Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT), also known as Central Service Technicians or Certified Sterilization Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies— and now is an excellent time to train for your sterile processing technician certification.
With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. Our online sterile processing course covers essential topics such as medical terminology, including vital systems like the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive systems, urinary systems, and nervous systems. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.
Additionally, you will learn the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process, like sterilization techniques, inventory management, and infection control.
Prerequisites
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.
Sterile Processing Technician FAQs
Certification Requirements
Full CRCST Certification
Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.
Provisional CRCST Certification
Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.
Instructors
Janice Brownlee
Janice "Jan" Brownlee has been a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) for 43 years and has worked in all sizes of hospitals, including surgery centers. Jan worked in a sterile processing department in the instrument room and sterile supply areas. While working in the operating room, she scrubbed all services, with cardiothoracic, vascular, and orthopedics being her favorites.
Jan also had the opportunity to work for a private group of cardiothoracic surgeons and expand her knowledge and skills even more. Working as a surgical first assistant was the highlight of her career. She has continued her career path by teaching surgical technology and sterile processing at a local community college and enjoys watching her students learn and grow.
Naydeen Pollak
Naydeen Pollak has been a Certified Surgical Technologist for 37 years, working in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics. When not in surgery, she assisted the sterile processing department and various areas of the sterile supply chain while working at the hospitals.
During her career, Naydeen has had the opportunity to work for several private groups of surgeons as a surgical first assistant in surgery and their clinics, expanding her knowledge and skills. She has continued her career by becoming an educator, locally teaching surgical technology at a university and sterile processing at a community college on campus. She is thankful for opportunities to share her knowledge and experiences with students to help them on their journey of learning.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.