Sterile Processing Tech Online Training: Exploring Top Programs
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin NursingNursing Ed.Explore convenient, affordable online training programs designed to help you prepare for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam and build the skills employers look for in sterile processing professionals. Many online sterile processing tech programs can be completed in just a few months, giving you a quick and convenient path into healthcare.
What You Learn in an Online Sterile Processing Tech Certification Program
Sterile processing technicians are guardians against infection. Doctors, nurses, surgical techs, and other medical professionals play important roles, but if the sterile processing tech doesn’t properly do their job – ensure the sterilization of medical tools and instruments – then infections have a high probability of occurring.
While every program is different, sterile processing technician certifications online all ensure students learn the skills necessary to carry out the following:
Sterilization procedures
This covers how to process medical supplies so they may be used again without worry of infection. Equipment is also checked to ensure it is not damaged and will function as intended.
Medical equipment processing
Students learn how to assemble, package, and store medical instruments and tools. Sterile processing techs learn about procedures for keeping track of inventory of reusable and disposable medical equipment.
Distribution of medical equipment
This top-level view explains how hospitals and other medical facilities store, use, and process their medical supplies and tools. Students learn about the distribution of supplies and equipment to specific departments within a healthcare organization.
Biology of microorganisms
One of the best ways to understand how to keep bacteria and viruses in check is to understand how their biological processes work. This also includes a solid understanding of the physiological processes microorganisms use to survive.
Medical terminology
To better understand the context of their role within the surgical realm, and to more effectively process and distribute instruments and medical supplies, future sterile processors will learn about the history and origins of medical terms.
Common Sterile Processing Online Courses
Here are some of the classes you can expect to take when completing your sterile processing technician certification online. Keep in mind that each program may have a different format for how it presents the course material, such as multiple classes on one topic or all training concepts combined into a single course or program.
Introduction to Allied Health
This course offers a broad view of the healthcare field and the role that allied healthcare professionals play in meeting the patients’ needs. Topics include the overall process of providing medical care and the legal and ethical issues healthcare providers often encounter when offering these services.
Introduction to Sterile Processing
In addition to the processes used to sterilize tools and equipment, students gain exposure to the professional and legal standards in place for sterilization. Additionally, coursework covers the basic physiology and anatomy of microorganisms and how their biological processes work.
Medical Terminology
This introductory course is included in most allied healthcare training programs and focuses on various medical terms, including what they mean, how they’re created, and their historical backgrounds. By the end of this class, students understand how to identify major body parts and functions as well as where they’re located.
Principles of Aseptic Techniques
An overview of the procedures for removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms is covered in this class, as well as preventing contamination from these harmful organisms. Students learn about aseptic practices for before, during, and after surgeries, including both cleaning and handling techniques.
Regulations and Infection Prevention
This course provides an in-depth look at the rules, regulations, laws, and principles in place for maintaining a sterile environment and how to avoid infection during and following surgery. Besides learning about principles of asepsis, instructors also cover principles of personal attire and hygiene for managing the spread and transition of bacteria and viruses.
FAQs About Earning Your Sterile Processing Technician Certification Online
How long are online sterile processing technician certification training programs?
Most sterile processing technician certification online programs take just a few months to complete, though you may have as long as one year.
Due to the flexible nature of the self-paced online curriculum, students have a lot of leeway in how long they take to finish. Some programs add in-person training to meet specific sterile processing technician certification credential requirements.
What are the admissions requirements for sterile processing technician online certification programs?
The majority of online sterile processing technician certification programs have basic admissions guidelines. Generally speaking, if a student meets the following requirements, they will gain admission into an online sterile processing technician certification:
- Complete an admissions application
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED
- Be at least 18 years of age when beginning the program
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass a drug screening
- Provide proof of necessary immunizations
How much do online sterile processing tech certification programs cost?
The tuition costs for most online sterile processing technician programs are rather modest. However, remember that the tuition is not the bottom line; other factors require consideration, such as:
- Availability of financial aid
- Program format—online or in-person components
- School type—public versus private
To give you a rough idea of the costs to expect, we’ve found three surgical tech online programs and their fees.
Housatonic Community College
Sterile Processing Technician
Total Credits: N/A
$1,800 total cost of the program
Nebraska Methodist
College
Total Credits: N/A
$780 total cost of the program
Penn
Foster
Online Sterile Processing Technician Training
Total Credits: N/A
$789 to $1,069 total cost of the program, depending on the payment plan you choose
Can I complete my sterile processing technician training 100% online?
