14 Weeks
Program Length$2,800.00
TUITIONWhat does a Sterile Processing Technician do?
A sterile processing technician, also known as a medical equipment preparer, prevents the spread of infection by ensuring that all instruments are sterile and disease-free. They clean, inspect, test, sterilize, store and deliver devices needed for surgery in health care facilities.
Other job duties can 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.
Where in the AdventHealth Network Can You Work?
Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, outpatient care centers, ambulatory services centers, dentists’ offices and other health care facilities.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- Textbook: Central Service Technician Manual
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Sterile Processing Technician
Outcomes
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that nearly 80% of sterile processing technicians work in general medical and surgical hospitals. Health care careers in general are projected to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports health care jobs are projected to grow 16% through 2030, adding a total of about 2.6 million new jobs. While these aren’t only sterile processing technician positions, a large quantity of them will be.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this certified sterile processing technician program you’ll learn a number of skills, including:
- Knowing medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
- The importance of customer service, communication skills, and professionalism
- Identifying central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
- Describing the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impact on personnel and patient safety
- Differentiating methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation
- Discussing compliance standards and the role of HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI, AAMI and other regulating agencies
Courses - 14 Weeks
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Sterile Processing |
Program Preview
Sterile Processing Technician Job Possibilities
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Central Service Technician
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Sterile Processing Technician
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Central Sterile Supply Technician
Certification Information
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).
Issuing Authority
CRCST
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.
Sterile Processing Technician Registration
As an AdventHealth employee, fast-track your education and select “AdventHealth Educational Assistance” at checkout to take advantage of your tuition benefits.
AdventHealth is investing in the success of our employees by offering up to $3,000 annually to both full-time and part-time employees toward employee career development.
For any program above $2,000, the employee is required to work at AH for at least one year after completion of the program.
Note: Program tuition that runs over $3,000 is the employee's responsibility to pay.
Next Steps for AdventHealth employees:
- Click "Add to Cart"
- Register Now
- Complete registration form
- Select AdventHealth Educational Assistance and submit form (other payment options are available for those who have used all of their TA benefits)
- Speak to a workforce training specialist for TA confirmation
- Start the program
AdventHealth team members interested in these certificates should acquaint themselves with the Educational Assistance policy.
https://adventhealth.navexone.com/content/docview/?docid=33091
If you need additional funding sources, we offer many convenient options.
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.
Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT | 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 |
Meet Your Workforce Training Specialist!
Elizabeth is your Workforce Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Elizabeth to learn more about the program, AdventHealth and how to achieve your workforce development goals!
FAQ
Sterile processing is important because it prevents infections in health care 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.
