Sterile Processing

Career Diploma 2 months
In Demand

Sterile Processing Technician Training

If you're detail-oriented and interested in playing a vital role in healthcare, our online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, self-paced courses, you'll learn the fundamental skills and knowledge to become a sterile processing technician on your schedule, from home.

  • Can prepare students for an entry-level career as a sterile processing technician. 
  • Online sterile processing technician training courses cover topics such as the duties and requirements of sterile processing technicians, fundamental practices and procedures for aseptic technique, HIPAA privacy regulations, and more. 
  • Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), the cost of which is covered in the program tuition.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $300 Ends 6/13/2023

Cost of Program

$899

$1,199 Save $300

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM EST)

See full program cost & payment options

What You Will Learn

  1. How to recognize and apply the fundamental practices and procedures of aseptic technique.
  2. How to identify common pathogens found in the medical setting and the precautionary measures healthcare workers take to minimize the risk of contracting diseases.
  3. How to identify common and complex surgical instruments, industry-approved practices for decontamination and sterilization of medical supplies and equipment, and the proper ways to transport equipment.
  4. How to apply industry regulations and best practice standards common in the sterile processing field, and identify the organizations responsible for setting the regulations and standards.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Sterile Processing Career Outcomes

Sterile Processing Technician

AVG SALARY*

$38,220/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

61,170


Our online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma can help students prepare for entry-level jobs as sterile processing technicians. Additionally, graduates have the opportunity to become industry certified by sitting for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Sterile Processing Technician Curriculum

  • 23.6 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 5 courses
  • 15 exams
  • 1 graded report


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 2 months
  • Average time = 3 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.

In our Online Sterile Processing Technician Training, you'll cover the fundamental knowledge and skills to become a sterile processing technician while preparing for industry certification. Your classes include:


  • Allied Health Careers
  • Building Blocks of Sterile Processing
  • Sterile Processing Technology, Part 1
  • Sterile Processing Technology, Part 2

Show Full Curriculum

Sterile Processing Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma can help prepare you for the first step in your healthcare career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them. 
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Kimberly Q.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2021

"I am truly grateful for Penn Foster and the education that this school provides. I have excelled in my career and education since being a student here."

Need to provide training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Lifebridge, Kalkaska & Geisinger logos.
Learn More

Sterile Processing Technician Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $300 Ends 6/13/2023

Cost of Program

$899

$1,199 Save $300

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 6/13/2023

Cost of Program

$1,099

$1,199 Save $100

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • Credit card, PayPal, or ACH from bank account
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program

$1,199

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 9AM - 9PM EST

Request Info

Our Proven Sterile Processing Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime 
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced 

Interactive

  • Digital study guides 
  • Self-check quizzes 
  • Simulations and videos 

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community 
  • Student Portal Help Center 

Supportive

  • Expert faculty  
  • Dedicated student services  
  • Robust learning resources  

Related Programs

In Demand
two medical assistants reading charts
Medical Assistant

Prepare for a career helping others in a doctor's office or clinic with Penn Foster's accelerated, online Medical Assistant Training Program.

Career Diploma 9 months As low as $59/mo
In Demand
pharmacy technician reading chart in pharmacy.
Pharmacy Technician Professional

Prepare to become a certified pharmacy technician in as little as 8-12 months with Penn Foster’s ASHP-accredited online training program.

Career Diploma 11 months As low as $59/mo
In Demand
medical billing and coding technician organizing medical records.
Medical Billing and Coding

This online, self-paced program can train you to start working toward a medical billing and coding career.

Career Diploma 11 months As low as $59/mo

Sterile Processing Technician Program FAQs

Where can I work as a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technicians are essential to the maintenance, storage, distribution, and sterilization of medical instruments. Many sterile processing technicians work alongside physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers at hospitals, outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, and other medical facilities.

How do I become certified as a sterile processing technician?

After completing your sterile processing education, you’ll register and sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician Exam. Upon passing the exam, you can call yourself a certified sterile processing technician and add your credentials to your resume.

How long does it take to become a sterile processing technician?

Depending on your schedule and pace, you can complete our online sterile processing program in as little as a few months. From there, you’ll register and sit for your certification exam. 

What is a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technicians are a vital part of any medical team, ensuring that instruments, exam rooms, operating rooms and more are clean, sterile environments in order to prevent contamination and infection.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Medical Equipment Preparers.” Occupational Employment and Wages. Accessed September 26, 2022.


Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.