Sterile Processing Technician

Learn How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician Online

Ed2Go Career Training

Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT), also known as Central Service Technicians or Certified Sterilization Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies— and now is an excellent time to train for your sterile processing technician certification.

With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. Our online sterile processing course covers essential topics such as medical terminology, including vital systems like the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive systems, urinary systems, and nervous systems. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.

Additionally, you will learn the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process, like sterilization techniques, inventory management, and infection control.

This certified sterile processing technician course prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This course includes an exam voucher, which is prepaid access to sit for the CRCST certification exam upon eligibility. The course also includes an opportunity to participate in a clinical experience.

 

 

 

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Learning Outcomes

• Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
• Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
• Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
• Review sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
• Understand the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
• Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
• Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician

 

 

Course Objectives and Benefits

• You will have full comprehension and understanding of all tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
• Assistance from our Clinical Experience Team and access to our Clinical Experience Guide
• You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility

 

Clinical Experience

To qualify for the clinical experience application process, you must successfully complete this online sterile processing technician certification course and ensure your account balances are current (at a minimum). It is important to note that ed2go cannot guarantee placement at any clinical site, and you must take full responsibility for fulfilling your clinical requirements. However, our affiliated partnerships can increase the likelihood of finding a site that matches your needs. You can begin researching the steps of the application process two weeks before completing courses.

Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of the Medical Terminology test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.

Prerequisites:

In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.

Certification Requirements:

Full CRCST Certification

Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.
Provisional CRCST Certification

Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.

State Requirements:

This program is designed to meet the educational requirements to apply for professional licensure or certification in all states.

Each state’s licensure or certification authority is responsible for establishing the requirements for professional licensure or certification in its state. Completing this program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing authority to confirm the requirements for licensure or a certificate in the state where they live, work, or intend to live or work.

 

 

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FAQ’s

What is a sterile processing technician?

According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) plays an important role in indirectly providing patient care. They carefully prepare, install, assemble, clean, and sterilize all the health care and laboratory equipment used in medical exams, surgeries, and other clinical procedures. They also ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and that instruments, equipment, and supplies are safe for reuse across patients daily.

An SPT plays an integral role in ensuring the success of surgeries. Sterile processing technicians usually work in clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other settings that use medical equipment.

What does a sterile processing technician do?

According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) regularly performs several duties, including:

• Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
• Sterilizing, wrapping, organizing, and preparing medical equipment and surgical instruments into instrument trays for use during clinical procedures
• Laying out surgical gloves and gowns before each medical procedure
• Collecting and manually cleaning used and contaminated medical equipment, supplies, and instruments for sorting and decontamination
• Preparing and packing decontaminated medical tools and supplies for sterilization
• Operating and monitoring sterilization equipment
• Examining supplies meticulously to ensure their cleanliness
• Checking and reporting any problems or issues with the sterilization equipment to surgeons or supervisors and requesting replacements
• Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, sterilized items and supplies
• Reordering medical and surgical supplies, controlling the inventory, and checking the expiration dates of products
• Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately

ZipRecruiter also notes that SPTs use specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure that all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe for the patient. They review inventory and assess equipment and materials to prepare the surgical suite for each procedure.

How much can a sterile processing technician make?

Salary.com reports that as of September 12, 2024, the average annual pay for Sterile Processing Technicians in the U.S. is $40,390. However, the salary range can go up to $50,038 or down to $32,175. According to the BLS, the mean annual salary for Sterile Processing Technicians is $47,410 per year.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. This course prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). You will receive vouchers for the exams after successfully completing the course, coursework, and your financial obligation.