health care students

Sterile Processing Technician

Clean and sterile medical equipment and facilities are critical for patient safety. Sterile processing technicians clean and prepare medical tools, supplies, and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sites. They ensure each item is sterile and safe to use. This course teaches people how to do this kind of work and helps them get ready for jobs in the healthcare field.

The Experience

Program Details

The sterile processing technician program includes 60 hours of class instruction and 30 hours of lab instruction. Please be aware that before taking the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) exam you must also accrue 400 hours of hands-on experience verified by an employer. This course does not fulfill that work hours requirement.

Your future

Once you graduate, you can apply for jobs such as medical equipment preparer, surgical technologist, and medical assistant.

How To Get Started

The sterile processing technician program begins during the fall term in odd years. Are you starting classes in another term? Don't worry! There still may be courses you can start taking if you're starting college in a different term. Please contact the program advisors for details. Any student admitted to MHCC can sign up for classes in the program after reading, writing, and math placement requirements have been met.

See Students in Action

Learn more about courses and curriculum

This program is just one course that prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Financial aid is only available for this class if taken as part of the basic health care certificate program or the Associate of General Studies in health professions exploration degree. This course provides instruction for entry-level positions in health care facilities' central service and sterile processing departments.

Learn more and begin your journey

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Have questions about the Sterile Processing Technician Program?

Read Sterile Processing Technician Frequently Asked Questions


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