SP 3000
Sterile Processing Technician
100% Online Certification Training
Earn your certification as a Sterile Processing Technician and open doors to rewarding career opportunities in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Certifications earned
What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?
A typical hospital reuses tens of thousands of medical instruments each month. While some supplies are disposable, many require careful cleaning and maintenance to ensure safe reuse. Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) play a critical role in this process by preparing surgical instruments and devices for use. Their responsibilities include cleaning, inspecting, testing, sterilizing, storing, and delivering instruments essential for surgical and medical procedures.
Additional duties may involve verifying and documenting missing instruments, recording sterilizer test results, ensuring each instrument functions properly before use, and operating and maintaining steam autoclaves. SPTs also keep detailed records of completed loads, tracked items, and maintenance procedures, while providing recommendations for process improvements. Effective communication with operating room personnel and other healthcare staff is also an essential part of the role.
Understand central service workflow processes, including cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, and storage of surgical instruments and equipment.
Explain the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control protocols, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure both personnel and patient safety.
Differentiate between methods of quality control and quality assurance, and recognize the critical need for accurate documentation of central service processes.
Discuss compliance standards and the role of regulatory agencies such as HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI, and AAMI in maintaining safe and effective sterile processing practices.
What You’ll Learn – SP 3000 Sterile Processing Technician
The Amara online Sterile Processing Technician program prepares students to earn industry-recognized certification and begin a career in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
This program includes three comprehensive courses – Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Professionalism in Allied Health, and Sterile Processing – designed to prepare students to become well-rounded Sterile Processing Technicians. Since graduates will be working in clinical environments, it is essential to understand the language of medicine and have a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology.
In addition, healthcare professionals must be able to interact effectively with patients, physicians, and medical staff. The Professionalism in Allied Health course equips students with the communication and interpersonal skills necessary for success in diverse healthcare settings.
Because sterile processing requires precision and hands-on interaction, Amara emphasizes immersive, interactive training methods. Students will experience learning as if they are directly engaged in the sterile processing environment, reinforcing their understanding and skills.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) provisional certification exam, sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly IAHCSMM). Full certification is achieved after completing 400 hours of supervised sterile processing experience within six months of passing the provisional exam.
This Program Has Additional On Site Clinical Requirements
Program Courses
| Code | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PS 1011 | Professionalism in Allied Health | 2 Weeks |
| HI 1014 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology | 6 Weeks |
| HI 6014 | Sterile Processing | 6 Weeks |
| Total Program Duration | 14 Weeks |
Enrollment Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- English language proficiency
Amara Covered Materials
- Expert-led video based training
- Textbook: Central Service Technician Manual
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by Amara. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.
Student Services
- Dedicated Student Success Advisors
- Tailored support based on performance & behavior
- Exam preparation process
- 1 year post-program access to Career Center & Career Coaches
Clinical Requirements
- Must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a CS (Central Services) department within 6 months/180 days.
Sterile Processing Technician
Active Duty Military Grants
Amara accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Military Spouse Grants
Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Workforce Grants
Amara partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.
FAQs: Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification Training Program
What is a Sterile Processing Technician?
A Sterile Processing Technician is a professional responsible for the decontamination, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices. They ensure that all reusable medical supplies used in surgeries and other medical procedures are cleaned and sterilized according to industry standards and regulations.
What is the career outlook for a Sterile Processing Technician?
The career outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians is positive, with an expected job growth of 8% over the next ten years. This growth is driven by the increasing need for healthcare services and the critical role of infection prevention in healthcare settings.
How do I become a Sterile Processing Technician?
To start your career journey as a Sterile Processing Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a formal training program such as Amara, pass the CRCST exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, and complete a minimum of 400 hours of hands-on experience in the following areas within 6 months of passing the CRCST exam
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (24 hours)
- Preparing and Storing Instruments (120 hours)
- Storage and Distribution (24 hours)
- Sterilization and Disinfection (96 hours)
- Equipment (16 hours)
What skills will I learn in your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program?
In the online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program, you will learn:
- Central service workflow processes from cleaning and decontamination to sterilization and storage.
- The importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Methods for quality control, assurance and the necessity of process documentation.
- Compliance standards and the role of regulating agencies like HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI and AAMI.
What are the enrollment requirements for your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program?
To enroll in the Amara Sterile Processing Technician program, you will need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with an internet connection and course registration & payment.
Does Amara offer any scholarships or grants for your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program?
While Amara does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
How long is your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program?
The online Sterile Processing Technician certification class should be completed in 14 weeks if committing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
How is your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program structured and taught?
The Sterile Processing Technician program is structured around expert-led video training, textbooks and competency assessments. It includes interactive simulations and a high level of interactivity to ensure students are well-prepared for their roles. The program is designed to cater to different learning styles, ensuring a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of surgical technology
Do you offer certification exam prep or help for the Sterile Processing Technician exam?
Yes, the program includes a strategic exam preparation process and dedicated Student Success Advisors to provide tailored support based on performance.
What is included in your online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program?
The Amara online Sterile Processing Technician certification training program includes expert-led video training, competency assessments and Amara-covered materials including the national certification exam fee. Students also receive support from dedicated Student Success Advisors and Career Services Advisors on behalf of Student Services.
Is your Sterile Processing Technician certification training program valid nationwide?
Some Amara programs may have certain restrictions depending on your state or region. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at (443) 900-3027 or email us at training@amaracareertraining.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Is your Sterile Processing Technician certification program accredited?
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certification you’ll earn in this program is accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
Are there any clinical requirements for receiving your Sterile Processing Technician certification?
Upon completion of this program, students wishing to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam will be required to complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in the following areas within 6 months of passing the CRCST exam. Certifications are issued once the exam(s) have been passed and clinical requirements are met. Students are responsible for locating and securing a site to fulfill the clinical requirements of the program. Amara does not guarantee or provide clinical sites for students, but resources are available for students to use in their search
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (24 hours)
- Preparing and Storing Instruments (120 hours)
- Storage and Distribution (24 hours)
- Sterilization and Disinfection (96 hours)
- Equipment (16 hours)
In order to receive the CRCST certification, the HSPA requires students to complete 400 hours of hands on experience in a Central Services department within six months of passing the exam. Click here to view the specific requirements.