Sterile Processing Program DIRECTORY
View our sterile processing program directory, find the top school in your area and start your journey of saving lives and making a difference.
Sterile Processing Program DIRECTORY
Sterile Processing Program DIRECTORY
Arizona
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA
Program Length: 9 months
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Requirements: Must be a student enrolled at Pima Medical Institute.
This certificate program gives you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to perform as a capable entry-level sterile processing technician. At Pima Medical Institute, courses cover important topics such as knowledge of surgical instruments, microbiology, medical equipment, surgical terminology, storage and distribution. Sterilization and decontamination skills will also be developed.
More info: https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/certificate/sterile-processing-technician/
California
Location: Contra Costa County, California
Program Length: 5 months
Certification Preparation: CRCST
At Contra Costa Medical Career College, the Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to prepare students to enter a medical career and play a critical role in preventing infection. Sterile Processing Technicians sterilize, clean, process, assemble, store, and distribute medical equipment and reusable surgical instrumentation, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process.
This 25-week program provides students with intensive training emphasizing sterile processing standards and regulations, each phase of sterile processing, principles of aseptic and universal precaution techniques, sterile storage considerations and guidelines, compliance and handling records, and clinical experience.
Colorado
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA
Program Length: 9 months
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Requirements: Must be a student enrolled at Pima Medical Institute.
This certificate program gives you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to perform as a capable entry-level sterile processing technician. At Pima Medical Institute, courses cover important topics such as knowledge of surgical instruments, microbiology, medical equipment, surgical terminology, storage and distribution. Sterilization and decontamination skills will also be developed.
More info: https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/certificate/sterile-processing-technician/
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Program Length: 2 semesters
Requirements:
1) Must be at least 18 years of age
2) Must pass background check and drug screen with FRCC ($73 cost from Castle Branch)
3) Must have BLS for providers CPR Certification from the American Heart Association
4) Must show proof of immunizations prior to registration
Front Range Community College offers a Hybrid Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program that trains students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and equipment for medical use. The program covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, surgical instrumentation processing, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
More info: https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-courses/program-list/admission-reqs/sterile-processing.html
Connecticut
Location: Connecticut
Program Length: 80 hours
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Requirements:
Completed health form, signed by your physician (if clinical is included)
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster (if clinical is included)
GED/Diploma in order to sit for the national exam
Criminal background check. Students who have a record of felonies or misdemeanors may be denied access to clinical training sites (if clinical is included).
The CSPT program combines classroom and clinical experience, either online or on-ground, covering topics and skills including decontamination and sterilization processing, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, infection control and identification of surgical instruments.
Upon completion, students are eligible to take the certification exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Inc. (CBSPD) National Certification. Certification is mandatory for employment.
More info: https://ctstate.edu/programs/cspt
Florida
Location: Miami, Florida
Program Length: 8 months
Certification Preparation: CSPDT
Email: [email protected]
Requirements: To be eligible for the Central Sterile Processing program, you must be a current student at Miami Dade College and submit a milestone review at the Program Requirements page.
The Central Sterile Processing Technology Certificate Program provides students with the essential experience, knowledge and skills required to become integral members of a surgical team.
Students are taught safe and efficient work practices to ensure that medical equipment and devices are sterilized, operational, and packaged for procedures.
Their work ensures that patients avoid infections, and that doctors, nurses and allied health professionals can gain access to instrumentation and equipment needed to conduct procedures.
More info: https://www.mdc.edu/steriletech/default.aspx
Louisiana
Location: Shreveport, LA
Program Length: 1 year
The Sterile Processing Technician Program of Southern University at Shreveport offers a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) which prepares students for careers in sterile processing as well as Materials Management and Distribution in health care industries. Dedicated to excellence in sterile processing and distribution education, the program promotes an environment which fosters the development of a sterile conscience required to safely care for surgical patients, critical thinking, cooperation, teamwork and professionalism; along with technical skills necessary to provide vital support to all patient care areas served by the Central Sterile Processing Management and Distribution Department.
Minnesota
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Program length: 4 semesters
Program Director: Viki Viertel CST, MS
Email: [email protected]
Requirements:
1) An application is required to register for SURG 14XX courses.
2) A cumulative 2.75 GPA or above is required in general/prerequisite Sterile Processing program courses in order to register for SURG 14XX courses.
Saint Paul College offers a Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program with a hybrid format that includes some distance education. The program trains students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and supplies for medical facilities. It covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
More info: https://www.saintpaul.edu/programs/sterile-processing/
New Jersey
Location: New York and New Jersey
Program Length: 1-2 years
Certification Preparation: CRCST
The Sterile Processing Technician program provides students with the knowledge and professional skills necessary to deliver support to all patient care areas within a healthcare facility. Students learn sterile processing procedures and techniques for maintaining medical instruments and devices that must be decontaminated, processed, sterilized, and distributed in hospitals and surgical centers. Graduates are prepared to work as sterile processing technicians (or sterile processing technicians) and gain in-depth knowledge of infection control as it relates to sterile processing and decontamination procedures, instruments used in operating rooms, and processes for sterilizing and packaging instruments used during surgery.
Location: Ocean Township, NJ
Program length: 29 weeks
Email: [email protected]
Requirements:
1) All candidates must be at least eighteenth) years of age before enrolling.
2) All candidates must have a valid government issued picture ID and a Social Security card.
3) All candidates must possess at a minimum a High School Diploma (High School Transcripts showing graduation date), or copy of General Education Diploma (GED). Foreign graduates in addition must present certified English translation of required documents and evaluation confirming that the documents meet U.S. equivalency.
4) All candidates most be interviewed by an admission’s representative and/or program director to review and discuss the program and prerequisites needed for enrollment.
5) All candidates must complete and sign pre-enrollment documents.
6) All candidates must sign the Enrollment Agreement and pay the appropriate application/registration fees.
7) Health Clearance and Immunizations, Cleared Criminal Background Check, Negative Drug Screening Results are required prior to the program acceptance.
The Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program at Medical Career Institute offers a hybrid format with some distance-education options. It trains students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and supplies for medical and surgical settings. Instruction covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
More info: https://www.mcinj.edu/sterile-processing-technology
Location: Piscataway, NJ
Program length: 10 months
Email: [email protected]
Requirements:
1) High school diploma or equivalent
2) Passing score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
The Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program at American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education is a hybrid course that prepares students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and equipment for medical facilities. Instruction covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
More info: https://aimseducation.edu/sterile-processing-technician
New York
Location: New York and New Jersey
Program Length: 1-2 years
Certification Preparation: CRCST
The Sterile Processing Technician program provides students with the knowledge and professional skills necessary to deliver support to all patient care areas within a healthcare facility. Students learn sterile processing procedures and techniques for maintaining medical instruments and devices that must be decontaminated, processed, sterilized, and distributed in hospitals and surgical centers. Graduates are prepared to work as sterile processing technicians (or sterile processing technicians) and gain in-depth knowledge of infection control as it relates to sterile processing and decontamination procedures, instruments used in operating rooms, and processes for sterilizing and packaging instruments used during surgery.
Pennsylvania
Location: Scranton, PA | Online
Program Length: 4 months
If you’re detail-oriented and interested in playing a vital role in healthcare, Penn Foster’s online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, self-paced courses, you’ll learn the fundamental skills and knowledge to become a sterile processing technician on your schedule, from home.
Tennessee
Location: Nashville, TN
Program length: 1 year
Program Director: Van Bates
Email: [email protected]
Requirements:
1) Complete your Nashville State Community College application.
2) Attend a General Information meeting about this program
3) Submit a program application
Nashville State Community College offers a Hybrid Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program that prepares students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and supplies for medical facilities. The curriculum covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
More info: https://www.nscc.edu/academics/programs/central-sterile-processing-technology/index.php
Texas
Location: Houston, TX
Program Length: 2 semesters
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Program Director: Melissa Bruton
Email: [email protected]
Requirements:
1) Proof of personal health insurance
2) The CPR American Heart Association BLS is required.
