Become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Are you ready to embark on a career dedicated to safeguarding patient health and ensuring the highest standards of medical care? Our comprehensive Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) certification course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this rewarding career.
Exam voucher
included
In just 12 months, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
This sterile processing technician training program provides you with a prepaid voucher for the certification exam, making your journey even more accessible. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a clinical experience, giving you hands-on exposure to the daily duties of an SPT.
Demand for sterile processing technicians keeps climbing
With healthcare's ever-increasing demand for quality and safety, the need for skilled sterile processing technicians continues to grow.
What is a sterile processing technician?
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.
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
What is a Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification?
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.
Why is certification important for a sterile processing technician?
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.
What you'll be able to do by the end of this course
- 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
- Understand all the tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
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), becoming a recognized professional in the field, eligible for employment in a wide range of healthcare settings.
See Full Course DetailsWhat you'll study
1. Medical Terminology 13 lessons
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- The Musculoskeletal System
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Urinary System
- The Nervous System
- The Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
- The Integumentary System
- The Endocrine System
- The Reproductive System
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
2. Sterile Processing Technician 16 lessons
- Introduction
- Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
- Decontamination and Workplace Safety
- Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
- Tray Assembly
- Prep and Pack
- Introduction to Sterilization
- Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
- Instrumentation Identification (Part I)
- Instrumentation Identification (Part II)
- Case Cart Introduction
- Sterile Storage
- Managing Inventory
- Ancillary Department Support
- Important Components for a Successful Career
- Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam
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.
Full CRCST Certification
400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years preceding the application.
Provisional CRCST Certification
400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.
Learn from experienced sterile processing professionals
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.