile processing technician program that covers infection prevention, microbiology, surgical instrumentation, sterilization methods, decontamination procedures, quality assurance and healthcare safety standards
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3
Earn Certification: Prepare for and pass the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST®) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
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4
Employment: Build a professional resume and apply for entry-level sterile processing technician positions in hospitals, surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities.
How U.S. Career Institute Helps You Achieve This:
U.S. Career Institute guides you through the following steps with dedicated support:
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1
High School Diploma: If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Career Institute can help with our online high school program! 100% online, you can finish your diploma from the comfort of your home, on your schedule!
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2
Accredited Education: Our school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring your interactive learning modules meet the highest academic standards.
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3
Certification Included: We prepare students for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST®) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Tuition includes study materials, practice resources, and reimbursement of the CRCST exam fee.
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4
Graduate Career Coaching: Meet 1-on-1 with our career coaches to finalize your resume and practice for job interviews.
Read our full article on How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Certification is not legally required everywhere, but many hospitals and healthcare employers prefer or require certified sterile processing technicians. Some employers hire entry-level candidates without certification and require them to become certified within the first six months to two years of employment.
One of the most widely recognized credentials is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST®) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
U.S. Career Institute prepares students for the CRCST certification exam and provides reimbursement for the exam fee.
Sterile processing technicians work in healthcare facilities where surgical instruments and medical equipment must be cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for patient care. Common employers include hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient surgical clinics, specialty medical centers, and dental surgery centers.
Because sterile instruments are essential for patient safety, sterile processing technicians are in demand across many healthcare settings.
The time it takes to complete Sterile Processing school varies depending on which education path you take. Self-paced online programs can take 4-9 months, on-the-job training can take 1-2 years, and community college programs can take up to 1 year.
U.S. Career Institute's self-paced online Sterile Processing Technician program can be completed in as little as four months, with many students finishing within approximately nine months.
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilizing, storing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment used during patient care.
They follow strict infection prevention and sterilization standards to ensure healthcare providers have safe, properly functioning instruments for surgeries and medical procedures. Sterile processing technicians play an essential role in protecting patients from infection and supporting the surgical team.
