Sterile Processing

Career Diploma 2 months

Sterile Processing Technician Training

A sterile processing technician plays a critical role in healthcare by sterilizing, cleaning, and preparing surgical instruments to prevent infection. These professionals work behind the scenes in hospitals and surgical centers to ensure that every instrument used in patient care is safe, sterile, and ready for use. 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.

  • 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 $200 Ends 5/27/2026

Cost of Program

$1,049

$1,249 Save $200

or

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

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

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*

$48,990/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

72,760


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

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


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 2 months
  • Average time = 4 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. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

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

 

Non-US residents: This is a United States-based institution with course materials that are geared toward US job and labor standards. Learners from outside of the US may find that some information and materials will differ from the current standards of their country. Please note, the materials for this program are in English and use the Imperial unit of measurement, not the metric system.

Show Full Curriculum

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  • monique.

    "The program was very clear to understand, easy to use and cost efficient."

    Monique B.

    2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

  • melanie.

    "The program was very easy to navigate through and I loved how the program was self-paced so it worked very well with my schedule."

    Melanie C.

    2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

  • stephanie.

    "It was easy to take this course. I had a stroke in 2021 after delivering my daughter and suffered with short term memory loss. I thought I couldn't do it and Penn Foster made it easy to pass and not suffer with my condition!"

    Stephanie G.

    2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

  • jasmine.

    "Penn Foster has opened many doors and opportunities for me. Very convenient for a full-time worker and courses are comprehensive as well and payments are reasonable and affordable. Just an overall good program and would continue to work with Penn Foster if I choose another career path in the future."

    Jasmine T.

    2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

     

    *These photos of real Penn Foster Veterinary students are for illustrative purposes only and may not depict the individual who provided the testimonial.

    • "The program was very clear to understand, easy to use and cost efficient."

      Monique B.

      2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

    • "The program was very easy to navigate through and I loved how the program was self-paced so it worked very well with my schedule."

      Melanie C.

      2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

    • "It was easy to take this course. I had a stroke in 2021 after delivering my daughter and suffered with short term memory loss. I thought I couldn't do it and Penn Foster made it easy to pass and not suffer with my condition!"

      Stephanie G.

      2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

    • "Penn Foster has opened many doors and opportunities for me. Very convenient for a full-time worker and courses are comprehensive as well and payments are reasonable and affordable. Just an overall good program and would continue to work with Penn Foster if I choose another career path in the future."

      Jasmine T.

      2024 Sterile Processing Graduate

      Need to provide training for your workers?

      Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
      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 $200 Ends 5/27/2026

      Cost of Program1

      $1,049

      $1,249 Save $200

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

      Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

      Cost of Program1

      $1,249

      • Pay $59 per month
      • Start for $20 down
      • All major credit and debit cards accepted
      Enroll Now

      Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

      cost of program1

      $1,249

      • 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 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

      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
      • Learning Resource Center and digital Library
      • Dedicated Learner Center

      Supportive

      • Expert faculty
      • Dedicated student support
      • Robust learning resources

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      Sterile Processing Technician Program FAQs

      What does a sterile processing technician do?

      • Decontaminate and disinfect surgical instruments
      • Inspect and assemble surgical trays
      • Sterilize equipment using approved methods
      • Maintain sterile storage and inventory
      • Distribute instruments to operating rooms
      • Follow OSHA, CDC, and infection-control standards

      How to become a sterile processing technician?

      1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
      2. Complete a sterile processing technician training program
      3. Gain hands-on clinical experience (often ~400 hours)
      4. Pass the CRCST certification exam

      How do I obtain sterile processing technician certification (CRCST)?

      • Certification: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
      • Issued by: Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
      • Required or preferred by most employers

      Where do sterile processing technicians work?

      • Hospitals
      • Surgical centers
      • Outpatient clinics
      • Physician offices
      • Medical device companies

      Sources:

      *Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Medical Equipment Preparers.” Occupational Employment and Wages. Accessed October 24, 2025.

      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. 

      Disclaimers:

      1 Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.