One of the major certifications for sterile processing techs requires many hours of hands-on experience. Therefore, program formats may include:
- Mostly online: Allows students to complete the coursework 100% online, then finish the program with in-person training
- Partially online (or hybrid): Includes both online and face-to-face learning as part of the coursework, along with clinical training at healthcare sites
Accreditation for Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification Programs
Accreditation is the process in which an independent organization reviews the academic offerings of a school or program to ensure basic levels of quality are met. There are two major types of accreditations in postsecondary education:
- Institutional: applies to the entire school
- Programmatic: applies to a specific program at a school
There are currently no accrediting bodies that provide programmatic accreditation for sterile processing technician certification programs. Your only concern when it comes to accreditation, therefore, is to confirm that the school offering your program is institutionally accredited.
When researching sterile processing technician certification online, you’ll notice many programs mention the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). This is not an accrediting body, but is one of the leading organizations for certifying sterile processing technicians.
Recognition by the IAHCSMM can be taken as a positive sign that a program’s curriculum satisfactorily prepares its graduates for certification.
Employment and Salary Outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 66,700 | 70,300 | 3,600 | 5.40% | 9,500 |
| Alabama | 860 | 910 | 50 | 5.80% | 120 |
| Alaska | 110 | 130 | 20 | 18.20% | 20 |
| Arizona | 1,320 | 1,600 | 280 | 21.20% | 220 |
| Arkansas | 310 | 340 | 30 | 9.70% | 50 |
| California | 8,000 | 8,900 | 900 | 11.30% | 1,210 |
| Colorado | 1,200 | 1,420 | 220 | 18.30% | 200 |
| Connecticut | 780 | 870 | 90 | 11.50% | 120 |
| Delaware | 230 | 270 | 40 | 17.40% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 210 | 220 | 10 | 4.80% | 30 |
| Florida | 3,240 | 3,620 | 380 | 11.70% | 500 |
| Georgia | 1,590 | 1,840 | 250 | 15.70% | 250 |
| Idaho | 360 | 440 | 80 | 22.20% | 60 |
| Illinois | 2,320 | 2,360 | 40 | 1.70% | 320 |
| Indiana | 1,460 | 1,530 | 70 | 4.80% | 210 |
| Iowa | 620 | 670 | 50 | 8.10% | 90 |
| Kansas | 490 | 510 | 20 | 4.10% | 70 |
| Kentucky | 910 | 970 | 60 | 6.60% | 130 |
| Louisiana | 500 | 540 | 40 | 8.00% | 70 |
| Maine | 510 | 520 | 10 | 2.00% | 70 |
| Maryland | 1,380 | 1,470 | 90 | 6.50% | 200 |
| Massachusetts | 590 | 640 | 50 | 8.50% | 90 |
| Michigan | 2,470 | 2,520 | 50 | 2.00% | 340 |
| Minnesota | 1,410 | 1,480 | 70 | 5.00% | 200 |
| Mississippi | 310 | 330 | 20 | 6.50% | 50 |
| Missouri | 2,010 | 2,190 | 180 | 9.00% | 300 |
| Montana | 270 | 300 | 30 | 11.10% | 40 |
| Nebraska | 400 | 430 | 30 | 7.50% | 60 |
| Nevada | 280 | 340 | 60 | 21.40% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | 390 | 410 | 20 | 5.10% | 60 |
| New Jersey | 2,540 | 2,740 | 200 | 7.90% | 370 |
| New Mexico | 220 | 260 | 40 | 18.20% | 40 |
| New York | 5,420 | 6,870 | 1,450 | 26.80% | 150 |
| North Carolina | 2,280 | 2,670 | 390 | 17.10% | 370 |
| North Dakota | 230 | 260 | 30 | 13.00% | 40 |
| Ohio | 2,860 | 2,950 | 90 | 3.10% | 400 |
| Oklahoma | 770 | 800 | 30 | 3.90% | 110 |
| Oregon | 1,380 | 1,540 | 160 | 11.60% | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,650 | 2,730 | 80 | 3.00% | 370 |
| Rhode Island | 280 | 300 | 20 | 7.10% | 40 |
| South Carolina | 780 | 850 | 70 | 9.00% | 120 |
| South Dakota | 320 | 370 | 50 | 15.60% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 1,270 | 1,450 | 180 | 14.20% | 200 |
| Texas | 3,700 | 4,300 | 600 | 16.20% | 590 |
| Utah | 550 | 690 | 140 | 25.50% | 100 |
| Vermont | 100 | 110 | 10 | 10.00% | 20 |
| Virginia | 1,680 | 1,720 | 40 | 2.40% | 230 |
| Washington | 1,870 | 2,160 | 290 | 15.50% | 330 |
| West Virginia | 600 | 620 | 20 | 3.30% | 80 |
