Are you interested in becoming a Sterile Processing Technician but unsure of the best way to get your training and start your career? The demand for sterile processing technicians (SPTs) is growing rapidly, making it an excellent time to enter this rewarding field (According to the U.S. BLS).
Many people don’t realize that they could become a sterile processing technician in as little as six months—without going back to school, taking on student loan debt, or commuting to a campus every day. This guide provides all the steps to become a Sterile Processing Technician, including the necessary training, certification, and experience to help you launch your career.
What is a Sterile Processing Technician?
Sterile processing technicians play a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring that all surgical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for procedures. While they work behind the scenes, their job is vital—surgeries cannot happen without properly sterilized instruments.
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing technicians can earn close to $50,000 per year. While most SPTs work in major hospitals, there are many other places where you can find employment, such as:
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Dental facilities
- Specialized surgical centers
- Medical device companies
If you want to be an essential part of the healthcare system without direct patient interaction, this could be the perfect career for you.
Steps to Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician
1. Get Proper Training
The first and most important step in your journey is receiving the right sterile processing tech training. A high-quality training program will teach you:
- The sterilization process
- Identification of surgical instruments
- How to ensure the smooth operation of a sterile processing department
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities prefer to hire technicians who have undergone formal training and understand these critical aspects of the job.
2. Obtain Certification
After completing your training, the next step is obtaining certification. The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, which is the industry standard for sterile processing technicians.
Passing this exam demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills. Many employers require certification, making this an essential step in your career journey.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience
While hands-on experience is valuable, many people believe they need 400 clinical hours before they can even get started. However, this is not entirely true.
You can obtain a provisional certification without prior clinical experience. Once you pass the CRCST exam, you receive a provisional certification. You then have six months to complete the 400 clinical hours required to obtain full certification. With this approach, you can start applying for entry-level jobs immediately and gain experience while working.
Training Options: On-Campus vs. Online Programs
On-Campus Training Programs
Traditionally, people have pursued on-campus programs through colleges or vocational schools. While this is a common path, it has several drawbacks:
- High Costs: Tuition can be as high as $10,000, not including additional expenses such as textbooks, lab fees, transportation, and childcare.
- Long Course Duration: These programs often take 9–12 months to complete, and you may have to wait months for the next semester to start.
- Fixed Schedules: On-campus classes require you to attend at specific times, which may not be compatible with your work or family responsibilities.
While on-campus programs may provide a university certificate, there are more flexible and affordable options available.
Online Training Programs
Online sterile processing tech programs have become an increasingly popular alternative, offering benefits such as:
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
- Affordability: Many online programs cost significantly less than traditional college programs.
- Faster Completion Time: Some programs can be completed in as little as 4–6 months.
However, there are some risks with online programs. Many are not accredited, and their curriculum may not align with HSPA guidelines. It’s essential to choose a program from a reputable, accredited source to ensure you are properly prepared for the certification exam.
The Preppy Approach: A Modern Sterile Processing Training Solution
To address the shortcomings of traditional programs, a new approach has emerged—The Preppy Approach. This system is designed to meet the needs of busy adults who want to switch careers efficiently.
Key Features of the Preppy’s Online Sterile Processing Technician Training:
- 100% Online and Self-Paced
No rigid schedules—study when it works best for you. - Accredited University Partnership
Upon completion, you receive a certificate from a recognized nonprofit university, adding credibility to your resume. - Certification Exam Preparation
The program aligns with HSPA guidelines to prepare you for the CRCST exam. - Fast Completion Time
You could finish in as little as 4 months while still having access for a full year in case you need extra time. - Affordable Tuition
The entire program costs less than $2,000, eliminating the burden of student loan debt.
How to Get Started
Getting started with the Preppy Approach is simple:
- Enroll in the Preppy Sterile Processing Technician Program.
- Complete your online training at your own pace.
- Prepare for and pass the CRCST certification exam.
- Gain hands-on experience while working with your provisional certification.
- Submit your clinical hours and obtain full certification.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a sterile processing technician is a fantastic career choice with strong job demands, competitive salaries, and multiple employment opportunities. By following the right training path—especially with a flexible and accredited program like Preppy—you could start your career in as little as 6 months.
If you’re looking for a fast, affordable, and high-quality training option, consider enrolling in Preppy’s Online Sterile Processing Technician Program today!
Also read: How to Become a Medical Coder in 2025
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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Our team of higher education and startup veterans has created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
