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Online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program

Our self-paced, online Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to prepare you for certification and a role as a Sterile Processing Technician in as little as 4 months.

  • $69/month
  • 5-day money-back commitment
  • DEAC Accredited
  • 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
  • Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
  • One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
  • Start learning today - no waiting period!
  • $69/month
  • 5-day money-back commitment
  • DEAC Accredited
  • 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
  • Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
  • One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
  • Start learning today - no waiting period!
What You'll Learn
  • The roles and desirable traits of various healthcare professionals
  • Speak the language - communicate using proper medical terminology
  • Apply strict rules to minimize the risk of infection using the aseptic technique
  • Explore proper sterile storage and inventory management procedures
  • Adhere to compliance for documentation and record maintenance
  • How to decontaminate and prepare a clean work area and the high-level disinfection (HLD) process
  • Prepare and package instruments and supplies, including labeling and handling instruments
  • The importance of effective communication, customer relations and teamwork in the healthcare field

Request Information

*By clicking the Request Info button, I am providing my electronic signature and giving my express written consent for U.S. Career Institute to mail, email, call or text me using automated technology including artificial voices, pre-recorded messages and auto-dialers about educational services and future offers at the information provided above, including my wireless number. I understand that I am not required to provide this consent to attend U.S. Career Institute. As an alternative to providing this consent, I may call the school at 866-250-6851.

Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 40 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

DEAC Accredited

The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Affordable Tuition

Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.

Top Program

Our Sterile Processing Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.

Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 40 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

DEAC Accredited

The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Affordable Tuition

Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.

Top Program

Our Sterile Processing Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.



Course Outline

Graduates of this course will learn the necessary skills to professionally perform the duties of a Sterile Processing Technician. Students learn to decontaminate, inspect, assemble, disassemble, package, and sterilize reusable surgical instruments or devices for healthcare facilities.

View Full Curriculum

Quick Facts

  • Lessons: 21
  • Quizzes: 21
  • Complete in as little as 4 months

What's Inside the Course

Beginner-Friendly Lessons

Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.

Engaging Curriculum

Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.

MA Instructor

Weston "Hank" Balch, Balch, BS, MDiv, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL

Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert

Our Sterile Processing instructor, Hank Balch earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University before co-founding Beyond Clean. Beyond Clean is the largest clinical education provider in the Sterile Processing industry. He began his career in instrument reprocessing as a frontline technician in 2009, and has served as an Instrument Database Specialist, Department Manager, and System Director for various SPD departments across the country. Hank is an award-winning Sterile Processing leader (2016 Healthcare Purchasing News "CS/SPD Department of the Year"), twice nominated for HSPA President, founder of two state-wide HSPA chapters, conference speaker, and well-known industry writer, blogger, and social media connoisseur. He has written over 200 Sterile Processing articles, with his work being published in Becker's Hospital Review, Infection Control Today, Healthcare Purchasing News, Communique, Outpatient Surgery Magazine, AAMI BI&T Journal, SteriWorld, and other publications across the globe. His passion is seeing frontline Sterile Processing professionals equipped to #FightDirty, every instrument, every time.

Rebecca Greyheart
Weston "Hank" Balch, Balch, BS, MDiv, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL

Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert

Our Sterile Processing instructor, Hank Balch earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University before co-founding Beyond Clean. Beyond Clean is the largest clinical education provider in the Sterile Processing industry. He began his career in instrument reprocessing as a frontline technician in 2009, and has served as an Instrument Database Specialist, Department Manager, and System Director for various SPD departments across the country. Hank is an award-winning Sterile Processing leader (2016 Healthcare Purchasing News "CS/SPD Department of the Year"), twice nominated for HSPA President, founder of two state-wide HSPA chapters, conference speaker, and well-known industry writer, blogger, and social media connoisseur. He has written over 200 Sterile Processing articles, with his work being published in Becker's Hospital Review, Infection Control Today, Healthcare Purchasing News, Communique, Outpatient Surgery Magazine, AAMI BI&T Journal, SteriWorld, and other publications across the globe. His passion is seeing frontline Sterile Processing professionals equipped to #FightDirty, every instrument, every time.