3) Passing a drug screen
4) Physical examination
5) Immunization record
The new Sterile Processing certificate program at Houston City College is positioning students for even greater career success in healthcare with its new certificate program starting in Spring 2026. The program is two semesters, with first-semester classes offered in the evenings to give working students more flexibility. It is offered every fall and spring semester at the HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences campus located in the Texas Medical Center.
Utah
Location: Lehi, UT
Program Length: 9 months
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Program Director: Veronica Martinez
Email: [email protected]
Requirements: 1) Students will need to complete a background check, drug screen, and submit proof of immunizations through Verified Credentials. The instructor will provide more information on the first day of class. 2) Satisfy Entrance Requirements with Testing Center
The beginning of a successful surgery begins with clean and sterile surgical instruments. As a sterile processing technician, you will be an essential team member of the operating room and healthcare team. You will be responsible for the cleanliness, decontamination, inspection, and assembly of surgical instruments, which include packaging, and sterilization. As you pay close attention to details regarding instruments, you will have to be an effective verbal and written communicator with the operating room staff to make procedures a success. Sterile processing technicians have a strong understanding of decontamination and infection control to ensure their work protects patients and healthcare members from infections and diseases.
After completing this course, students are prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This program is based on the HSPA certification, CRCST.
More info: https://mtec.edu/programs/sterile-processing-technician/
Virginia
Location: Richmond, Virginia | In person, hybrid, online
Program Length: 1 year
This program provides the technical knowledge and skills, along with the four-hundred (400) hours of clinical practical experience, needed for employment as a central sterile technician. Graduates of this program are educated and trained in central sterile technology under the guidelines of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Upon completion, students are eligible to take the HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.
More info: https://www.reynolds.edu/programs/program-pages/central-sterile-technician-csc.html
Washington
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA
Program Length: 9 months
Certification Preparation: CRCST
Requirements: Must be a student enrolled at Pima Medical Institute.
This certificate program gives you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to perform as a capable entry-level sterile processing technician. At Pima Medical Institute, courses cover important topics such as knowledge of surgical instruments, microbiology, medical equipment, surgical terminology, storage and distribution. Sterilization and decontamination skills will also be developed.
More info: https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/certificate/sterile-processing-technician/
Location: Lakewood, WA
Program length: 3 quarters
Program Director: Erica Lebens
Email: [email protected]
Requirements: 1) Successful completion of ENG 91 or equivalent placement, 2) High School Diploma, 3) Must complete CPR for Healthcare Professionals
The Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program at Clover Park Technical College is a hybrid course designed to prepare students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and supplies for medical facilities. It includes training in sterilization, infection control, decontamination, surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping. The program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Online
Location: Online
Program length: ~1 year
Email: [email protected]
Prepare yourself for the HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam. This self-study course allows you to work through the 9th Edition of the Sterile Processing Technical Training curriculum at your own pace. You have up to one full year to complete the course, which includes the required six Progress Tests and a Final Exam. Online course materials provide extra videos, quizzes and training to help you prepare for the HSPA CRCST exam.
More info: https://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/info/sterile-processing/default.aspx
Location: Scranton, PA | Online
Program Length: 4 months
If you’re detail-oriented and interested in playing a vital role in healthcare, Penn Foster’s online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, self-paced courses, you’ll learn the fundamental skills and knowledge to become a sterile processing technician on your schedule, from home.
Location: Online
Program length: 12 months
Requirements: In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.
Stark State College offers a Hybrid Sterile Processing Technology/Technician program that trains students to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments and supplies for medical use. The curriculum covers sterilization, infection control, decontamination, and surgical instrumentation processing. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Location: Online
Program Length: 4-6 months
Email: [email protected]
The Sterile Processing Technician online course trains you for a vital behind-the-scenes role in patient care. You’ll learn how to clean, sterilize and manage surgical instruments and equipment in hospitals and clinics. This flexible program includes online coursework, support from industry experts and the opportunity for a volunteer externship to gain real-world experience. Designed for beginners, the online course prepares you for national certification and entry-level employment.
More info: https://cpage.sfsu.edu/sterile-processing