Online Sterile Processing Technician (Vouchers Included)

Get CRCST Certified with Our Online Sterile Processing Technician Course

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that job demand for sterile processing technicians and similar positions will increase by 6% through 2031. It estimates that 7,700 jobs will be opened each year in this job category.

Launch your career in a vital area of healthcare as a Certified Sterile Processing Technician (SPT). Also known as Central Service Technicians, SPTs play a critical role in patient safety by sterilizing, cleaning, assembling, and distributing medical instruments used in hospitals and clinics.

This 100% online course will train you to work as an SPT and prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)—all in 12 months or less.

You’ll gain step-by-step knowledge of the sterilization process, build confidence in your skills, and prepare to pass the CRCST exam with ease. Even better, a certification exam voucher is included in the course cost, so you’re ready to succeed from day one.

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Course Objectives

  • 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 providing 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
  • Understand all the tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
  • Understand sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
  • Discuss 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

Sterile Processing Technician / Central Service Technician FAQs

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A Sterile Processing Technician, also known as a Central Services Technician, is responsible for preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies and equipment.  These professionals play a critical role in healthcare.

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is a certification granted by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). The CRCST is a certification program designed for entry-level and existing technicians who demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to show competence as a sterile processing technician.

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.

Your Instructors

Janice Brownlee

Janice "Jan" Brownlee has been a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) for 43 years and has worked in all sizes of hospitals, including surgery centers. Jan worked in a sterile processing department in the instrument room and sterile supply areas. While working in the operating room, she scrubbed all services, with cardiothoracic, vascular, and orthopedics being her favorites.

Jan also had the opportunity to work for a private group of cardiothoracic surgeons and expand her knowledge and skills even more. Working as a surgical first assistant was the highlight of her career. She has continued her career path by teaching surgical technology and sterile processing at a local community college and enjoys watching her students learn and grow.

Teresa Nicolich

Teresa J. Nicolich holds a Master of Science (MS) in Human Services Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in American Studies, with a minor in Communications & Journalism. Teresa is a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, certified by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

Teresa has 30 years of experience in healthcare central supply and sterile processing central sterile technician programs providing course development, education, instruction, orientation, and staff training and development for the healthcare facility.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

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