| Wisconsin | 960 | 1,020 | 60 | 6.30% | 140 |
| Wyoming | 90 | 100 | 10 | 11.10% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $34,020 | $45,280 | $63,980 |
| U.S. | $39,060 | $62,630 | $99,290 |
| Wyoming | $35,090 | $45,790 | $57,720 |
| Wisconsin | $36,100 | $44,880 | $55,400 |
| West Virginia | $30,280 | $40,800 | $50,040 |
| Washington | $35,770 | $49,070 | $71,800 |
| Virginia | $36,330 | $43,820 | $56,960 |
| Vermont | $36,530 | $41,790 | $56,370 |
| Utah | $36,980 | $43,210 | $59,730 |
| Texas | $34,490 | $44,460 | $60,010 |
| Tennessee | $29,370 | $38,770 | $54,350 |
| South Dakota | $32,710 | $40,030 | $55,990 |
| South Carolina | $29,400 | $39,770 | $52,820 |
| Rhode Island | $39,560 | $50,020 | $64,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,320 | $44,860 | $56,580 |
| Oregon | $38,320 | $48,220 | $63,680 |
| Oklahoma | $30,670 | $40,890 | $52,930 |
| Ohio | $32,180 | $42,540 | $54,320 |
| North Dakota | $34,150 | $37,560 | $56,830 |
| North Carolina | $32,490 | $41,500 | $52,370 |
| New York | $38,070 | $49,870 | $64,760 |
| New Mexico | $26,890 | $39,110 | $51,960 |
| New Jersey | $40,490 | $51,170 | $63,510 |
| New Hampshire | $36,800 | $45,450 | $57,720 |
| Nevada | $29,730 | $43,510 | $59,290 |
| Nebraska | $33,700 | $37,460 | $53,510 |
| Montana | $31,730 | $41,600 | $57,430 |
| Missouri | $34,210 | $40,870 | $51,550 |
| Mississippi | $26,120 | $31,410 | $45,230 |
| Minnesota | $37,030 | $48,410 | $58,400 |
| Michigan | $35,960 | $41,560 | $53,560 |
| Massachusetts | $37,450 | $49,570 | $69,830 |
| Maryland | $36,100 | $47,640 | $61,750 |
| Maine | $35,560 | $44,230 | $53,760 |
| Louisiana | $28,880 | $35,660 | $46,150 |
| Kentucky | $31,730 | $41,650 | $57,190 |
| Kansas | $27,500 | $38,480 | $52,270 |
| Iowa | $34,820 | $38,430 | $51,100 |
| Indiana | $32,310 | $38,960 | $55,710 |
| Illinois | $36,070 | $46,020 | $57,690 |
| Idaho | $29,050 | $38,360 | $65,600 |
| Hawaii | $29,350 | $52,320 | $61,120 |
| Georgia | $30,460 | $44,220 | $60,450 |
| Florida | $31,750 | $39,990 | $53,570 |
| Delaware | $43,750 | $50,550 | $63,360 |
| Connecticut | $37,490 | $46,400 | $61,520 |
| Colorado | $38,040 | $47,840 | $64,230 |
| California | $37,610 | $59,960 | $87,090 |
| Arkansas | $31,220 | $35,350 | $40,730 |
| Arizona | $33,720 | $43,810 | $55,070 |
| Alaska | $41,650 | $51,190 | $76,080 |
| Alabama | $24,230 | $32,920 | $42,400 |
| Alabama | $34,800 | $52,550 | $84,680 |
| Alaska | $50,500 | $79,230 | $110,030 |
| Arizona | $45,850 | $64,040 | $93,810 |
| Arkansas | $28,450 | $44,620 | $68,960 |
| California | $47,870 | $73,860 | $118,140 |
| Connecticut | $44,940 | $72,690 | $98,770 |
| District of Columbia | $48,410 | $57,900 | $97,130 |
| Florida | $37,220 | $51,490 | $92,480 |
| Georgia | $38,160 | $51,750 | $81,020 |
| Hawaii | $40,710 | $75,950 | $105,840 |
| Idaho | $55,220 | $73,800 | $117,770 |
| Illinois | $31,400 | $62,180 | $98,220 |
| Indiana | $41,920 | $62,920 | $96,890 |
| Iowa | $39,330 | $57,860 | $102,040 |
| Kansas | $34,270 | $49,040 | $80,080 |
| Kentucky | $37,880 | $62,740 | $92,990 |
| Louisiana | $36,000 | $60,880 | $103,890 |
| Maine | $52,090 | $75,520 | $90,980 |
| Maryland | $42,360 | $72,610 | $109,620 |
| Massachusetts | $46,600 | $74,600 | $112,200 |
| Michigan | $42,790 | $60,480 | $99,900 |
| Minnesota | $48,360 | $69,000 | $99,850 |
| Mississippi | $32,270 | $49,400 | $72,010 |
| Missouri | $38,170 | $58,350 | $84,860 |
| Montana | $47,860 | $72,830 | $83,200 |
| Nebraska | $43,780 | $56,250 | $74,780 |
| Nevada | $38,910 | $67,450 | $102,150 |
| New Hampshire | $38,880 | $56,770 | $84,180 |
| New Jersey | $46,110 | $72,280 | $106,690 |
| New Mexico | $35,550 | $54,210 | $89,030 |
| New York | $44,310 | $63,720 | $98,970 |
| North Carolina | $36,510 | $59,430 | $98,080 |
| North Dakota | $44,160 | $78,480 | $97,220 |
| Ohio | $40,240 | $60,600 | $92,900 |
| Oklahoma | $35,480 | $47,310 | $73,330 |
| Oregon | $44,910 | $67,020 | $101,610 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,880 | $60,780 | $100,810 |