Program Reviews


Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!

· Get instant access!  
·  5-day money-back commitment  
·  $69/month


Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!

Get instant access!  ·  5-day money-back commitment  ·  $69/month

Career Outlook & Certification

Median Salary

$45,280*

Number of jobs

70,700*

Job Growth by 2033

6%*

Sterile Processing Technician Certification

U.S. Career Institute's Sterile Processing Technician program will prepare you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Included with our course, we cover the cost of your CRCST certification exam fees – a $140 value!†

CRCST certification from HSPA requires that you pass the certification exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Service department. These hours can be completed before testing or within 6 months of passing the exam. Please note that you are responsible for obtaining the 400 hours of hands-on experience once you finish our Sterile Processing Technician course, USCI will not provide this training.

Check Mark

Job growth for sterile processing techs is nearly 2x greater than all other jobs by 2032*.

Check Mark

The certification process is straightforward, and no prior experience is required to become a Sterile Processing Technician.

Check Mark

People transition into sterile processing tech jobs because it offers a comfortable wage, flexibility, a sense of fulfillment, job security, it’s a growing field, and you’ll play a key role on a medical team!

Check Mark

Sterile processing technicians will have consistent job opportunities, as they are essential to surgical centers and operating rooms. Surgical procedures that treat a vast number of health conditions are more prominent than ever.

Tuition & Financing

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your Sterile Processing Technician education affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a
mountain of debt!

5-Day Money-Back Commitment

After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you. Learn more.

Student Support & Coaching

Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching $400 value**.

Learning Materials Included

Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.

Option 1: Pay in Full

$979

Save $300

Application charge is waived ENROLL NOW

Option 2: Monthly Auto Payments

$1,279*

$69 Monthly Payment

First Payment: $69** ENROLL NOW

*Plus one-time $29 application charge..

**First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

How to Enroll

  • 1

    Provide us with basic information - Our form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

  • 2

    Pay for your tuition: You can pay-in-full or choose our monthly payment plan.

  • 3

    Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures

That’s all! It Just takes about 5 minutes then you’re ready to start your first lesson.

Get started today!

ENROLL NOW

Or call us at 866-250-6851 to learn more

Program FAQs


We assist you with every one of these steps:

  • 1

    Prerequisites: A High School diploma or equivalent is required to be a Sterile Processing Technician.

  • 2

    Enroll in an accredited Sterile Processing Technician program such as ours to gain the needed skills through our interactive learning modules and career support. Our program is typically completed in 4-9 months.

  • 3

    You’ll now be prepared to pass the CRCST exam - administered online or in person by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). CRCST cost is included in your tuition

  • 4

    Meet with our career coaches to help you prepare your resume and get ready for job interviews!

While certification isn’t required, certified Sterile Processing Technicians will have a better chance at getting a job. Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. Also, U.S. Career Institute’s Sterile Processing Technician program prepares you to sit for the CRCST certification exam through the HSPA. USCI will reimburse graduates for their exam fee a $140 value†.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sterile Processing Technicians earn a median salary of $45,280 a year.

U.S. Career Institute is Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Sterile Processing Technicians work in surgical centers, hospitals, dental offices and clinics. Sterile Processing Techs are needed everywhere there are patients.

When you enroll in our self-paced Sterile Processing Technician program, you choose how much you study each week. On average, our DEAC accredited online Sterile Processing Technician school program is completed in 4-9 months.

Sterile processing technicians provide the clean, sterile, functions instruments, used for daily surgeries and medical procedures. Students learn to decontaminate, inspect, assemble, disassemble, package and sterilize reusable surgical instruments or devices for healthcare facilities.
Sterile Processing Technician at work
Have questions? Give us a call 866-250-6851
Get started today!
ENROLL NOW

Or call toll-free 866.250.6851 to learn more.






*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at Medical Equipment Preparers (visited September 4, 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.
†Provided in form of reimbursement when the following terms are met: Student submits receipt issued by the HSPA, has successfully completed the course and has paid tuition in full. Reimbursement is for $140 towards the cost of CRCST certification exam.