Skip to main content

Career Tips & Advice

How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician: Education Preparation

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

Share:
Updated November 8, 2024. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Sterile Processing Technician wearing PPE sterilizing medical equipment at the hospital.

Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry, keeping medical equipment hygienic so patients stay safe. They're sometimes called Certified Registered Central Service Technicians, sterilization technicians, medical equipment preparers, or Sterile Processing and Distribution Technicians. They regularly collaborate with other surgical team members and medical personnel. Successful sterile processing technicians use a broad range of skills, including attention to detail, problem solving, and healthcare skills gained through basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Read on to learn more about life as a sterile processing technician and the training for this role.
 

Job Responsibilities

Sterile processing technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

  • Cleaning and sterilizing surgical equipment to eradicate contaminants before, during, and after procedures
  • Preparing and organizing surgical equipment for healthcare providers
  • Providing the surgical team with protective accessories, including sterile gowns and gloves, before procedures
  • Inspecting sterile and decontaminated medical equipment to ensure it meets hygiene standards
  • Identifying pathogens in healthcare settings
  • Assessing contamination risks in surgical settings
  • Scheduling equipment repairs
  • Storing sterilization and surgical equipment
  • Transporting sterilization and surgical equipment
  • Removing medical waste from surgical settings
  • Safely disposing of medical waste
  • Maintaining sterilization procedure records

 

Medical instruments being sterilized in an autoclave.


Work Environment

Sterile processing technicians work in the sterile processing departments of various healthcare organizations. Some of the most common work environments for sterile processing technicians include:

  • General, surgical, and specialty hospitals
  • Surgical centers
  • Dental offices
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Ambulatory surgical centers
  • Medical laboratories
  • Physicians' offices
  • Pharmaceutical organizations
  • Birth centers
  • Endoscopy offices
  • Medical instrument manufacturers
  • Other healthcare facilities that need sterilized equipment
  • Explaining the Surgical Team

Sterile processing technicians employed by hospitals may have a varied schedule with different shifts, including night and weekend work. Their employers may also ask them to work overtime during busy periods. Sterile processing technicians working in private medical facilities and other organizations usually have a fixed schedule. Weekend and night work is less common for these professionals. Most sterile processing technicians complete their shifts indoors in the same facility. However, there may be opportunities for travel on temporary assignments.
 

Interested In How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician?

Click here to explore Sterile Processing Technician Programs near you!


Working conditions for sterile processing technicians can be physically demanding, as they spend most of their shifts on their feet collecting, sterilizing, delivering, and organizing medical equipment. Occasionally, sterile processing technicians may need to move heavy objects, so they need strength and endurance. Sterile processing technicians may also be exposed to hazardous materials, including diseases and bacteria. Following workplace protocols can reduce the risk of exposure. While sterile processing technicians work behind the scenes of healthcare, their workplaces are typically fast-paced and exciting.
 

Education and Training

After completing high school or a GED, aspiring sterile processing technicians can enroll in a sterile processing technician program. These programs are available through community colleges, training schools, and online learning organizations. Some educational institutions ask applicants to pass an entrance exam before enrollment.
 

Surgery instruments being sterilized.

 

Program Duration

Completing a sterile processing technician program can take between 10 weeks and two years, depending on the course. For example, the Sterile Processing Technician Diploma available through Concorde Career College is a four-month program.

Program Topics

Sterile processing technician programs give students a foundational knowledge of health sciences and the practical and technical skills required to succeed in this role. Topics in most sterile processing technician program curricula include:

  • Anatomy and physiology.
  • Microbiology.
  • Infection control.
  • Decontamination procedures.
  • Sterilization techniques.
  • Medical instrument identification.
  • Instrument assessment.
  • Medical instrument inventory recordkeeping.
  • Instrument tray preparation.
  • Healthcare system fundamentals.

Additional Training

Sterile processing technicians can receive extra training through an internship. Internships provide hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. They may be part of a sterile processing technician program or organized independently.

Many sterile processing technicians also complete basic life support and CPR training. This health training may be required for some roles. Even if it's not compulsory, this training can make sterile processing technicians more desirable to employers.

Why Consider a Vocational Career College
 

Certification

Sterile processing technicians may choose to become certified after completing their studies. Sterile processor certification is optional, but it can help sterile processing technicians find more job opportunities. Sterile processing technicians become certified after paying a fee and passing a certification exam. They must earn credits, usually through continuing education, to maintain their certification. There are two main entry-level certifications for sterile processing technicians:
 

 Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
Issuing BodyHealthcare Sterile Processing AssociationCertification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
Eligibility400 hours of hands-on experience in the last five years for full certification, provisional certification available for people who promise to complete 400 hours of hands-on experience six months after passing the exam12 months full-time SPD employment or past-time equivalent, or 6 months full-time SPD and 6 months allied health employment, or 12 months of SPD-related healthcare product sales or service, or 70% or higher passing grade from a sterile processing technician training program
Exam150 multiple-choice questions 25 practice and 125 scored questions
Passing Grade70%70%
Validity1 year 5 years
Testing AvailabilityTesting available all year round, test must be booked within 120 days of application processingOne-week testing windows open four times a year
Cost$140$128
Renewal requirementsPay annual renewal fee and complete 12 continuing education creditsPay renewal fee and earn 100 recertification points through activities including adult or continuing education, college courses, employment, chairing or serving on committees or holding office in SPD-related organizations, and submitting test questions
RecognitionAccredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and ANSI National Accreditation BoardAccredited by the NCCA and the Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online program
Advanced certification optionsCertified Endoscope Reprocessor, Certified Instrument Specialist, Certified Healthcare Leader, Certified Central Service Vendor PartnerCertified Ambulatory Surgery Technician, Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope), Certified in Sterile Processing Management, Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist


Career Outlook

The career outlook for sterile processing technicians looks positive, with annual job growth of 6% forecast through 2033 for medical equipment preparers including people with this title. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. The projected job growth equates to roughly 4,000 new sterile processing technician job openings every year within this period. This rapid growth also makes working as a sterile processing technician a stable job choice. Gaining certification, especially advanced specialist certification, can help sterile processing technicians stand out from other applicants and secure new opportunities.

Skills and Qualities

Sterile processing technicians rely on a combination of technical and soft skills during their shifts. Successful sterile processing technicians have the following skills:

  • Understanding of infection control: Sterile processing technicians apply a thorough knowledge of infection control principles and procedures to keep their working environments sterile and minimize the risk of outbreaks.
  • Collaboration: Being able to collaborate helps sterile processing technicians work efficiently with other members of the surgical team.
  • Written and verbal communication: Sterile processing technicians use their communication skills to give medical teams status updates, liaise with equipment repair professionals, and maintain sterilization procedure records.
  • Attention to detail: Sterile processing technicians need to be attentive to details to ensure they complete all sterilization processes and make sure equipment is safe for patients.
  • Problem solving: Sterile processing technicians rely on their problem-solving skills during emergencies and other unforeseen events.
  • Basic healthcare skills: While sterile processing technicians don't normally care for patients, they may rely on fundamental healthcare skills, including basic life support and CPR, during an emergency.

 

Sterile Processing Technician sterilizing lab equipment


Advancement Opportunities

While some people work as sterile processing technicians throughout their careers, others use this as an entry-level position. Some of the advancement opportunities for sterile processing technicians include:

  • Sterile processing supervisor/manager: Oversees the entire sterile processing department, including its employees and resources.
  • Surgical technologist: Prepares the operating room before surgical procedures. Further education, including an associate degree, is required.

Continuing education and professional development opportunities can help sterile processing technicians increase their knowledge and skills to prepare them for career advancement. Participating in education and professional development is a requirement for maintaining optional certification. Many motivated sterile processing technicians earn more continuing education credits than they require to maximize their learning and advancement potential.
 

Conclusion

Becoming a sterile processing technician is a good way for people to make a difference in the healthcare industry, as these professionals play a vital role in infection control and patient safety. Job opportunities are strong and growing, so this role is an ideal option for anyone seeking a stable entry-level position. The role can be physically demanding and repetitive, with limited patient interactions and the potential for exposure to hazards.

Training to become a sterile processing technician requires as little as four months and opportunities for career growth are varied. To secure one of these essential roles in the healthcare sector, take the first steps and explore the Sterile Processing Technician diploma program with Concorde.


 

 

  1. "Key Skills Required for Sterile Processing Technicians," Orion Allied Healthcare, https://www.orionallied.com/blog/key-skills-required-for-sterile-processing-technicians

  2. "Sterile Processing & Infection Prevention in the ASC," Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, https://www.ascassociation.org/asca/education-and-events/virtual/courses/2024/sterile-processing-course

  3. "It's Central Service Professionals Week – What Value Do They Provide Behind the Scenes?" 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, https://www.365healthstaffing.com/2018/10/09/central-service-professionals-value-medical-temp-agencies/

  4. "Central Sterile Technician Salaries in the United States," Salary.com, https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/central-sterile-technician-salary

  5. "Sterile Processing Technician Diploma Program," Concorde, https://www.concorde.edu/allied-health-programs/sterile-processing/memphis

  6. "Become Certified," Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, https://myhspa.org/certification/become-certified/

  7. "SPD Technician Certification Exam C.S.P.D.T," CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/tech/

  8. "IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test," iPREP, https://www.iprep.online/courses/iahcsmm-crcst-test/

  9. "Renew Your Certification," Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, https://myhspa.org/certification/renew-your-certification/

  10. "Technician Recertification Packet," CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Tech-Recert-2024.pdf

  11. "Continuing Education Protocols," CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/about-ceus/

  12. "What is Certification?" CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/what-is-certification/

  13. 15 "Ambulatory Surgery Technician Certification Exam C.A.S.S.P.T," CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/ambulatory-surgery/

  14. "Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (GI Scope) Certification Exam C.F.E.R," CBSPA, https://www.cbspd.net/gi-scope/

  15. "Certified in Sterile Processing Management Certification Exam C.S.P.M.," CBSPA, https://www.cbspd.net/management/

  16. "Surgical Instrument Specialist Certification Exam CSIS," CBSPD, https://www.cbspd.net/surgical-instrument-specialist/

  17. "Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Healthcare%20support%20occupations

  18. "Surgical Assistants and Technologists," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm

  19. "What Does Your Sterile Processing Manager Do?" Evolved Sterile Processing, https://www.evolvedsterileprocessing.com/post/what-does-your-sterile-processing-manager-do

  20. "What is a Surgical Technologist," WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-surgical-technologist


 

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Sterile Processing program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.