Sterile Processing Technician Program: Finish in Under 9 Months

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Generally, the best sterile processing training you can take is one that fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget! If you’re looking to train for a career as a sterile processing technician and begin preparing for entry-level opportunities in the field, a good option to help you get there can be a self-paced, online program that allows you to study whenever you can fit it into your schedule. With Penn Foster’s online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma, you could finish in two to four months*, then sit for your Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam, allowing you to take the next steps toward a new career ASAP!

Key Takeaways

• Online, self-paced sterile processing programs may be finished in well under 9 months*, with some learners moving through the material in a few months.
• A strong program should prepare students to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $48,990 for medical equipment preparers, a category that includes sterile processing technicians.**
• Look for programs that bundle the certification exam cost into tuition, so there are no surprise fees at the finish line.

What’s included in Penn Foster's Sterile Processing Technician Program?

A good training program should cover the essential skills and knowledge you need for an entry-level role as a sterile processing technician and help you prepare to sit for industry certification. Penn Foster College's Sterile Processing Career Diploma, for example, covers:

• Aseptic technique and how to recognize common pathogens found in medical settings
• Instrument decontamination and sterilization methods, including equipment transport
• Inventory management and quality assurance practices used in central sterile departments
• Healthcare regulations, patient privacy, basic anatomy, microbiology, and workplace safety

Besides a curriculum that covers foundational skills to help you build confidence in your new career path, Penn Foster’s program also includes the cost of prep materials and a voucher to sit for the CRCST exam in your tuition.

“The program was very interesting and interactive, I learned so much, the instructors were 10/10, no need to add much!” Virginia E., 2026 Sterile Processing Technician Graduate

Read more: What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

How long does It actually take to finish sterile processing courses?

Sterile processing training doesn’t have to take years. In fact, it’s one healthcare program that can help you jumpstart a new entry-level career in healthcare in less than a year, depending on what type of training you enroll in!

For example, self-paced, online programs let you set your own schedule. Since Penn Foster’s Sterile Processing Technician Program doesn’t have due dates, deadlines, or particular times when you have to login and study, you’re able to decide how quickly you move through your classes. Students who are able to dedicate a lot of time in their schedule to study and take exams can finish in as little as two months, while many who may have a tight schedule and can’t study as often usually complete the program in about four months.*

At the same time, if you’re someone who worries about having enough time to finish your program without having to consider study extensions or worrying about how long you’ll have access to your courses, you have up to 12 months to fully complete all your coursework.

What Is CRCST certification and why does it matter?

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam is a professional certification for sterile processing technicians. Offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), it shows that you know how to safely clean, decontaminate, package, and sterilize surgical and medical equipment.

The exam is 150 multiple-choice questions and covers:

• Departmental considerations
• Cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection
• Preparation and packaging
• Sterilization process
• Sterile storage, transport and inventory management
• Patient care equipment and distribution
• Professional development and human relation skills

The test is computer-based, meaning you will complete it all on a computer with no hand-written portions, generally at a testing center. You’ll have three hours to complete all 150 questions. Once you’ve finished the test, you’ll immediately know if you passed or failed. If you don’t already work in the field, you’ll have provisional certification and need to submit proof of completing 400 hours of hands-on work at a sterile processing job within six months of passing the exam.

The CRCST exam costs $140 for the initial test. If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the exam, but it will cost an additional $140. The cost of the initial exam is included in the tuition cost for the Penn Foster Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma.

Do you need to be certified to be a sterile processing technician?

No, getting certified isn't legally required to work as a sterile processing technician in the United States, but a recognized credential on your resume can be a good thing to have if you're new to the job.

"Some employers will hire an applicant that isn’t certified," Sharon Jones, Certified Surgical Technician and Penn Foster Sterile Processing Instructor, said, "but require certification to be obtained within a certain timeframe. Certified technicians can qualify for higher pay and may be able to move up the clinical ladder over someone that isn't certified."

Read more: Sterile Processing Program Options for Career Changes in 2026

Who is a good fit for online sterile processing training?

“Sterile Processing is great for a person that wants to go into the medical field but doesn’t want to have direct patient contact. It’s also a great career for people that pay close attention to detail and like organization and structure and organization,” Sharon said.

Sterile processing could be a great career for you if:

• You want a healthcare career but don't want to spend years in school first.
• You're working full time and need a schedule that bends around your job, not the other way around.
• You like the idea of detail-focused, hands-on work that keeps patients safer.
• You're returning to school after a long break and want a program that explains things clearly, without assuming prior medical knowledge.

With an online training program, you’re able to set your own schedule and learn on your terms without having to sacrifice hours at work or time with friends and family. “Penn Foster’s Sterile Processing Program is self-paced,” Sharon advised, “so a student can work, raise a family, and take classes at the same time!”

What does the career outlook look like for sterile processing technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical equipment preparers, the occupational category that includes sterile processing technicians, earn a median annual salary of $48,990.* That’s about $22.79 per hour. Depending on your experience, whether or not you’re certified, and where you work, you can potentially earn more, especially after a few years on the job!

Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in healthcare, preparing tools and materials properly to prevent the spread of infection and disease during procedures. It’s an important job, and with about 1.9 million healthcare job openings predicted each year for the next few years, completing your training can help you explore sterile processing roles that align with your interests, experience, and local job market.