The Sterilization Technician Roadmap: Your 3-Step Guide

A sterile processing technician, also known as a sterilization technician or medical equipment preparer, helps make equipment safe to reuse.

What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

Many pieces of hospital equipment are one-time use only. For example, after gloves are used during an exam, they are disposed of as medical waste. Scalpels and other metal equipment aren’t so easy to throw out. Instead, they are sanitized by sterile processing technicians (SPTs) using protocols that ensure they will not be vectors for infection in patients. SPTs may also perform equipment inspections or laboratory maintenance.

This job is a great option for people interested in the medical profession who don’t necessarily want to interact directly with patients.

The Job Outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians

As with other medical professions, Sterile processing technicians are in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net database, new job opportunities are likely to grow into the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places the median salary at $38,800.

3 Steps To Become a Sterile Processing Technician with MedCerts

The first step to becoming a sterile processing technician is to get relevant training. The skills and knowledge required to sterilize medical equipment safely are highly specialized. It is unlikely that jobs outside the medical profession will provide you with transferable skills to become an SPT.

The MedCerts SPT program is available from anywhere with an internet connection, and the admissions process is simple and fully online. You can be on your way to a career as a Sterile Processing Technician in 13 weeks.

1. Complete Your Sterile Processing Technician Coursework

MedCerts’ courses help you think critically about the material with exercises, game-based learning, interviews with experts, and more so that you can make the most of your education once you are out in the field. The SPT program contains three courses.

Customer Service Professional I

In the Customer Service Professional I course, you’ll learn about customer service in the healthcare setting. You’ll also be Customer Service Certified by the Professional Association for Customer Engagement (PACE).

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology

This introductory course will teach you the medical terminology necessary to work in a healthcare environment. This includes a basic understanding of human anatomy and bodily systems.

Sterile Processing

You’ll learn about infection control, inspection, and sterilization, along with inventory management and safe storage techniques.

2. Prepare for the CRCST Certification Exam

MedCerts’ Sterile Processing Tech program prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification, accredited through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (formerly IAHCSMM).

MedCerts has exam preparation material and even practice exams with questions created with insight from the issuing authority. We support each and every student through every part of their program and want you to feel comfortable coming to us for any information you need to succeed in coursework. Accordingly, we offer on-demand support, along with a career center and coaching.

3. Enter the Job Market With an Advantage

After completing coursework, you’re ready to prepare for the job market. MedCerts has a career center that can help you build a strong resumé and look for jobs — make sure to take advantage of this during your search. Polish your resume and highlight your new relevant training. If you had been in the market for similar jobs before your training, you will likely enjoy more positive experiences this time around.

Why You Should Choose MedCerts’ Sterile Processing Technician Program

A sterile processing technician program could be the kickstart you need to enter the job market. In particular, the MedCerts Sterile Processing Technician Program can help you get trained affordably and in less time. MedCerts’ coursework includes illustrations and interactive material that help you understand material faster and make concepts stick.