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Office of Distance and Extended Learning Continuing Education
Texas State Office of Distance and Extended Learning Continuing Education Online Boot Camps Sterile Processing Technician (Vouchers Included)

Sterile Processing Technician (Vouchers Included)

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Start a Career in Sterile Processing

Prepare for a career as a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT). This immersive course will train you to work as an SPT and prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification from the HSPA. 

SPTs, also known as Central Service Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This online sterile processing technician certification course will train you to work as an SPT and prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This course also includes a voucher which is prepaid access to sit for the certification exam upon eligibility.

With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. In this sterile processing technician training course, you will learn the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process. 

The course also includes an opportunity to participate in an unpaid clinical experience.

What is a sterile processing technician?

According to Indeed.com, a sterile processing technician (SPT) plays an important role in indirectly providing patient care. They carefully prepare, install, assemble, clean, and sterilize all the health care and laboratory equipment used in medical exams, surgeries, and other clinical procedures. They also ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and that instruments, equipment, and supplies are safe for reuse across patients daily.

An SPT plays an integral role in ensuring the success of surgeries. Sterile processing technicians usually work in clinics, hospitals, doctor's offices, and other settings that use medical equipment.

What You Will Learn

  • 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
  • Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
  • Discuss 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

How You Will Benefit

  • You will have full comprehension and understanding of all tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
  • Assistance from our Clinical Experience Team and access to our Clinical Experience Starter Kit
  • You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility

Sterile Processing Technician Bootcamp FAQs

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  • As of December 14, 2022, there are 44,190 active job postings for sterile processing technicians, with a projected growth rate of 6.3% over the next 10 years for this profession. The median sterile processing technician salary is $34,199.

  • According to Indeed.com, a sterile processing technician (SPT) regularly performs several duties, including:

    • Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
    • Sterilizing, wrapping, organizing, and preparing medical equipment and surgical instruments into instrument trays for use during clinical procedures
    • Laying out surgical gloves and gowns before each medical procedure
    • 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
    • Operating and monitoring sterilization equipment
    • Examining supplies meticulously to ensure their cleanliness
    • 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
    • Reordering medical and surgical supplies, controlling the inventory, and checking the expiration dates of products
    • Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately

    ZipRecruiter also notes that SPTs use specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure that all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe for the patient. They review inventory and assess equipment and materials to prepare the surgical suite for each procedure.

  • This course prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). You will receive vouchers for the exams after successfully completing the course, coursework, and your financial obligation. 

  • This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

  • Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.

  • You have coaching sessions where you get advice from the instructor. You have access to five coaching sessions that they can schedule.

Instructor

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 is a self-paced course that can be completed 100% online. Open enrollment means you can start anytime.