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.

Getting started

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, see the Career Pathways Dates and Locations page for a list of upcoming info sessions and application dates. You can then RSVP for an info session via MyEdFund, our secure member portal. Also see the Career Pathway FAQs for more information.

Info Session/Application Dates & Locations

Career Pathways FAQs

Please note that we receive a tremendous response to our education and training programs. Availability is not guaranteed and varies based on demand, available spots, and our partnerships with educational providers.

The Importance of Sterile Processing

A Sterile Processing Technician prepares, sterilizes, installs, and cleans medical or laboratory equipment, and may also perform routine lab tasks and operate or inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
Record sterilizer test results.
Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.

Learn more about being a Sterile Processing Technician, including employment trends, salary averages, and related skills at O*Net or CareerOneStop.

Education or training requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Completion of a SPT training program, average of 12-16 weeks in length
Completion of 240-400 externship hours (depends on employer)
Depending on school: daytime/evening/weekend/online/hybrid options may be available

Accrediting Agencies

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

Why accreditation is important: An accredited school has been reviewed by an industry organization to ensure that quality standards are met and maintained, providing some assurance of receiving a quality education. Some employers, licensing boards, and graduate schools will only accept credentials earned at an accredited school. Attending an accredited school will often increase your opportunities in the long run, as employers usually prefer to hire people who have graduated from accredited programs

Certifications/licensure

California does not license or certify sterile processing technicians, so formal accreditation is not mandated by the California Department of Education or the State Board of Vocational Education and Training.
Some employers may required the Certified Registered Central Services Technician exam (CRCST).

Please note: The above content is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace or provide any employer-specific requirements. Please be sure to check your employers’ job descriptions for specific requirements or consult your local HR department.

Interested?

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, see the Career Pathways Dates and Locations page for a list of upcoming info sessions and application dates. You can then RSVP for an info session via MyEdFund, our secure member portal. Also see the Career Pathway FAQs for more information. More questions? Contact the team at: pathways@theedfund.org.