Become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Explore sterile processing technician training through TCC and prepare for a career in healthcare. Build essential skills and get certified.
Are you ready to start a career dedicated to protecting patient health and supporting high standards of medical care? Tulsa Community College’s Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) certification course provides the knowledge and skills you need to begin this rewarding career.
In just 12 months, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
TCC’s sterile processing technician training program includes a prepaid voucher for the certification exam, making the certification process more accessible. You’ll also have an opportunity to participate in a clinical experience, giving you hands-on exposure to the daily duties of an SPT.
- Job Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Course Objectives
- Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
- Instructors
Job Outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians
As the healthcare industry places greater emphasis on quality, safety, and infection prevention, skilled sterile processing technicians play an important role in healthcare operations. Tulsa Community College’s Sterile Processing Technician program can help prepare you for career opportunities in this field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports employment and wage data for medical equipment preparers, an occupation that includes closely related sterile processing work. Approximately 220 medical equipment preparers were employed in the Tulsa metropolitan area as of May 2025, with a median annual wage of $41,720.
Nationally, medical equipment preparers earned a median annual wage of $61,660 in May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. BLS projects about 8,200 openings for medical equipment preparers each year, on average.
Sterile Processing Technician FAQs
According to Indeed.com, a sterile processing technician regularly performs several duties, including:
- Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
- 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
- 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
- Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately
Certification is vital for sterile processing technicians as it validates their expertise and knowledge in the field. It demonstrates their commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety and infection prevention. Many healthcare facilities and employers require or prefer certified sterile processing technicians to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
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 provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
- Acquire basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
- Understand sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
- Learn 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
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
To become eligible for the national sterile processing technician certification exam, candidates are required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, a prerequisite best fulfilled before program enrollment.
Certification requirements include:
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.
Get Started
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), thereby becoming a recognized professional in the field, eligible for employment in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Instructors
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.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.