Best Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification Programs for 2024

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Learn about convenient and affordable online programs that can train you to pass the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification exam and enter the healthcare field in only a few months.

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A close-up photo of a person wearing blue surgical gloves holding a surgical instrument, with out-of-focus surgical lights in the background.

If you’re looking for a healthcare career with tremendous responsibility but don’t want to go through years of schooling to get there, consider becoming a sterile processing technician. Sometimes referred to as central service technicians, these medical professionals are responsible for ensuring that doctors, nurses, and other medical providers have medical supplies and equipment readily available and free from any possibility of contamination.

Due to recent epidemics and pandemics, the importance of this job has never been clearer, and the strong demand for new sterile processing techs reflects this. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3,700 new sterile processing technician jobs will be created from 2021 to 2031 in addition to the normal turnover.

To start your career training, enroll in a sterile processing technician certification online program. The online option offers the convenience of remote learning and can be completed in just a few months. The curriculum also prepares you to take and pass a certification exam, which is strongly preferred by most medical employers.

We’ve created this guide to help you learn more about this exciting field and the various online central service technician programs available. Get started by taking a look at our list for top programs for the ’23-’24 school year.

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About the ranking

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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS. 

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted. 

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 Stark State CollegeNorth Canton, OH Public $ 1

Stark State College offers a high-quality associate degree in medical instrument sterilization. Students take courses in a variety of sciences, such as microbiology, anatomy, and human diseases. They also take major-specific courses on topics like surgical terminology and medical equipment sterilization. Upon completing this two year degree, graduates are prepared to work as a medical instrument sterilization technician. Students must start with a medical instrument sterilization technician certificate before enrolling in this program.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Technical Studies, Medical instrument Sterilization Technician

  • Credits: 32
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $194.60/credit
  • Mode: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
57%

Sterile processing technician certification online programs offer quick and convenient training that allows individuals to begin working in the surgical setting as quickly as possible. To help in your program search, we’ve identified three top-quality programs that stand out in terms of affordability, accreditation, career advancement, and quality of instruction. These spotlights will give you a good idea of what you should expect from the program you ultimately choose.

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What You’ll Learn in an Online Sterile Processing Technician 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 if financial aid is available, whether the program requires students to complete in-person components, and the type of school (public versus private, for instance). 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

Sterile Processing Technician

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, some sterile processing technician certification programs allow students to complete the coursework online, then finish the program with in-person training. Other programs are hybrid in nature, and therefore include hands-on learning as part of the coursework. Some programs are fully online, with any hands-on training being the responsibility of the student to obtain on their own.

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 (which applies to the entire school) and programmatic (which 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

The demand for sterile processing technicians is strong and is expected to remain that way into the foreseeable future. With aging baby boomers and greater access to medical care overall, the need for surgical care is expected to rise significantly for many years to come.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for medical equipment preparers (including sterile processing technicians) from 2021 to 2031 is 6%, which is faster than the national average. The wages for medical equipment preparers are also very respectable, with a 2021 median wage estimate of $38,220. This wage figure is notably high considering the occupation requires only a high school diploma or equivalent in addition to completion of a sterile processing technician certification program.

To give you an idea of the full range of compensation for sterile processing technicians, the lowest 10% of earners make $27,450 while the highest 10% of earners make $59,370.

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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
Showing 1 to 10 of 51 entries

Source: Projections Central

Based on national data, not school-specific information

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Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
U.S. $34,020 $45,280 $63,980
Alabama $24,230 $32,920 $42,400
Alaska $41,650 $51,190 $76,080
Arizona $33,720 $43,810 $55,070
Arkansas $31,220 $35,350 $40,730
California $37,610 $59,960 $87,090
Colorado $38,040 $47,840 $64,230
Connecticut $37,490 $46,400 $61,520
Delaware $43,750 $50,550 $63,360
Florida $31,750 $39,990 $53,570
Georgia $30,460 $44,220 $60,450
Hawaii $29,350 $52,320 $61,120
Idaho $29,050 $38,360 $65,600
Illinois $36,070 $46,020 $57,690
Indiana $32,310 $38,960 $55,710
Iowa $34,820 $38,430 $51,100
Kansas $27,500 $38,480 $52,270
Kentucky $31,730 $41,650 $57,190
Louisiana $28,880 $35,660 $46,150
Maine $35,560 $44,230 $53,760
Maryland $36,100 $47,640 $61,750
Massachusetts $37,450 $49,570 $69,830
Michigan $35,960 $41,560 $53,560
Minnesota $37,030 $48,410 $58,400
Mississippi $26,120 $31,410 $45,230
Missouri $34,210 $40,870 $51,550
Montana $31,730 $41,600 $57,430
Nebraska $33,700 $37,460 $53,510
Nevada $29,730 $43,510 $59,290
New Hampshire $36,800 $45,450 $57,720
New Jersey $40,490 $51,170 $63,510
New Mexico $26,890 $39,110 $51,960
New York $38,070 $49,870 $64,760
North Carolina $32,490 $41,500 $52,370
North Dakota $34,150 $37,560 $56,830
Ohio $32,180 $42,540 $54,320
Oklahoma $30,670 $40,890 $52,930
Oregon $38,320 $48,220 $63,680
Pennsylvania $36,320 $44,860 $56,580
Rhode Island $39,560 $50,020 $64,100
South Carolina $29,400 $39,770 $52,820
South Dakota $32,710 $40,030 $55,990
Tennessee $29,370 $38,770 $54,350
Texas $34,490 $44,460 $60,010
Utah $36,980 $43,210 $59,730
Vermont $36,530 $41,790 $56,370
Virginia $36,330 $43,820 $56,960
Washington $35,770 $49,070 $71,800
West Virginia $30,280 $40,800 $50,040
Wisconsin $36,100 $44,880 $55,400
Wyoming $35,090 $45,790 $57,720
Showing 1 to 10 of 51 entries

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Based on national data, not school-specific information

Licensing and Professional Certifications for Sterile Processing Technicians

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 two main certifying bodies in the field of sterile processing. The most popular is the IAHCSMM, which offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) designation. To earn this certification, individuals must pass an exam and have at least 400 hours of hands-on experience working as a sterile processing technician. Provisional CRCST certification is also available and requires obtaining 400 hours of experience within six months after passing the certification exam.

The second main certifying body is the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD). Most sterile processing technicians seeking certification from the CBSPD pursue the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) credential, but there are four other certifications available from the CBSPD as well:

To become CSPDTs, individuals must pass an exam. Exam eligibility requires meeting 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.

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. These programs train surgical techs to focus their time on assisting surgeons during the surgical process. This involves ensuring medical instruments and supplies are available to the surgeons and accounted for at the end of surgery. Surgical techs also 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 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 Technician Students and Professionals

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