Sterile Processing Pathway
Advance your career in the medical field by becoming a Sterile Processing Technician! Sterile Processing is the management of the entire process of decontamination, assembly, packing, sterilizing and distribution of medical instruments and devices. Properly trained Sterile Processing Technicians are vital in all healthcare settings.
The Education Fund is offering the Sterile Processing Technician Program through Martinson College to eligible members located throughout California, and Altamont Healthcare for members located in the Bakersfield and Stockton areas. These programs provide training in Introduction to Sterile Processing & Health Services, Decontamination and Surgical Tray Assembly, Sterilization & Storage, Exam Application, Preparation and Course Review.
All tuition/fees for the course will be paid for by the Education Fund. Two certificates are available: Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician (CSPDT) in all regions, and Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) in Southern California. Participants in Southern California will have an externship (400-hour externship/clinical training is not included in the 16-week duration).
How Can Becoming a Sterile Processing Tech Advance Your Career?
- Grow into more advanced positions by obtaining additional formal training and relevant credentials.
- Advance into supervisory positions such as Lead Technician or Department Manager.
- Some sterile processing techs go on to train for careers as Surgical Technologists.
- Provides an excellent gateway to other healthcare careers.
Application
To be eligible to apply for the Pathway, a candidate must:
- Be eligible for Education Fund benefits.
- Have basic computer skills.*
- Possess basic English and reading comprehension skills.*
* To improve your skills, classes are available through the Education Fund! Learn more.
Program Locations & Dates
Find your region below and click to expand and find out about start dates, program length and more:
Northern California
Provider: Altamont Healthcare
CSPDT Certification Exam Eligibility
Program length: 5-10 weeks depending on the schedule of your choice.
Program Start Dates: Program will be offered in 2022. Check back for dates.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED
Provider: Martinson Career College
CSPDT Certification Exam Eligibility
Program length: 16 weeks
Program Start Dates: September 27, 2021
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED
Provider: SVSTI
CSPDT Certification Exam Eligibility
Program length: 12 weeks
Program Start Dates: January 8, 2022
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED
Southern California
Provider: Martinson Career College
CSPDT and CRCST Certification Exam Eligibility*
Program length: 16 weeks
Program Start Dates: September 27, 2021
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED
* Externship placement for CRCST available in Southern California only
Northwest (Washington and Oregon)
Provider: Portland Community College
Sterile Processing Technician Certificate
Program Length: 42 hours
Program Start Dates: January 10, 2022 – March 27, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Nevada
Provider: College of Southern Nevada
Sterile Processing Technology/Technician Certification
Program Length: 9 units
Program Start Dates: January 18, 2022 – May 15, 2022
Prerequisite: None
Denver
Provider: Pima Medical Institute
Sterile Processing Technician Certificate
Hours: 900
Program Start Date: October 30, 2021
Prerequisites: None
Get Started
If you’re interested, feel like you might be a good fit and are ready to get started, please schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
For questions, please ask a career counselor by using the Find Out More button below: