Learn how to prepare, sterilize, install and clean laboratory or healthcare equipment in order to provide the safest environment for patients in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities.
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14 Weeks
Program Length
CRCST
Certifications
$4,000.00
TUITION
Issuing Authority
A sterile processing technician is a professional who prepares surgical instruments and devices. Other titles a sterile processing technician may be called include central processing technician, sterile preparation technician, central sterile supply technician and more. They clean, inspect, test, sterilize, store and deliver devices needed for surgery in healthcare facilities.
The main goal of a sterile processing technician is to prevent the spread of infection by ensuring that all instruments are disease-free. Other job duties may include, verifying and accurately documenting missing instruments, recording sterilizer test results, ensuring each instrument is in good working order prior to use, operating and maintaining steam autoclaves and effectively communicating with operating room personnel and others.
Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, outpatient care centers, ambulatory services centers, dentists’ offices and other healthcare facilities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for sterile processing technicians (also called medical equipment preparers) in 2020 was $38,800. Sterile processing technicians in the top 25% of earners bring home over $48,000 annually, and those among the top 10% can earn over $59,000 annually.
The top industries in which they worked include outpatient care centers, technical consulting services and specialty hospitals.
Upon completion of this certified sterile processing technician program you’ll learn a number of skills, including:
Central Service
Technician
$26,000 - $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Sterile Processing
Technician
$26,000 - $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Central Sterile
Supply Technician
$26,000 - $45,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the provisional certification exam for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
Full certification is obtained after acquiring 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience within six months of provisional certification. Hands-on experience provides an invaluable resource with which to better understand the standards, knowledge and practices needed to be successful in the field and on the CRCST exam.
PLEASE NOTE: Students residing in the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Tennessee and Pennsylvania – these states require that Central Service Technicians become certified within a state-mandated period of time after employment (range from 1.5 – 3 years). This is NOT a barrier to enrollment for students but should be reviewed with a Workforce Training Specialist at time of enrollment.
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Pay in Full
$4,000
ONE TIME COST
Pay in full
Pay in full for your program using PayPal, Venmo or a credit card.
Payment Plan
$4,000
INSTALLMENTS
Flexible payment option
Choose PayPal Credit at checkout to receive no-interest payments if paid in full in 6 months.
Tuition Assistance
$4,000
COMPANY INVOICE
Employer sponsored payment
We accept employer sponsored payments including tuition assistance/reimbursement.
Greensboro College | Community College | |
---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 average | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Job Ready In | 3–6 months | 24–48 months |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Kelly is your Workforce Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Kelly to learn more about the program, Greensboro College and how to achieve your workforce development goals!
Sterile processing is important because it prevents infections in healthcare settings. Handwashing, sterilization and disinfection of tools, instruments and equipment are necessary for the safety of the patient.
Sterilization technician positions can offer flexible working hours (from weekdays to nights and weekends). The exact shift requirements vary based on the type of facility. A hospital will most likely have evening and overnight shifts available. Since there are so many places to find work, you should be able to find the schedule that is the best fit for you.
The time it takes to become a sterile processing technician is relatively short for a career in health care. You can earn a good salary, often with excellent benefits, without going into much educational debt. The medical field is growing very rapidly, so jobs will continue to be in demand.
Most sterile processing technicians have a fair amount of autonomy, so you’ll need to be good at keeping yourself on track while completing tasks. Attention to detail is also critical for this career, as sterile processing technicians must adhere to strict infection-control procedures to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences. Finally, you’ll need sufficient manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments and operate sterilization equipment, and the interpersonal skills to work well with others in an occasionally fast-paced environment.
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for sterilizing and disinfecting all equipment as well as packaging tools used for medical procedures. The surgical technologist assists surgical teams while ensuring patient safety before, during and after surgery. They’re also responsible for preparing the operating room and the patient before and after surgery.
Greensboro College, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, provides the highest quality training in order to best serve students and surrounding communities. Our specialized career training programs provide up-to-date and in-demand skills, preparation and certification, ensuring that everyone who completes our programs is of the highest caliber.
Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today! Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions?
815 W. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
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Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today! Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions?