Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

11.1%

10 year Job Growth

$36,000

Avg. Starting Salary¹

Issuing Authority

Issuing Authority Healthcare Sterile Processing Association

For more than 60 years, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (formerly IAHCSMM) has served as the premier association for Sterile Processing professionals worldwide. Today, HSPA serves more than 40,000 members and certification holders worldwide.

CRCST Certification Detail

Certified Registered Central Service Technicians are professional healthcare workers who prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment as well as perform routine tasks and operate or inspect equipment. Gain your national CRCST certification through the HSPA to build a Sterile Processing Technician career. Other titles include central processing technician, sterile preparation technician, central sterile supply technician, and more.

Keep in mind that full certification is obtained after acquiring 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience within six months of provisional certification. Hands-on experience provides an invaluable resource with which to better understand the standards, knowledge, and practices needed to be successful in a CS department and on the CRCST Exam.

**PLEASE NOTE: Students residing in the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Tennessee and Pennsylvania – these states require that Central Service Technicians become certified within a state-mandated period of time after employment (range from 1.5 - 3 years). This is NOT a barrier to enrollment for students but should be reviewed with Education Consultant at time of enrollment.

MedCerts Programs for CRCST Certification 1 matches

Sterile Processing Technician

Selecting the Right Training Option Program Comparisons

MedCerts training programs are some of the most competitively price ways to start a new career.

	MedCerts	Community College	Online College
Program & Tuition Cost	$4,000 average	Up to $20,000	$3,000 average
Exam Fees, Books & Materials	Included	Up to $750	Up to $750
Job Ready In	3–6 months	24–48 months	3–6 months
Schedule Flexibility	On-demand 24/7	Set class schedule	On-demand 24/7
Travel Requirements	None: 100% online	On-campus classrooms	None: 100% online
Student Support	Personal Advisors: text, call, and email access	Professors: scheduled office hours	Support inbox
Career Coaching	Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers	Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit hour requirements	Exam-specific only
Content Delivery	3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning	Professor lectures	Varies: typically videos and presentations

This table is provided for reference only. Actual pricing may vary or change without notice. Pricing is based on an estimated full-cost tuition with fees for a Medical Assistant program or similar program before financial aid or other assistance. Data sampled from MedCerts, Oakland Community College, and Kaplan University.

CRCST Certification Skills Gained

Obtain knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
Explain the importance of customer service, communication skills and professionalism
Discuss compliance standards and the role of HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI, AAMI and other regulating agencies
Identify central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
Describe the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impact on personnel and patient safety
Differentiate methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation

CRCST Career PathwaysAttainable Jobs

highest Paying

Sterile Processing Technician

A Sterile Processing Technician sterilizes, cleans, and prepares medical equipment for use. May also help install and repair large equipment. They work in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

$26,000 - $45,000

Estimated Salary¹

highest Paying

Central Sterile Supply Technician

A Central Sterile Supply Technician sterilizes, cleans, and prepares medical equipment for use. May also help install and repair large equipment. They work in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

$26,000 - $45,000

Estimated Salary¹

highest Paying

Central Service Technician

A Central Service Technician sterilizes, cleans, and prepares medical equipment for use. May also help install and repair large equipment. They work in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

$26,000 - $45,000

Estimated Salary¹

¹All available job and salary information is from Burning Glass Labor Insights and is updated annually to reflect industry changes.

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