| Rhode Island | $42,610 | $60,390 | $93,300 |
| South Carolina | $32,480 | $42,350 | $85,610 |
| South Dakota | $52,960 | $80,580 | $104,710 |
| Tennessee | $43,390 | $62,340 | $81,000 |
| Texas | $37,640 | $60,250 | $88,080 |
| Utah | $41,800 | $59,980 | $85,550 |
| Vermont | $50,540 | $63,460 | $104,360 |
| Virginia | $37,960 | $64,620 | $98,880 |
| Washington | $48,420 | $78,620 | $112,980 |
| West Virginia | $33,300 | $55,770 | $90,200 |
| Wisconsin | $39,360 | $65,880 | $91,990 |
| Wyoming | $37,560 | $44,070 | $80,510 |
Source: Medical Equipment Preparers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Certifications for Sterile Processing Techs
Obtaining certification is essential for those pursuing careers as sterile processing technicians. Most employers expect certification – and some states require – certification, unless a special exception otherwise applies. There are several certifications graduates can earn in the field of sterile processing, including:
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)—popular
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)—popular
- Certified Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician (CASSPT)
- Certified in Sterile Processing Management (CSPM)
- Flexible Endoscope Reprocessors (CFER)
- Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS)
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
The CRCST is offered by the IAHCSMM—the most popular certifying body. To earn this certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 400 hours of hands-on experience working as a sterile processing technician
- Pass a certification exam
A provisional CRCST is also available in which you can complete the 400 hours within the six months after passing the exam.
Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
The CSPDT credential is offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). To become CSPDTs, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 12 months of full-time experience working in sterile processing and distribution
- Complete a sterile processing training course with a passing grade of at least 70 or higher
- Have at least six months of full-time experience in an allied health position that involves sterile processing and distribution activities
- Have at least 12 months of experience in healthcare products, sales, or service related to the sterile processing and distribution field.
- Pass a certification exam
Students wishing to obtain their certification immediately upon graduation should look for programs that arrange their curriculum in accordance with CBSPD certification requirements.
Similar Online Allied Health Programs You May Be Interested In
Online Surgical Technology Programs
If you’re interested in providing support to surgeons but prefer to have a more active role during an operation, an online surgical tech program is something to consider. In this program, you will learn how to:
- Assist surgeons during the surgical process
- Prepare medical instruments and supplies for surgeons; and
- Account for these items at the end of surgery
- Maintain the sterile environment to avoid infection
Online Biomedical Equipment Technician Programs
If you wish to work with medical equipment but want to spend more time on the mechanical aspects of equipment operation, becoming a biomedical equipment technician might be for you. After completing an online biomedical technician program, you will be ready to clean, adjust, repair, and assemble the various pieces of medical equipment and tools.
Online Resources for Sterile Processing Tech Students and Professionals
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Infection Control Today
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence–National Commission for Certifying Agencies
- International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management
- Mayo Clinic–College of Medicine and Science–Explore Health Care Careers–Central Service Technician
- ProProfs Quizzes–Sterile Processing
