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Sterile Processing Technician

If you want a healthcare career that is integral to keeping a facility clean, Sterile Processing could be for you. The sterile processing department is a core part of a healthcare facility, where technicians handle medical and surgical supplies and equipment—both sterile and non-sterile—are decontaminated, processed, sterilized, stored, and used for patient care.

With High Desert Medical College’s hybrid, hands-on courses, you can get the training you need for this rewarding career in as few as 32 weeks!

Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Technician

At High Desert Medical College, our Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to prepare students to enter a medical career and play a critical role in preventing infection. Sterile processing technicians sterilize, clean, process, assemble, store, and distribute medical equipment and reusable surgical instrumentation, using infection control and safety practices throughout the process.

This 32-week program provides students with intensive training focused on sterile processing standards and regulations, each phase of sterile processing, principles of aseptic and universal precaution techniques, sterile storage guidelines, and compliance and record handling. Students also gain real-world experience through a clinical externship, applying these skills in a healthcare setting

Sterile Processing Technician Program Courses Include:

  • Basic Sciences for CST (Central Sterile Technicians)
  • Infection Prevention and Decontamination
  • Surgical Instrumentation
  • Sterilization Methods and Procedures
  • Quality Assurance
  • Inventory Management and Communication
  • Clinical Externship

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Sterile Processing Technician training upon successful completion of the program.

Sterile Processing Technician Program Overview

  • Total Program Length: 32 weeks
  • Semester Credit Hours: 27.5
  • Total Clock Hours: 830
    • Classroom Hours: 200
    • Lab Hours: 230
    • Clinical Externship Hours: 400
  • Teacher-to-student ratio: Class 1:35 | Lab 1:25

Click to View the Sterile Processing Technician Flyer

FAQs about High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician Program

A sterile processing technician cleans, sterilizes, and prepares surgical instruments and medical equipment for use. They ensure all tools are safe and infection-free, maintaining strict sterilization standards. Their work supports patient safety and the efficiency of surgical and medical procedures across healthcare facilities.

High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician program can be completed in as few as 32 weeks!

High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician program is offered in a hybrid online format. Students learn classroom theory online while completing hands-on training in on-campus labs. All students also gain valuable experience through an externship.

Many of High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician graduates go to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, labs, and other medical facilities. Our Career Services department provides every student with a wide range of career support services and comprehensive job placement assistance.

In High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician program, you’ll gain real-world skills to sterilize, clean, process, assemble, store, and distribute medical equipment and reusable surgical instruments while following infection control and safety practices at every stage. Our hands-on training prepares you for the tasks employers are actively hiring for, so you can step confidently into your healthcare career. In addition, our Career Services team provides a wide range of support services, including job placement assistance.

Graduates from High Desert Medical College’s Sterile Processing Technician program receive a Certificate of Completion and will be prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam through HSPA.

To enroll, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED. Don’t have your diploma yet? No problem – High Desert Medical College offers two high school completion programs to help you get started. Submit an interest form, stop by your closest campus, or call 888-633-4362 to get in contact with our admissions team.