Sterile Processing

Career Diploma 2 months

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

Cost of Program

$949

$1,249 Save $300

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

Enroll Now Request Info

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

What You Will Learn

How to recognize and apply the fundamental practices and procedures of aseptic technique.
How to identify common pathogens found in the medical setting and the precautionary measures healthcare workers take to minimize the risk of contracting diseases.
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.
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*

$47,410/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

66,790

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

Show Full Curriculum

"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

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

Nadine K.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I believe Penn Foster is a very affordable way to expand one's knowledge and reach personal and educational goals on their own schedule.”

Need to provide training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

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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

Cost of Program¹

$949

$1,249 Save $300

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

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,149

$1,249 Save $100

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

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 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 services
Robust learning resources

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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?

Penn Foster’s program is completely self-paced, so you can finish your studies around the schedule and timeline that works best for you. From there, you’ll register and sit for your certification exam.

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 November 13, 2024.

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.