how long is a sterile processing course

How to become a sterile processing technician?

 · 8 months of the course, To know about Sterile Processing Technician: Career Outlook & Impact during Covid-19, read here – https://ptt.edu/blog/sterile-processing-technician-career-outlook-impact-during-covid-19/. Should be able to complete in one year. It requires 400 hours on the job training.

How much does a sterile processing technician make?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a sterile expert, the answer will astound you. Furthermore, this program may take about 31 weeks to complete. Also, sterilization technician training can help you master numerous skills during your career journey!

What is certified sterile processing technician?

Unlike other sterile processing technician programs, we allow you up to one year from the date of your enrollment to complete your Sterile Processing technician certification program. A self-paced, flexible study schedule is one of the many advantages of pursuing your education at Ashworth College.

What is central sterile processing certification?

Self-Paced Sterile Processing Courses from Penn Foster NYICD is no longer accepting new enrollments, but you can still take the next steps toward a career as a certified sterile processing technician in as little as 7-11 months with flexible courses from our sister school, Penn Foster.

What is sterile processing?

Sterile processing represents an excellent entry-level opportunity to join the growing field of healthcare. Sterile processing technicians are behind-the-scenes healthcare heroes, whose careful and detailed work ripples throughout a hospital, directly impacting every patient’s recovery.

What education do you need to be a sterile processing technician?

Job postings for sterile processing technicians may only require a high school diploma or GED. By holding a diploma in sterile processing, you’ll be in a great position to separate yourself from the rest and be truly qualified for the job rather than simply meet the minimum requirements.

What education do you need to become a sterilization technician?

Get educated in sterile processing. While earning a college degree or professional certificate is not always a requirement to find work as a sterile processing technician, it’s difficult to step into a job with no experience or foundation of knowledge in medical terminology, medical instruments or sterilization processes.

What is a sterile processing department?

Sterile processing is a fast-paced, technical and detail-oriented job requiring high focus and clear collaboration with other medical staff.

How long is the CRCST exam?

The computer-based CRCST exam is 3 hours, containing 150 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge of cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, patient care equipment, sterilization process, and more. Get educated, study hard, and you’ll be in the best possible position to pass the exam and become certified.

Is sterile processing a good job?

Yes! Sterile processing represents both a good job option and potential springboard to a multitude of career possibilities. If you’re looking to get started fast in a new healthcare career path, sterile processing might be perfect for you.

Can doctors do their jobs without sterilization?

Surgeons, doctors, nurses and medical staff can’t do their jobs without the many sterilized tools and instruments needed to care for patients—just how the brain, lungs and other organs can’t function without a dependable beating heart.

What is sterile processing?

Sterile processing job skills are essential to the maintenance, storage, distribution, and sterilization of medical instruments. Gaining this skills set can enable a sterile processing technician to command higher wages from employers.

How much will medical equipment preparers grow in 2026?

As demand increases for medical exams, tests, and procedures, the U.S. Department of Labor projects medical equipment preparer careers will grow as much as 10% to 14% by 2026***, making it an excellent time to enter the field.

Become a Sterile Processing Technician

Recognize the fundamental practices and procedures of aseptic technique Identify common pathogens found in the medical setting and the precautionary measures healthcare workers take to minimize the risk of contracting diseases.

How It Works

Students can enroll and get started anytime. Here is how your online Sterile Processing Course will work:

What education do you need to become a sterile processing technician?

In order to become a sterile processing technician, you will need to obtain the proper education and training, starting with a high school diploma or equivalent.

What is a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technicians are a type of service technician who work behind the scenes in hospitals, dentists’ offices or surgical centers. As an essential part of the healthcare team, these techs, also known as central service technicians, are responsible for ensuring the instruments, tools and supplies used in medical ...

What states have sterile processing licenses?

These states include Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

What are the duties of a sterilization technician?

Job duties can include operating and troubleshooting sterilization equipment, counting inventory, tracking receipts and deliveries, searching for needed equipment, answering processing questions and traveling throughout the hospital to pick up and re-distribute equipment.

Sterile Processing Technician Curriculum

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Sterile Processing Technician Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Do you have to complete a clinical training component to become a sterile process technician?

As with most healthcare certificate programs, the typical sterile processing program requires students to complete a clinical training component in person. There are, however, hybrid program options for students seeking the convenience and flexibility of online sterile process technician schooling.

Do you need a certificate to become a sterile processing technician?

At this time, only a handful of states require certification to become a sterile processing technician. Still, having a certificate from an accredited sterile processing technician training program can allow a candidate to compete for the highest-paying jobs. Read on below about sterile processing technician schools and how to get started in this ...

What is sterile processing technician?

For those who desire a job in medicine but are more comfortable with tools than working directly with patients, becoming a sterile processing technician might be a viable career path. These healthcare professionals prepare and maintain medical tools so that equipment, hospitals, and medical offices are free of contamination.

What college offers sterile processing technician training?

Ashworth College. Most sterile processing technician schools offer a certificate of completion, although an associate degree is sometimes available. Certificate programs range from as few as 28 hours to as many as 200 hours of training and may include additional hours of clinical experience.

How long does it take to get into MHCC?

Graduates of this program, which takes two years to complete, will be prepared for a range of healthcare positions.

How many hours of clinical practice is required for CRCST?

The course requires students to take 60 hours of direct coursework, 30 hours of labs, and 400 hours of hands-on clinical practice.

Is there a major body that accredits sterile processing technician programs?

There is no major body that accredits sterile processing technician programs, although it is wise to attend a school that houses a surgical technology program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Since there is an overlap of courses and general knowledge, attending an ARC/STSA-approved program will give graduates the best chance for success on the national exams.

How long is sterile processing technician training?

Career colleges offer 10 weeks programs, community colleges 1 to 2 years programs. Some of these sterile processing technician programs offer traditional instruction combined with hands-on training in the hospitals, medical centers or surgery centers. Check with the schools in your area or on industry oriented websites.

What is a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technicians are an integral but often overlooked part of medical teams. These technicians are responsible for inventorying, packaging and sterilizing medical instruments. This is a key part of controlling infection in the medical workplace.