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 has partnered with Martinson College to offer the Sterile Processing Technician Program to eligible members. This 16-week program (120 hours online and 8 hour virtual classroom session) provides 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:

* To improve your skills, classes are available through the Education Fund! Learn more.

Check back soon for information on the next application period.

Two Certificates Available

 

Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician (CSPDT): Available in all regions.

  • Accredited Online.
  • Meets requirement for entry level Sterile Processing Technician positions that do not require a clinical component.
  • Certificate of Completion will be provided for online training.

National CSPDT exam is optional. For job placement, check with your employer if national certification is required for the Sterile Processing Technician position.
For job placement, check with your employer if national certification is required for the Sterile Processing Technician position. 

 

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): Clinical placement available in SoCal Only.

  • Accredited Online and In-Person Clinical Program.
  • Requires 400 hours externship/clinical training completion.
  • 15-hour CRCST exam preparatory course.
  • Certificate of Completion will be provided for online training.
  • National CRCST exam is required.
    For job placement, check with your employer if national certification is required for the Sterile Processing Technician position.

Program Dates

  • April 1 — July 15
  • July 2021 TBD
  • October 2021 TBD

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:

Find Out More