Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Sterile Processing Technician program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classroom theory with hands-on training in on-campus labs and real-world experience through a clinical externship.
Program Length
- 32 weeks
Program Details
- 200 classroom hours
- 230 lab hours
- 400 clinical externship hours
- 830 total clock hours
- 27.5 semester credits
Morning and evening schedules may be available depending on campus and class availability.
High Desert Medical College offers its Sterile Processing Technician program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Sterile Processing Technician curriculum combines infection prevention, surgical instrumentation and sterilization procedures with hands-on training to prepare students for the responsibilities of a sterile processing department.
Coursework and training include:
- Basic Sciences for Sterile Processing Technicians
- Infection Prevention & Decontamination
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Sterilization Methods & Procedures
- Quality Assurance
- Inventory Management & Communication
- Career Development
- Clinical Externship
Students learn each phase of sterile processing, from decontaminating and inspecting instruments to sterilization, storage, and distribution.
Graduates of the Sterile Processing Technician program are prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Applicants must meet HDMC’s general admissions requirements. Students typically need a high school diploma or recognized equivalent to enroll through the traditional admissions pathway.
An Admissions Representative can help determine which enrollment pathway is right for you.
For the most current Sterile Processing Technician tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
HDMC is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Sterile Processing Technician program combines online theory with hands-on lab and clinical training to help you develop the skills used to keep medical instruments safe, sterile and ready for patient care.
Is a Career as a Sterile Processing Technician Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Build your skills and prepare for certification.
Sterile Processing Certificate
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion in Sterile Processing Technician training from HDMC.
Hands-On
Training
Complete 230 hours of lab training focused on sterilization, instrumentation, infection prevention and other procedures.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 400-hour clinical externship where you can apply your skills in a professional healthcare environment.
Where you could work
Sterile Processing Technicians work wherever medical instruments need to be safely processed and prepared. Picture yourself working in:
Hospitals
Support hospital sterile processing
Outpatient Surgery Centers
Prepare instruments for procedures
Dental Facilities
Process dental instruments and equipment
Medical Clinics
Support safe instrument processing
Medical Laboratories
Prepare reusable medical equipment
Healthcare Facilities
Support infection prevention practices
Potential Careers
A Sterile Processing Technician certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Sterile Processing Technician
Central Sterile Supply Technician
Medical Equipment Preparer
Sterilization Specialist
Sterile Processor
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) *
* CRCST certification requires successful completion of HSPA’s certification requirements.
Potential Careers
A Sterile Processing Technician certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Sterile Processing Technician
Central Sterile Supply Technician
Medical Equipment Preparer
Sterilization Specialist
Sterile Processor
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) *
* CRCST certification requires successful completion of HSPA’s certification requirements.
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our Sterile Processing Technician program is right for you.
Sterile Processing Technicians clean, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, store and distribute medical equipment and reusable surgical instruments. Their work helps reduce the risk of infection and ensures healthcare teams have properly processed equipment ready for patient care.
HDMC’s Sterile Processing Technician program can be completed in as few as 32 weeks. The program includes 830 total clock hours, including 200 classroom hours, 230 hours of hands-on lab training, and a 400-hour clinical externship.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students’ complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on experience in on-campus labs. Students also complete a clinical externship in a professional healthcare environment.
Yes. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through HSPA.
HSPA requires 400 hours of hands-on experience for full CRCST certification. Graduates may take the provisional exam after completing the program and must meet HSPA’s experience and documentation requirements to obtain full certification.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.